Description: Model runtime is a common challenge for actuaries in the life and annuity space. In particular, applications such as pricing and forecasting may require the use of nested-stochastic calculations, which may require extensive computing resources or use of rough approximations. There are also other areas where runtime may be a challenge, such as projecting certain reserves or layering solving algorithms within actuarial calculations. Recently, runtime challenges have been exacerbated by the development of increasingly complex insurance products and changes in reporting frameworks, such as IFRS 17, LDTI, PBR, and Solvency II. Many approaches have been explored by actuaries in the past to address model runtime challenges. To further this research, the SOA has recently published the paper Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning - Practical Applications for Actuarial Modeling. The authors of the paper will share their insights on innovative techniques using the implementation of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AIML). Come examine an introduction into AIML, review how AIML can be used to circumvent nested stochastic and other runtime challenges, explore case studies, review how costs and benefits can be measured and discuss model risk management considerations. Key learning objectives include: - Understanding the fundamental concepts of AIM - Understanding applications of AIML for actuarial modeling - Learning about the costs and benefits - Learning how AIML can be applied in practice to improve model runtime

Description: As the healthcare industry becomes increasingly complex, actuaries are under pressure to analyze vast amounts of data and make informed decisions quickly. Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies like ChatGPT offer a promising solution, providing powerful tools for data analysis and natural language processing. Come explore the use of ChatGPT in actuarial analysis, focusing on healthcare applications. Begin with an introduction to ChatGPT and how it works, including its ability to understand and generate natural language responses. Then expect a discussion on the potential benefits of using ChatGPT in healthcare actuarial analysis, including improved accuracy, efficiency, and scalability. Through case studies and examples, we will demonstrate how ChatGPT can be used to analyze complex healthcare data sets, including electronic health records (EHRs), claims data, and patient surveys. We will also discuss how ChatGPT can be integrated with other AI tools, such as predictive modeling and machine learning, to enhance actuarial analysis. Finally, learn about some of the potential challenges and limitations of using ChatGPT in actuarial analysis, such as data privacy concerns and the need for human oversight. There will also be guidance on best practices for using ChatGPT in a healthcare actuarial context, including data preparation, model training, and interpretability.

Description: Behavioral economics research has shown that small details can have a large impact on how a person behaves. As life insurance continues its evolution into the digital domain, life insurers now have an almost infinite number of ways to tweak their product offering, positioning, and delivery to the end consumer. Behavioral science is becoming increasingly more important to optimize these product design decisions and improve outcomes for both insurers and their customers. Discover a brief overview of key behavioral economic concepts and dive into two SOA research projects that are exploring how behavioral economic techniques can be used in different parts of the life insurance value chain. First, you'll start before a policy is even sold, by exploring how behavioral economics, through techniques such as the messenger effect, can be used to increase consumers' comprehension of policies and life insurance's value. Second, you'll look at how underwriting question design can impact applicant behavior and lead to higher quality application data. At the conclusion, you'll enjoy having a better understanding of how behavioral economic techniques can be applied in a life insurance context.

Description: Are the choices we make the same in certain versus uncertain situations? What pushes our choices in one direction or another? In this session, join our discussion on the elements that make up consumer choice architecture, how they interact with risk appetite and how to intervene in risk choices, using the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) as a case study. Together, we will explore behavioral considerations in risk appetite from the individual consumer and public policy perspectives. The latter will include environmental, social and governance considerations, including the challenges of climate change in a divided political landscape with limited resources. We will cite and use program data to support behavioral assessments. Appetite as a function of both risk preference and risk perception will serve as a foundational premise for the presentation.

Description: Have you heard of Prospect Theory, the Nobel-winning concept from psychologists Kahneman and Tversky, which is the inspiration for much of behavioral economics? Come examine this concept that focuses on how people sometimes make irrational and logically inconsistent decisions depending on the framing of the question. You'll also explore how Prospect Theory applies in the world of insurance and how it offers an explanation for why selling retirement income products is more challenging than selling life insurance. Leave this session with ideas on how to design and market retirement income products that are likely to be more successful. The presentation will be largely based upon this paper: https://www.soa.org/sections/joint-risk-mgmt/joint-risk-mgmt-newsletter/2023/february/rm-2023-02-reynolds/

Description: Come and learn about one of the long-term care (LTC) industry's hottest trends: Wellness programs. Discover key insights from Oliver Wyman's 2022 and 2023 industry surveys on LTC wellness programs, focusing on the evolution and expansion of wellness programs over the last few years. In addition, listen in as a panel of industry representatives share their perspectives on challenges faced, lessons learned and next steps in their wellness journey. Gain impactful insights and takeaways from our panel of experts (with wide-ranging familiarity of LTC and wellness programs), who will pull from their first-hand knowledge.

Description: Join a discussion on the evolution of asset and liability projection processes in the life insurance industry. Familiarize yourself with the broad set of inputs, stakeholders, and financial planning and analysis use cases. Notable areas of focus will include, but are not limited to, historical background, modeling needs, interactions between stakeholders, industry pain points, and a composite of an ideal future state informed by perspectives gleaned from leading companies within the industry.

Description: Market experts with backgrounds in economics, investments, and insurance will speak to macro trends and their impacts in the market. Panelists will explore topics such as “what are markets saying about the likelihood and severity of a recession?” and “how are interest rates impacting investment decisions and ALM?" You'll have the opportunity to join the discussion by asking questions throughout the presentation.

Description: Insurance carriers today must balance a multitude of factors to remain relevant and innovate- -process improvements and efficiency (automated or traditional); -customer experience (less intrusive, more data); -distribution (aging traditional, product focus, emerging opportunities); and -mortality. While these factors are not new, true innovation in these areas require a convergence of engagement among actuaries, underwriters and data scientists to determine the specific pain points and appreciate both the benefits and consequences of various paths. Explore examples of how best to approach these topics, engage different disciplines, avoid pitfalls and ensure a holistic view. Real life examples and lessons learned will be shared during this session.

Description: Join us for the morning session to kick off the conference, including an opening address from 2021-2022 SOA President and Chair Jennifer L. Gillespie, FSA, MAAA. Gain new perspectives from keynote speaker Mico Yuk, chief data influencer, Count.co, and Analytics on Fire Podcast host through her presentation on how to harness data for insightful storytelling.