Description: York University will host the 2025 Actuarial Research Conference (ARC) from July 29 to August 1, 2025, bringing together scholars, industry leaders, and regulators to exchange ideas and present cutting-edge research in actuarial science. The conference will feature keynote speeches, research presentations, panel discussions, and networking opportunities, fostering collaboration between academia and industry. York’s actuarial program, recognized as a Center of Actuarial Excellence, will showcase its vibrant research environment and strong partnership with the Risk and Insurance Studies Centre (RISC). The event also highlights Toronto’s dynamic cultural scene, with planned activities such as a visit to the historic Casa Loma, enhancing the experience for attendees. ARC 2025 promises to be an enriching and memorable event for all participants.

Description: Most people will now have had some exposure to Large Language Model tools such as ChatGPT and will have been impressed by their ability to write essays or generate computer code. However, fewer people will be aware of the next phase of AI, which will turn AI chat assistants into more fully fledged AI colleagues. These emerging set of tools come under the broad term of “AI agents”, which are AI-based systems which have capabilities beyond a simple chat interface and are able to interact with external tools, access data, and most importantly have the capability to plan and perform arbitrarily complex tasks. In this talk we will explore the emerging field of AI agents and discuss our experiences using such frameworks to build end-to-end actuarial modelling solutions and demo some POCs we have been working on for the audience. We will also cover topics related to building such complex AI systems including: prompt-engineering fine-tuning retrieval augmented generation function calling specific AI agent frameworks and how they will allow AI to participate in all the different stages of the actuarial modelling process from coding and testing to documentation and analysis.

Description: For the interview with Andy Peterson, he agrees with the changes. Can we please also add the following introductory paragraph: In this exclusive feature, International Section Council members have the privilege of engaging in a conversation with Andy Peterson, Managing Director International at SOA, offering a deeper understanding of the SOA’s global strategy. Join us as we delve into the strategic vision and initiatives guiding our international pursuits, reaffirming our commitment to serving and empowering actuarial professionals across the globe.

Description: Credibility is a mechanism for estimating a quantity of interest by combining subject experience and relevant experience to improve the estimate.

Description: Join us for an exciting session as Actuarial Innovation & Technology Strategic Research from the SOA's Research Institute unveils two recently published research reports: ""Unveiling the Life Insurers' Actuarial Transformation Journey and the Impact of Analytics"" and ""Exploring Revolutionary Advances in Underwriting: An Initial Assessment of Epigenetics, Medical Tests, and Wearables"". In the first report, we delve into the evolving landscape of life insurers' Actuarial Transformation efforts, shedding light on their future prospects and emphasizing emerging Advanced Analytics techniques. The second report serves as the inaugural installment of a series dedicated to identifying promising innovations for underwriters and actuaries, and it promises to alert the SOA to the latest developments. During this session, our presenters will provide an insightful overview of the key findings and key takeaways from both research reports. By the end of the session, attendees will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the invaluable research conducted in these areas.

Description: As actuaries progress in our careers, making connections with others can become increasingly important. It’s not always obvious how to go about growing one’s professional community. Come learn how to gain insight into various effective techniques for networking for business. You will also see case studies and test out some of these techniques during this conversation.

Description: An actuary striving for a broad leadership role needs to build strong communication and influencing skills, as well as strategic and general business skills. They must be able to quickly adapt to being submerged in a fast-paced, results-oriented environment. This workshop is intended to educate mid-level actuaries on the key characteristics that define good leaders and how to focus on building the skills necessary to successfully transition into a leadership role. At the conclusion of this workshop, attendees will: - Be able to determine if a leadership path is right for them - Learn the key competencies that make good leaders - Understand how to build the skills necessary to move from technical expert to leader

Description: Given the rise in interest rates during 2023, the session will discuss the implication of increasing rates on FA and FIA business by looking at industry experience for FA and FIA products for 2023 and earlier years. Additionally, the session will walk through partial withdrawals, GLWB utilization, mortality and what to expect as interest rates volatile continues. The session will also discuss how direct writers and reinsurers are handing the inforce management aspects of these products in the uncertain and volatile economic periods.

Description: The actuarial profession is changing rapidly and the skills needed to be successful are also changing. In this session, we will debate key topics and questions, such as: What is the predominant future career path for actuaries? Specialists or generalists? Does the actuarial profession have a meaningful value prop outside our core domains e.g. insurance? What skills are needed for the actuary of the future? What’s the best approach to improve actuarial storytelling to non-actuarial audiences? What’s the role of actuaries to managing and predicting emerging trends and assumptions? What is the role of actuaries in relation to development and ownership of advanced modeling? Is the future actuarial profession smaller/larger than it is today? In either case, how does it differ from today in terms of make-up, deployment, function, purpose, value add, etc.?

Description: The Great Resignation of the Post-COVID-19 era has affected nearly every major industry and profession over the past year. The actuarial profession, which has historically been a beacon of stability,is also impacted. Actuaries are leaving their positions at higher rates than ever before, demanding increased pay and benefits, more flexible hours, and the ability to work remotely. Ever-increasing demand for actuaries due to constantly evolving regulatory and business needs has widened the gap between the demand for and supply of actuarial work. What innovations are available for actuarial employers looking to bridge this gap? Get ready to listen to a panel of specialists on actuarial staffing models. The panel will discuss direct hiring, staff augmentation with consultants, independent contracting, and offshoring / outsourcing. The panel will explain how employers might pursue these options as well as the costs and benefits of each. Learn more about how current employees can benefit from various staffing models while avoiding common pitfalls; for example, how to engage and work effectively with offshore resources.