Our History

The origins of The Association of Corporate Treasurers lie in the volatile financial markets of the 1970s. Many treasuries were created within UK corporations in response to floating exchange rates, the relaxation of exchange control in the UK in 1976, unpredictable interest rates internationally and increasing multi-national activities.

In January 1979, a small group of practitioners, convinced that the growing significance of treasury management made the need for a professional association paramount, met in the Selfridge Hotel in London and the ACT was formed.

Although there had been previous attempts to establish a professional body for treasurers (notably The London Treasurers’ Club and The Society for International Treasurers), the ACT got off to a flying start. By October 1979, 378 members had joined this fledgling body; committees had been established for membership, education and programmes; a yearbook had been planned and the Bank of England had asked the ACT to nominate a representative to join its new committee investigating the sterling deposit market.

These successes continued and today the ACT has over 3,500 members and 1,300 students in over 40 countries, including representatives from over 95% of the FTSE 100 companies. It has represented the profession in many key areas, including the simplification of share buy-backs, accounting standards and the development of a code of conduct for participants in the credit ratings industry.