Recently Published Research
This page provides links to the most recently published reports, podcasts, videos, and webinars from the SOA Research Institute.
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Publications
Survey of Emerging Risks - India Market Key Findings
March
Discover the latest insights on emerging risks in the Indian market with our comprehensive survey report. Uncover key findings on financial volatility, disruptive technology, and climate change, and learn how AI is reshaping risk management. Compare these results with North American trends and explore the optimistic economic outlook for the India market in 2025.
2023 Fixed Indexed Annuity Contract Owner Behavior Experience Study Data Request
March
The Society of Actuaries (SOA) Research Institute’s Individual Annuity Experience Committee (IAEC) and LIMRA are soliciting surrender/lapse, withdrawal, living benefit utilization, annuitization, and premium deposit experience for fixed indexed annuities (FIAs) both with and without a guaranteed living benefit offering for contract year 2023 (from contract anniversaries in 2023 to contract anniversaries in 2024).
Actuarial Intelligence Bulletin
March
This bulletin serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering collaboration around artificial intelligence within the actuarial community. Explore articles on strategic initiatives, practical tips, and research advancements, all aimed at empowering actuaries to leverage AI responsibly and effectively.
U.S. Population Mortality Observations – Updated with 2022 Experience
March
This report covers the latest emerging trends in U.S. population mortality. The SOA relied upon data furnished by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the U.S. Census Bureau. Observations are based on the CDC’s recent release of 2022 mortality experience, along with prior mortality experience data from 1999 through 2021 and U.S. Census Bureau population estimates for 2020-2022.
Societal Purpose Highlights – 2024 Highlights
February
Don't miss out on our latest newsletter! Dive into our commitment to societal purpose, explore impactful research projects, and learn about our DEI initiatives. Discover how you can get involved with the Student Success Program, support environmental efforts like Trees4Travel, and celebrate outstanding contributions through the Spotlight Societal Purpose Awards. Stay informed about future activities and professional development sessions. Read now and join us in making a difference!
Impact of COVID-19 and Other Causes of Death on Future U.S. Mortality
February
The Society of Actuaries (SOA) Research Institute revisits COVID-19's impact on future U.S. mortality with insights from a multidisciplinary panel of experts. Discover how new variants and other causes of death may influence future mortality trends.
Growing Life and Health Insurance Industry Risks from Catastrophic Events
February
On May 1, 2024, the Society of Actuaries Research Institute convened experts from various fields to discuss and model the growing risks from catastrophic events in the life and health insurance industry, forming the basis of this report.
New Material – Simplified Chinese Report
Life and Health Insurance Demand Trends in Asia Pacific Markets
February
These reports provide an in-depth analysis of the insurance landscape in China and seven key Asia Pacific Markets, focusing on the rapid development of critical illness products and the impact of technology on insurance purchasing behaviors.
New Material – Simplified Chinese Report
Maximizing Health Span: A Literature Review on the Impact of a Healthy Lifestyle on Retirement
February
The Society of Actuaries’ Aging and Retirement Strategic Research Program is pleased to release a literature review on the impacts of healthy lifestyle behaviors and chronic condition management, providing a resource for actuaries and others on these issues. The research was conducted by the Vitality Group.
New Material – Simplified Chinese Report
18th Survey of Emerging Risks
February
Review the results from the Key Findings Report.
Operationalizing LLMs - A Guide for Actuaries
January
This guide covers understanding, evaluating, deploying, and managing risks of Large Language Models.
Peterson Health Technology Assessments and Actuarial Methods
January
Discover how cutting-edge evaluation techniques can revolutionize decision-making for payers, providers, and consumers in the digital health landscape.
Pub-2016 Public Retirement plans Mortality Tables - Exposure Draft
January
The Society of Actuaries Research Institute’s Retirement Plans Experience Committee (RPEC) has released an exposure draft of the Pub-2016 Public Retirement Plans Mortality Tables. The primary focus of this study was a comprehensive review of recent mortality experience of public retirement plans in the United States.
Long-Term Drivers of Future Mortality – A Podcast Series with Al Klein and Erik Pickett
January
Tune in to Episode 1 – An Introduction to the Series and gain insights into the motivation behind this paper and podcast series.
Actuarial Weather Extremes – Los Angeles County Wildfires
January
The Palisades and Eaton fires started on January 7, 2025, in Los Angeles County, California, burning over 23,713 and 14,117 acres respectively, and damaging or destroying more than 17,000 structures by January 20, 2025. Initial insured loss estimates range from $20 to $45 billion, making these fires the worst since the Camp Fire in 2018. Review the report for more details about this compound weather extreme event.
Insurance Market in the Era of Digital Transitions
January
The digital revolution has transformed the insurance sector, introducing new technologies and innovative players. Traditional insurers face challenges from Big Tech and insurtech startups, prompting them to adapt or innovate. This study presents a framework to analyze market dynamics and potential partnerships, helping insurers identify competitive advantages and future paths in a digital era.
Understanding and Enhancing the Workforce Impact of Retirement Plans
January
This report introduces a framework for assessing the impact of retirement plans on organizational success. It highlights the direct and indirect benefits of well-designed retirement plans and includes 10 key considerations, metrics, and measures of workforce dynamics. The framework helps companies prioritize necessary changes, with examples and case studies illustrating successful applications and potential risks.
2025 Society of Actuaries Research Institute Student Research Case Study Challenge
January
The Society of Actuaries Research Institute holds an annual Student Research Case Study Challenge, which provides an opportunity for teams of students to apply their actuarial skills on a real-world problem in a business setting. The 2025 SOA Research Institute Student Research Case Study has just been released! Listen to the podcast and then get to work!
Quarterly Global Warming Report
January
This updated analysis of global warming trends includes three new months of data: October, November, and December 2024. The expanded dataset covers the period from January 1960 to December 2024. The data source for this report is ERA5, produced by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).
A Comprehensive Life-cycle Fund Design for the U.S. Pension System
January
This report designs a comprehensive life-cycle fund model, including a detailed sensitivity analysis, to optimize portfolio allocation for U.S. retirement plans.
Podcasts
Research Insights
Explore research reports and studies, innovative research projects and collaborate efforts with other organizations and the SOA Research Institute. For access to all episodes, visit the Research Insights page.
Get Plugged In
Stay tuned for expert interviews, thought-provoking discussions, and practical advice to help you navigate the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence and its implications for actuaries under our AI Insights Series.
Listen to InsurTech start-up leaders share knowledge on evolving technology and insurance. For access to all episodes, visit the Get Plugged In page.
Videos and Webcasts
Exploring the Arithmeter and its History
October 2024
Step back in time with the Arithmeter! See how calculations were done 150 years ago and imagine the future of actuarial science.
Modeling and Forecasting Premature Cardiovascular Mortality
October 2024
This video highlights findings on premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality, focusing on education level and obesity status. In the U.S., there has been a slowing in improvement in CVD mortality rates. Ronora Stryker, ASA, MAAA, from the SOA Research Institute discusses CVD mortality trends.
SOA Research Institute Visits Officials in Washington D.C.
October 2024
In a summary video, R. Dale Hall, FSA, MAAA, CERA, managing director of research, SOA Research Institute, discusses meetings he and others had with legislators on Capitol Hill and key federal agencies about AI and other topics.
Reimagining Pharmacy Financing
June 2024
Watch a 5-minute video highlighting key findings and graphs from the report, which examines an alternative to policy solutions to tackle increasing medication cost via a value-based reimbursement mode.
Unhealthy Longevity in the United States
January 2024
Watch the video to better understand differences in mortality for people in good and poor health.
Questions or Comments?
If you have comments or questions, please send an email to research@soa.org.