Description: New Co-Editor Richard Junker introduces himself and his plans for the newsletter.

Description: Natural Language Process (NLP) techniques can be used to find insights in large unstructured data sets and Word Embeddings are pervasive on a wide spectrum of NLP applications. These word representations improve downstream tasks such as Sentiment Analysis, Recommender System, and Topic Modeling. Learn how NLP transforms the Insurance Industry; and how word embeddings and pre-trained models improve the effectiveness and performance of NLP applications. NLP is increasing in importance for insurance companies. Additional application examples are available in session 36.

Description: 1) Vision of the applications and development of data analytics in life insurance industry in Asia; 2) How big is the pie and what are the current obstacles insurers are facing; 3) Utilization of data and analytics target operating models as a competitive advantage, with focus on future readiness, controls, efficiency and effectiveness; 4) Potential roadmap ahead: a) Assessment of the current state of maturity levels of data and analytics initiatives; b) Identification of technology and competency gaps; c) Establishment of data integration and management process within BUs, alignment of advanced analytics tools across departments, with centralized data governance, technology structure and decision making framework; d) Definition of criteria and metrics to measure key outcomes and business value added. 5) Case study on agency behavior management: a practical example on how data analytics is being used in practice: (a) key business objectives: improve agent behaviors and maximize productivity with the lowest possible compensation costs; (b) data collection and current state assessment; (c) detailed predictive modeling process, modeling outcomes, and business implications; (d) implementation and monitoring process.

Description: This article discusses the procedures, advantages and vendors of web conferencing services.

Description: This abstract describes a presentation that gives an in-depth look at genetic algorithms - what they are, why they are important for actuaries, when to use them, and how to create them.

Description: The article explores how integrating AI into insurer apps can address critical challenges in healthcare, such as patient no-shows, medication adherence, and cost management. These non-disruptive approaches aim to increase the effectiveness of patient interventions and improve medication adherence.

Description: On November 30, 2021, the SOA Research Institute assembled an industry expert panel to discuss current issues in actuarial technology. Each participant who volunteered to be part of the discussion was selected because of their management-level responsibilities for the application of technology in an actuarial context. The group was diverse in terms of employment, including company actuaries from life, health, and property/casualty backgrounds, as well as consultants from various kinds of firms. This document summarizes the discussion that occurred during the three-hour meeting. To encourage candor during the discussion, participants were assured that this report would not attribute comments to individuals or companies, so no names appear in the body of the report. The names of those who participated are included at the end of the report.

Description: Decentralized finance, or DeFi, is an emerging financial system powered by blockchain technology. This research report aims to introduce actuaries to DeFi and help them develop a solid understanding of DeFi. It will begin with addressing “what is DeFi?” by providing an introduction on blockchains and DeFi. It will then discuss in further detail the key characteristics, applications, opportunities, and risks of DeFi. After providing the foundation, this report will discuss the potential adoption of DeFi and its interaction with the current financial system (sometime referred to as traditional finance for contrast with DeFi), and the implications for practicing and aspiring actuaries. In addition, a glossary of terms used in DeFi and a brief history of the development of DeFi have been included in the appendix.

Description: Session 2– Going Deeper through examples InsurTech (1) identifies a pain point to the industry, (2) brings a technology solution to address the shortcoming with a (3) business model that makes sense for all. Expect an illustration of this three-point structure through a handful of start-ups from various backgrounds (health, life, general operation) dealing with various aspects of the insurance value chain (acquisition, risk management, back-office…).

Description: ReMark's Global Consumer Study delivers 10 key insights to empower customers. Insurers can design products that meet customers' needs and enhance client experiences and add significant value to their business. At the same time with new products being launched seemingly continuously, it is important to take a step back and assess risk throughout the product management cycle.