2020 has been an extraordinary year to say the least, and one that none of us could have predicted. As a profession, the treasurer’s role has never been more prominent, and I want to thank each and every one of you: for your hard work under extreme pressure much of the time; for your unfailing support of your businesses in ensuring they remain liquid; and for your care and support of your teams as they face a range of challenges unlike any other they may have experienced in their career to date. As your professional body, the ACT has played its part and worked hard to provide you with key resources, as well as support in the form of advocacy for the ‘real economy.’ Highlights of 2020 have included swiftly moving our events online, starting with the International Treasury Week in May right through to our Annual Conference in October, and not forgetting social events such as NOT the Annual Dinner and various treasury network meetings. Other significant areas of impact include our influence on LIBOR transition deadlines and our feedback on the various government schemes which have been introduced. And of course our qualifications have held us in good stead, as there were only limited areas which we needed to bring online, and we continued our assessments without any disruption at all to our students. You in return have shown loyalty to us as we experience very strong membership renewal rates.
We would therefore like to thank all our members, sponsors and partners for supporting the ACT throughout 2020, and we are grateful for the closer relationships that this pandemic has afforded us. We are really looking forward to all the opportunity 2021 is sure to bring, and to continuing to work closely with you and our other stakeholders to continue to deliver our mission to embed the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in the treasury world, and act as its leading advocate.
The ACT’s offices will be closed from 18 December 2020 to 3 January 2021 inclusive, as we re-charge our batteries ready for 2021 and all that it will bring. I and the team would like to wish all our members a very happy, healthy and relaxing break, and we look forward to seeing you again in the New Year!
