Description: We explore the question of how an actuary–artificial intelligence collaboration might look in the future and how actuaries should be trained to best leverage this technology. It felt fitting to accomplish this through a conversation with an AI system, as AI involvement is warranted to ground the analysis in the technology’s true capabilities.

Description: This article attempts to make a modest contribution to the dialogue on the potential and risks associated with novel treatments such as cell & gene therapies. With a fast-expanding roster of what are believed to be one-time treatments at ever increasing price points aimed at curing a wider swatch of the population, they are as much a source of relief for patients stuck in medical limbo, as they are a source of anxiety for payers.

Description: The global nature of the reinsurance industry has enabled the diversification of risk away from concentration in specific regions to the larger global market. However, record catastrophe losses, inflation stemming from increased interest rates, geopolitical tensions and heightened climate risk are putting operating pressures on insurers and reinsurers. Article discusses the implications.

Description: This article aims to delve into the rationale and calculation logic of the variable fee approach (VFA) which is applied to the insurance contracts with direct participation features under IFRS 17. In actual practice, the variable fee approach can be implemented in two methods, which are from fee income or total cash flows point of view. These two methods will achieve the same outcomes but are featured with different insights and varying degree of operational ease. Detailed roll-forward steps of contractual service margin (CSM) for these two methods are elaborated in the article, along with a numerical example by using a variable universal life product to help the readers comprehend the rationale behind the variable fee approach.

Description: Examines the trends affecting the distribution system for the industry's products, and the regulatory and tax environment in which life companies operate. Also looks briefly at the state of competition in the industry.

Description: Chronicles the journey made by Allstate to enhance its process for managing risk and ultimately find ways to better exploit risk opportunities.