Description: “DeFi,” or decentralized finance, is an emerging financial system built on blockchains without central intermediaries such as banks. Defi has experienced explosive growth in the last couple of years, with billions of capital locked in numerous DeFi protocols on blockchains. However, DeFi is still relatively unknown outside of the cryptocurrency/blockchain sphere. Established actuarial practice areas such as insurance, employee benefits, banking, and investments all contain DeFi application opportunities for those interested in exploring them. This article aims to provide an introduction to DeFi concepts with a few practical tips.

Description: Presenters will explain how traditional distribution channels are being reshaped by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital platforms. Participants will gain insights into how these technologies are not only enhancing customer experiences, but also enabling insurers to reach new markets and demographics more effectively. A central theme is the importance of collaboration and breaking down silos within insurance companies. The session will be interactive featuring case studies showcasing both the triumphs and failures of innovative distribution initiatives. By dissecting these case studies, participants will glean valuable lessons on what works and what doesn't when attempting to bring about change in life insurance distribution. Attendees will learn to appreciate the challenges faced by distribution and how collaboration across departments - from underwriting to marketing to IT - can unlock new opportunities and drive significant growth in distribution strategies.

Description: This game-style session will test your knowledge on several topics related to Supplemental Benefits. Our panel of carrier representatives will offer a range of industry perspectives, and our live studio audience will learn new industry insights and have some fun!

Description: In this session, you will be exposed to new innovations in the insurance industry around the world.

Description: Dive into this review on Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML) techniques for actuarial modeling for life & annuities. Presenters will showcase learnings from the recent SOA research paper "Predictive Analytics and Machine Learning – Practical Applications for Actuarial Modeling" (Nested Stochastic). The researchers will go over models and methodologies used to develop high-fidelity proxy models for various life & annuity applications.

Description: Learn how modernization of data, models, and technology are influencing workflows. This webcast will address how workflows are changing in response to new regulatory requirements and the impacts the changes have on modeling and end-to-end future state operating models. Industry leading actuaries will discuss: How team collaboration can increase quality and speed of reporting to internal and external stakeholders How to strengthen controls and compliance frameworks across finance and actuarial departments How to modernize actuarial input/output for strategic analysis and insights How to attract and retain top talent by improving opportunities for actuaries There will also be dedicated time to ask questions of those who have made the transition.

Description: In April of 2023, the SOA Research Institute assembled an industry expert panel to discuss current issues in actuarial technology. This was the fourth time such a panel was assembled, and most panelists had participated in the previous discussions.

Description: Generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools like ChatGPT will redefine the nature of work across industries in coming years, What does this mean for the actuarial profession? Delivering generative AI tools to actuaries capable of leveraging them effectively will dramatically modernize how actuaries work and contribute to organizational growth. In this educational session, explore how generative AI can accelerate actuarial model development. Gain an introduction to generative AI and its implications for actuarial modeling. Learn how it specifically helps actuaries improve accuracy, reduce errors and save time in model development. Then explore use cases, including how generative AI can improve data cleaning, model building, as well as simulate scenarios and test model robustness. Close with a discussion on how to integrate generative AI into actuarial modeling workflows effectively, including common challenges actuaries may face during implementation and tips to overcome them. You will come away with a deeper understanding of how generative AI can accelerate actuarial model development.

Description: Attendees will learn how carriers and InsurTechs interact with private equity (PE), banks, and other investors who are increasingly interested in taking on traditional insurance risks. The introduction includes a review of recent large transactions, trends in InsurTech funding, and a primer on a typical transaction. There will also be a discussion amongst a panel of experts on the 'why' behind recent trends and future outlooks. Some specific questions we'll answer: Is this a good thing for the insurance industry? How are these trends impacted by interest rates? Where do actuaries fit in? How can a PE/bank investment be set up for success?

Description: To understand the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and mortality, RGA investigated a national, health-related, mortality-linked data set provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). RGA Strategic Research Actuary Julianne Callaway discusses the company's findings.