Munich Re Australia actuary Kaise Stephan has been named Actuary of the Year 2009.

The award from the Institute of Actuaries of Australia recognises Mr Stephan’s efforts in swimming the English Channel to raise money for child cancer research.

Mr Stephan conquered the Channel in 12 hours and 34 minutes in July last year, raising more than $160,000 for the oncology unit at Sydney’s Westmead children’s hospital. 

The Actuary of the Year award recognises an individual who has made a key contribution to business, the community, government or the profession.