Trade body FIA said on Tuesday that Bernadette “Bernie” Connolly, a long-serving and well-liked team member, has passed away after a long illness.

Bernie, who was based in London, joined the Futures and Options Association (later the FIA) 14 years ago and worked in that time on the trade body’s main conferences, dinners and member briefings.

FIA president and chief executive Walt Lukken said: “We are deeply saddened to learn of Bernie's passing. She was a caring and kind soul who loved working for FIA and its charitable causes. She will be dearly missed by all of us.”

Lukken added: “FIA plans to honour her life and good work at the appropriate time that is befitting of her quiet but determined benevolence. We send our condolences to her family and friends.”

Bernie will be fondly remembered as the lead organiser of the annual IDX gala dinner, which has become in the past decade one of the highlights of the year in the derivatives industry.

The IDX dinner has raised in the past ten years over £1.5 million for Futures For Kids (FFK), the charity where Bernie also served as a trustee.

She also managed on behalf of the FIA the Power Trading Dinner, the City Debate (previously run by FOA) and the Clearing & Technology Dinner.

Bernie was a popular member of the FIA team and a familiar face at the association’s many events.

The FIA said in its statement: “Bernie lived life to the full and with an energy and passion that put most of her healthier and younger colleagues to shame. To say that she was an inspiration to those who worked closely with her is an understatement. Her hard work, attention to detail and endless pride in doing the right thing ensured the smooth and successful operation of many events throughout the years.”

Global Investor and FOW would like to pass on our condolences to Bernie’s family, friends and colleagues.