Description: The author notes: ‘as actuaries familiar with computers are thoroughly aware, the Halo notation the century-old life contingencies system we all learned as students has to be “linearized” strung out in a straight line for computer programming.’ This article describes a linearized notation that the author has used successfully for several years, for programming use only.

Description: Interest in blockchain is high among insurers and reinsurers. While it’s not universally useful the technology does merit continued closer investigation.

Description: This article describes how to model variable annuities using a GPU along with some of the stumbling blocks.

Description: In January 1936, William Phillips, a London actuary, presented a paper to the Institute in which he recommended a methodology to allow life insurance companies to automate their actuarial calculations. This article discusses Phillps' work in this area.

Description: The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of soft computing applications in actuarial science. Soft computing refers to modes of computing in which precision is traded for tractability, robustness and ease of implementation.

Description: A short introduction of the characteristics of Blockchain technology

Description: Comments on the article “Developing an Actuarial Programming Language” by Russell J. Mueller in the April newsletter in which it was suggested that “a study should be undertaken to determine the feasibility of developing” such a language. In this connection, the author feels it to be appropriate to draw attention to some practical considerations which should form part of such a study.