Chinese Version This article is based on the 2024 Society of Actuaries (SOA) and China Association of Actuaries (CAA) professional development online training course “Life Insurance Companies IFRS 17 Implementation Experience Sharing.” It analyzes strategies for insurance companies faced with implementing new accounting standards for insurance contract, examines effective IFRS 17 implementation and provides an…
In an ever-evolving world, the actuarial profession is undergoing transformative shifts. As the next generation steps into leadership roles, their fresh perspectives and diverse experiences are helping to shape the future of the industry. In this series, we sit down with three rising stars in the actuarial field to understand how they view the profession…
Growing up, I loved solving complex questions and equations and always knew I wanted to have a career that involved mathematics. A high school math teacher who was also an actuary inspired me to pursue a degree in actuarial science. I went on to spend the first 23 years of my career as a consulting…
March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements and contributions of women across various fields. In honor of this occasion, The Actuary is delighted to feature an interview with Ying Zhao, FSA, MAAA, FRM, a distinguished actuary who has made significant strides in the profession. Ying’s dedication to the actuarial community serves…
As the Society of Actuaries (SOA) navigates a strategic environment marked by rapid and significant changes, which bring challenges and opportunities to the actuarial profession and the SOA, it is important to ensure our governance systems effectively support the SOA strategy. Our Governance Review Project, which is underway, is aimed at ensuring that the SOA’s…
We understand that terminology can be a hurdle for actuaries looking to incorporate climate risk, as an example, into their assessments. Terms that have been used for decades within specific specialties may be confusing to those outside the field, and terms and definitions can change over time. This article, the first in a “Terminology” series,…
As we celebrate Black History Month 2025, we honor the resilience, achievements, and contributions of Black professionals across industries. As reports show, representation of Black actuaries within the actuarial profession remains modest, at less than 3% of all credentialed actuaries across North America. Black History Month serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made…
In an era where sustainability and ethical governance are becoming paramount, the reinsurance industry stands at a critical juncture—one in which environmental, social and governance (ESG) approaches have not only become a regulatory expectation but also business imperatives. Integrating ESG plans into the reinsurance sector, it appears, is vital for identifying and mitigating evolving and…
A conversation with Amanda Hug, FSA, MAAA, MBA, on life’s journeys and actuarial leadership
While life insurance plays a crucial role in protecting families’ financial futures, policy ownership rates in the United States are in decline—from 63% of households in 2011 down to just 51% in 2024. This drop suggests many Americans may be overlooking the great value life insurance provides. Much of this may be attributable to comprehension:…