The Bristol Actuarial Society was founded in 1974 following an influx of Life Insurance firms to Bristol in the early 1970s. At this time actuaries  were accustomed to travelling to London to attend Institute meetings and Staple Inn Society meetings so a provincial society was established to meet the needs of a growing population of actuaries requiring CPD.

There has always been a social aspect to BAS with the annual Hare and Hounds events dating as far back as the 1970’s and the early years of the society. In the early 1980’s BAS began to arrange dinners after its meetings to entertain the speakers and these continued until “drink and drive” made them less popular. In more recent years, the society has hosted a gala dinner each year to bring together members at a formal black tie event.

The society continues to attract wide membership to this day with over 450 members, hosting regular talks throughout the year.