National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) President Graham Stevens has become the first Australian to be elected Chairman of the World Federation of Insurance Intermediaries (WFII).

Mr Stevens’ year-long appointment was confirmed at the annual meeting of the federation’s world council in Hong Kong the week before last.

The executive director of Melbourne-based Edgewise Insurance Brokers took up the NIBA presidency in December 2014.

“Although the members of WFII come from different places and face different regulatory landscapes, there are many common areas that affect us all, including developing technologies, the global economy [and] climate change,” Mr Stevens said.

“Being closely involved with WFII helps to make sure the interests of Australian brokers are represented at the highest level.” 

NIBA CEO Dallas Booth says the WFII plays a vital role for insurance intermediaries worldwide and carries “significant influence” within the International Association of Insurance Supervisors.

The federation is headquartered in Brussels and represents more than 400,000 insurance brokers and agents from 100 national associations.