The History of ASTIN: Invited Lecture at the 50th Anniversary of ASTIN

In November 1953 a circular letter was sent to a selected circle of interested persons informing them that a new actuarial Association called ASTIN was going to be created to promote the scientific development and the theory of non-life insurance. A preparatory committee Ammeter, de Finetti, Franckx, de Jong, Monic Sousselier, Vajda had been formed. It was hoped that on the occasion of the forthcoming International Congress of Actuaries in Madrid (June 1954) the founding meeting could proceed with the actual formation. The meeting was scheduled with a lecture to follow by Ingvar Sternberg on “The fire frequency in relation to working hours in industry” and a lecture by Hans Ammeter on Collective Risk Theory.

From the documents I have seen it is clear that the foundation did not take place as planned. The Comité Permanent (predecessor of IAA) had intervened by insisting that ASTIN should not be an independent Association but a Subsection of the International Congresses and the Comité Permanent proposed to change its statutes in this respect. The formation of ASTIN was hence delayed to be effected at the International Congress in New York 3 years later.

Following this interruption considerable discussions took place among the founders of ASTIN. ASTIN wanted above all complete freedom to publish a bulletin and to hold its own scientific meetings (colloquia). For this freedom complete financial independence was needed. It seems that the Comité Permanent was willing to agree on that. On other points, in particular the definition of membership, the discussion was sometimes quite emotional.

28th July 1954:

”If the international committee does not intend to give ASTIN its whole-hearted support we should instead start something independently supported by those individuals and national associations who would like to see results (Johansen to Monic)”

23 August 1954:

Franckx suggests as an alternative to have the “patronage” of the Universities (Belgian, Scandinavian) instead of the Comité Permanent.

Nevertheless it seems somehow that agreement could finally be reached. Both sides agreed on an official session treating an ASTIN subject during the International Congress in New York. During this Congress the inaugural meeting of ASTIN would also be held.