Description: With the convergence and consolidation of the financial services industry, the advent of new technologies and the Internet, and increased focus on the customer, actuaries are facing a brand new set of challenges. This editorial prefaces the articles in this issue that point out some key challenges and opportunities facing today’s actuaries.

Description: Discusses the use of small computers in a small to medium sized group operation.

Description: Highlights some interesting facts about the quantity pi and about the properties of circles, taken from a recent exhibit of the scientific discoveries from ancient India.

Description: Math puzzles highlighting mathematical oddities.

Description: This article is an interview of the 1,000th person to join the Actuaries Online system, Frank Stone. He is asked questions regarding his use of the service.

Description: The editorial explores opportunities for the actuarial profession that can be achieved through innovation.

Description: The article focuses on the use of predictive analytics in the development of experience studies, pros and cons of using predictive analytics versus traditional techniques, and the implications for setting assumptions and improving profitability.

Description: Actuaries can serve an important role by exploring modeling and data analysis techniques to discover predictive patterns and relationships.

Description: Industry briefings and SOA news

Description: This article is a brief review of the book “Crime by Computer,” by Donn B. Parker. If you have from time to time become concerned about the security of computer programs records and transactions, this book will give little comfort.