The grant of new Charters these days is comparatively rare; reserved for eminent professional bodies or charities which have a solid record of achievement and are financially sound. And in the case of professional bodies, they should represent a field of activity which is unique and not covered by other professional bodies. We have proudly joined the ranks of the 1000 or so Chartered bodies that have come into existence since the 13th century, and we are the only one dedicated to setting the standard against which corporate treasury can be measured.
Royal Charters are granted by the Sovereign on the advice of the Privy Council. They are reserved for certain sorts of bodies, with the common feature that they operate in the public interest. Professional bodies are one of the classes of body that can seek incorporation by Royal Charter, and a Charter has come to be regarded as the gold standard for today’s professions. A Charter is an assurance to the public that the body is sound and well established, and that its members have a high level of qualification and experience, which is kept up to date; and that their conduct and activities will be properly monitored.
Our Royal Charter recognises what we have all achieved in increasing the profile and integrity of the treasury profession, in setting a benchmark for treasury excellence, and reinforces both the ACT’s public standing and crucially, that of our members, in the UK and internationally. Gaining a Royal Charter will not change our qualifications, member designatory letters or member voting rights. It is a Charter for the ACT, not individual members. Benefits of gaining a Royal Charter Being a member of a Chartered body is a clear differentiating factor from other organisations. It provides an external and official 'seal of approval' for the ACT, the profession and our members. It gives: