Description: This article is intended to provide an introduction to microfinance and microinsurance. Microfinance began in the 1960's and 1970's as a humanitarian activity directed at the poor to provide micro loans for working capital. Microinsurance MI protects people in the low-income range against specific perils in exchange for regular premium payments.

Description: Winner of the Most Unique Actuarial Career of the Future award in the SOA's 2022 Speculative Spectacular Fiction & Art Contest.

Description: Article describes best practices for teaching a course module that involves multiple parameters. A good example is hypothesis testing which requires consideration of the parameters, sample-size, population distribution, known variance and has as consequences whether a normal or t distribution should be used or whether non parametric methods are used. The articles recommends use of the Prime Implicant Normal Form as a means of teaching. It shows the superiority of this method over other forms such as heuristics, complete rules, or graduated approaches.

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: This is the third in a four-part series dedicated to strategies for improving EQ, based on the book Emotional Intelligence 2.0 written by Travis Bradberry and Jean Greaves. In previous issues of The Stepping Stone, I discussed the skills of self-awareness and self-management. In this article, I will share a few more of the book’s strategies and provide examples and personal insights to illustrate how to develop the third skill of social awareness in personal, social, and business situations.

Description: In today’s market of post-pandemic consolidation and org chart streamlining, we’ve observed significant changes to actuarial career development and advancement opportunities. But, those changes aren’t occurring in equal measures across the arc of the actuarial career. Our focus is on the impact felt by experienced reinsurance actuaries.

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: The chair of the International Section of the SOA reports to the section members.

Description: A summary recap of the recent SOA Health Conference held in Dallas, TX in June of 2025. With the intentional use of AI to assist with the summary, this article gives a good overview of the recent conference with personal commentary from one of the attendees.

Description: Interview focusing on Claude Lamoureux and his experience with retirement programs and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.