Description: A high-level review of the newly effective U.S. Actuarial Standard of Practice 56, Modeling

Description: In 2020 the Actuarial Innovation and Technology Steering Committee held a data visualization contest. Entries showed a variety of strengths including smart use of tools, user-friendly dashboards, and displays paired with actuarial analysis that can lead an end-user through a process of discovery. In this webcast a data visualization expert will review the winning entries with the contestants. We'll discuss how the different strengths of these entries can be combined to create a powerful tool for communication and understanding.

Description: A look at the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, and how it differs from both prior financial crises and pandemics. The COVID-19 pandemic gives actuaries an opportunity to assess different ways risk may interact, and thereby adjust the profession’s work for the future.

Description: As of September 2021, there are 8 recorded webinars available for free to Modeling Section members. Each of the 8 are described, as well as how to access them. There are other Modeling Section-related materials also pointed out (podcasts & newsletter)

Description: After research involving auto insurance is retracted due to fraud, I revisit my own book review and unskeptical quoting of that now-debunked research. A lesson in ASOP 23, on Data Quality, ensues, as it seems data in the research was falsified. There is also a lesson in ASOP 56, Modeling, which includes aspects of relying on outside experts for model input. At the end of it all, the value of our actuarial professional standards, in light of other professions seemingly having no standards (or no serious repercussions for breaching said standards), shines through. Also, be skeptical of 'one simple trick' approaches to transform the insurance industry.