A record 99 new members joined the Australasian Institute of Chartered Loss Adjusters (AICLA) last financial year, up from 46 in 2012/13.

Nineteen more have signed up since July 1 and enrolments for the Diploma of Loss Adjusting are at their second-highest, CEO Tony Libke says in the institute’s annual report.

“This record level of new membership is no doubt in part due to support by the major firms for their loss adjusting staff to be members of AICLA and complete the diploma,” he says.

“Also the significant reduction in the diploma enrolment fee, particularly for members in Asia, has made it more affordable to join AICLA and complete the diploma.”

Membership stands at 886, with the international division – mainly comprising members based in Asia – the largest group.

Mr Libke says the institute is working with the international division committee and contacts in emerging markets such as the Middle East to expand outside Australia and New Zealand.

Last financial year was “very positive” in other ways, with the Asia and Sydney claims conventions attracting record attendances.

Next year’s Asian Claims Convention will be in Hong Kong from March 24-26, and it is already attracting strong interest, AICLA says.

More information is available here.