The Association of Friendly Societies (AFS) has voted to merge with the Association of Mutual Insurers (AMI).
The vote will create a new trade body, representing the UK's mutual insurance sector.
Commenting, Paul Hudson, the newly appointed AFS President said; "A single association will lead to more effective engagement with Government, the regulators and other policymakers. It will also mean that, as a sector, we are better able to communicate the benefits of the mutual model to existing and potential policyholders.
"A significant number of AFS members are already members of AMI so combining the two bodies into one trade association that speaks for the whole of the mutual insurance sector makes absolute sense. The friendly society movement will remain a strong voice within the mutual industry and we continue to be committed to providing our members with the financial resources to improve their economic status."
The resolution to merge with AFS will now be put to an meeting of the Association of Mutual Insurers. Subject to approval by AMI, it is expected that the new combined mutual trade association, which is yet to be named, will be fully operational from early 2010.
