Description: The insurance industry is in a constant state of transformation. As organizations adapt to the effects of COVID-19, undergo modernization efforts and implement new technologies, soft or “human” skills are becoming key differentiators for success. Skills such as communication, empathy, storytelling, leadership, problem-solving and more are separating the good from the great actuaries. Those who possess these skillsets can better translate data and most efficiently leverage systems and teams. At the same time, by taking a human approach to modernization efforts, leaders will be able to best engage and motivate their workforces, while building teams that will excel in the future of work.

Description: As the insurance industry continues to evolve due to a pandemic and rapidly changing economic and regulatory conditions, the role of data scientists and actuaries has become increasingly important. In an interview with the Atidot data science and actuarial team, we discuss what it is like to work at an InsurTech, how data scientists and actuaries can collaborate, and look at some concrete technical examples of where the innovation is having an impact. This article explores what collaboration can look like and how the role of data science and actuary may evolve in the InsurTech industry in the future.

Description: Over the last two years, we experimented with online peer assessment platforms in undergraduate courses and saw them deliver major learning advantages and be highly popular with students. We explain why peer assessment shows great promise for actuarial science education and the main factors to consider when designing peer assessment activities. We also detail our use of online platforms in two undergraduate courses. By sharing our experience, we hope to provide you, our fellow educators, with a solid starting point for experimenting with this format.

Description: The SOA launched the Actuarial Innovation & Technology Strategic Research Program earlier this year, focusing on projects in which technology is being used in actuarial work. The presenters will highlight reports from the program including a review of the Top Actuarial Technologies of 2019, the growing use of cloud computing and its impact on furthering and deepening actuarial analyses, and the growing innovative approaches using non-traditional data sources for risk selection and segmentation and its intersection with industry regulation. An overview of this new SOA research initiative and key findings from recently released reports will be covered.

Description: Join us for a free open forum to learn about the Emerging Topics Community and shape its future content. During the call, you’ll have a chance to engage with the Chair and Vice-Chairs on the community.

Description: This article describes the Actuarial Research Clearinghouse [ARCH] CD-ROM Project whereby the highlights of each Actuarial Research Conference [ARC] presentation are videotaped and then digitized and recorded on a CD-ROM. This disk is then used to develop a computer-based, user-friendly, multimedia summary of the highlights of ARC.

Description: This article announces that an online 'actuarial university' will be unveiled at the 1998 SOA annual meeting in New York City. Called the 'Actuarial Learning Center,' this newest venture linking continuing education and information technology will provide an online collection of self-study programs complete with virtual courses, seminars, and interactive conference centers. This innovative concept allows participants to continue their actuarial education by participating in courses through the Web at their convenience.

Description: This article looks at our use of technology- then and now. A reprinted article from the very first Pension Section News in June 1989, written by Barbara Choyke and titled '1,100 View SOA’s First Teleconference,' is juxtaposed against a view of today’s webcast communications.