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2026 CIU Awards

Underwriting Excellence Award

The CIU Underwriting Excellence Award honors members who have consistently demonstrated leadership and made meaningful contributions to the underwriting profession throughout their careers. Nominated by their peers, these individuals exemplify excellence in underwriting, and we are proud to recognize and celebrate their impact on our industry.

Qualifications:

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  • Nominees do not need to be an active CIU member.

  • Nominees should have a documented history of contributions to the underwriting profession, including at least 10 years of industry experience. This may include mentoring others and fostering professional growth. 

  • Industry designations (such as FALU and FLMI) would be an asset. 

  • Candidates must have demonstrated impactful contributions to the field—such as research, innovation in processes, knowledge sharing, or involvement in developing new products and procedures that advance the industry.

  • Current members of the CIU Executive Committee or other active CIU committees are not eligible.

  • Consideration will be given to volunteer efforts that support the profession, including authoring publications, speaking at industry events, collaborating with vendors and reinsurers, and engaging with regional or local organizations.

  • Personal achievements that reflect leadership and a strong commitment to the Guiding Principles for the Underwriter will be recognized.

  • Only one recipient will be selected annually, with the award presented at the CIU Annual General Meeting (AGM).

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Important dates:

  • Nominations open December 1st. To submit a nomination, individuals must be logged into CIU website (site member). However, no active CIU membership will be required to submit a nomination.  The nomination questionnaire will remain available until January 31st. 

  • Following a review of all submissions, official voting for the top nominees will commence on March 1st and remain open until March 31st.   

  • Voting is exclusive to active CIU members.

Ross Morton Award

The Ross Morton Award recognizes outstanding contributions from professionals in non-underwriting roles—such as distinguished vendors, medical professionals, actuaries, and others—who may not meet the criteria for the Underwriting Excellence Award. This honor celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional service, dedication, and impact within the underwriting community, highlighting the vital role they play in advancing our industry.

Qualifications:​

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  • Nominees do not need to be an active CIU member.

  • Candidates should demonstrate thought leadership and a well-rounded presence within the industry, including a history of mentoring and supporting professional development.

  • Must have documented contributions to the underwriting profession in a non-underwriting capacity, with a minimum of five years of experience in the insurance industry or a related field.

  • Should exhibit tangible impact on the profession, such as through research, process innovation, knowledge sharing, or active involvement in the development of new products, procedures, or industry advancements.

  • Recognition will be given for volunteer efforts that support the underwriting community, including speaking engagements, published articles, collaboration with vendors and reinsurers, and participation in regional or local industry organizations.

  • Nominees should have personal achievements that reflect leadership and a commitment to industry excellence.

  • Industry designations (such as FALU and FLMI) would be an asset. 

  • This award is intended for individuals who have primarily worked in non-underwriting roles and therefore do not qualify for the Underwriting Excellence Award.

  • Current underwriters and those in underwriting leadership positions are not eligible.

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Important dates:

  • Nominations open December 1st. To submit a nomination, individuals must be logged into CIU website (site member). However, no active CIU membership will be required to submit a nomination.  The nomination questionnaire will remain available until January 31st. 

  • Following a review of all submissions, official voting for the top nominees will commence on March 1st and remain open until March 31st.   

  • Voting is exclusive to active CIU members.

Past Winners:

Cliff Toplis.png
Cliff Toplis
Regional VP at MIB 
2025

New FALU Award

Achieving the FALU designation represents a significant milestone in an underwriter’s professional journey. This award is intended to acknowledge and celebrate the dedication and hard work of members who have earned their FALU designation within the past year.

Qualifications:

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  • To qualify, the underwriter must have earned their FALU designation within the past year.

  • This award is presented in collaboration with the Association of Home Office Underwriters (AHOU). As such, recipients could be recognized in both conferences but only one award will be presented

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Important dates:

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  • A list of newly designated FALU recipients is provided by the Academy of Life Underwriting (ALU) prior to the upcoming CIU Annual General Meeting (AGM).

  • Confirmed FALU recipients attending Day 1 of the AGM will receive a waiver for admission fees as part of their recognition (Day 1 admission only).

Grant Award

To support and strengthen our underwriting community, we are pleased to offer an award that will provide complimentary access to the full two-day AGM for up to three selected winners from our active member list for the upcoming CIU year.

Qualifications:

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  • The recipient must be an active CIU member as of the first day of the CIU Annual General Meeting (AGM).

  • Individuals in leadership or management roles are not eligible. Only members holding positions up to the level of Senior Underwriting Consultant will be considered.

  • The grant applies exclusively to attendance at the next CIU AGM and is non-transferable. It cannot be deferred to a future AGM or assigned to another individual.

  • The grant covers the full admission fees of the AGM (2 days) only; any other costs associated with attending the conference, such as meals, transportation, and accommodations, are not covered by the CIU.

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Important dates:

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  • A list of eligible active members is compiled prior to the CIU Annual General Meeting (AGM).

  • Winners are selected at random during the award segment of the Day 1 on-stage presentation at the AGM.

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