Description: “DeFi,” or decentralized finance, is an emerging financial system built on blockchains without central intermediaries such as banks. Defi has experienced explosive growth in the last couple of years, with billions of capital locked in numerous DeFi protocols on blockchains. However, DeFi is still relatively unknown outside of the cryptocurrency/blockchain sphere. Established actuarial practice areas such as insurance, employee benefits, banking, and investments all contain DeFi application opportunities for those interested in exploring them. This article aims to provide an introduction to DeFi concepts with a few practical tips.

Description: Dive into this review on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) techniques for actuarial modeling for life & annuities. Presenters will showcase learnings from the recent SOA research paper "Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning – Practical Applications for Actuarial Modeling" (Nested Stochastic). The researchers will go over models and methodologies used to develop high-fidelity proxy models for various life & annuity applications.

Description: Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT will redefine the nature of work across industries in coming years, What does this mean for the actuarial profession? Delivering generative AI tools to actuaries capable of leveraging them effectively will dramatically modernize how actuaries work and contribute to organizational growth. In this educational session, explore how generative AI can accelerate actuarial model development. Gain an introduction to generative AI and its implications for actuarial modeling. Learn how it specifically helps actuaries improve accuracy, reduce errors and save time in model development. Then explore use cases, including how generative AI can improve data cleaning, model building, as well as simulate scenarios and test model robustness. Close with a discussion on how to integrate generative AI into actuarial modeling workflows effectively, including common challenges actuaries may face during implementation and tips to overcome them. You will come away with a deeper understanding of how generative AI can accelerate actuarial model development.

Description: Innovation in technology is being leveraged throughout the entire customer journey. The presenters will focus on solutions that affect both the client experience, the productivity of the agent and the efficiency of the life company. Some InsurTech companies that have developed solutions across the value chain - beginning with front-end solutions to improve the productivity and expertise of agents. These include cloud-based product illustration, advanced sales concept systems, financial calculators, e-applications and e-signature technology. Solutions that improve the efficiency of policy underwriting and issue include automated underwriting systems, expert requirement systems and underwriter workbenches. Finally, solutions that automate inforce policy management and compliance include anti-money laundering AI systems, in-force illustration systems to satisfy annual statement compliance and claims processing systems. There is a race to gain competitive advantage by getting to a digitally transformed future first.

Description: Learn how modernization of data, models, and technology are influencing workflows. This webcast will address how workflows are changing in response to new regulatory requirements and the impacts the changes have on modeling and end-to-end future state operating models. Industry leading actuaries will discuss: How team collaboration can increase quality and speed of reporting to internal and external stakeholders How to strengthen controls and compliance frameworks across finance and actuarial departments How to modernize actuarial input/output for strategic analysis and insights How to attract and retain top talent by improving opportunities for actuaries There will also be dedicated time to ask questions of those who have made the transition.

Description: In April of 2023, the SOA Research Institute assembled an industry expert panel to discuss current issues in actuarial technology. This was the fourth time such a panel was assembled, and most panelists had participated in the previous discussions.

Description: Hop into a panel discussion between InsurTech Advisory Council and a startup, followed by a demo of life event prediction and analyses with multiple applications across financial services. You will also learn about: the SOA office hours program and member participation, the startup ecosystem filled with incubators, company contests, opportunities and outcomes, how to build a data set providing additional insights for customization and enhanced user experience, and - actuaries' engagement with startup strategic advisory boards.

Description: To understand the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and mortality, RGA investigated a national, health-related, mortality-linked data set provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). RGA Strategic Research Actuary Julianne Callaway discusses the company's findings.

Description: Leveraging the research papers "Emerging Technologies and their Impact on Actuarial Science and Top Actuarial Technologies," the presenters of this session will highlight current and emerging actuarial technology trends, discuss how these trends will impact the day-to-day work of actuaries, and explain what actuaries can do to adapt.

Description: James Glickman delivers his general session speech at the SOA 2019 SOA Annual Meeting & Exhibit in Toronto.