Description: This article is based on a presentation made by the author at the Spring 2005 meeting of the Society of Actuaries. In a survey conducted in early 2005, many managers of simplified underwriting programs said that they were upgrading or testing products utilizing new underwriting tools. This article discusses the survey and lessons to be learned.

Description: This article discusses whether or not the Preferred risk class wears off over time.

Description: The authors explain big data and the potential uses of this information, especially as it is beginning to be adopted by the life insurance industry.

Description: This outline was used to guide the discussions with each participant of an automated underwriting study.

Description: The article urges actuaries to see AI not just as a tool but as a strategic partner, drawing parallels to past transformative technologies like the printing press. Using NAIC survey data, it shows AI adoption is surging in health and auto insurance, lagging in life. It outlines AI’s potential to boost productivity, improve data quality, and enhance contract analysis, while warning actuaries to master AI before others use it to evaluate their work. Ethical standards demand transparency and fairness, making responsible AI use part of professional duty. Historical examples—like James C.H. Anderson’s 1970s cash flow testing breakthroughs—highlight how visionary actuaries can redefine the profession. The article applies Harvard professor Jeff Bussgang’s “hair-on-fire” innovation lens, suggesting AI-powered, urgency-driven insurance products, akin to Y2K coverage, could revolutionize offerings. It calls on actuaries to address protection gaps, discrimination, and industry opacity through AI-enabled fairness. The message: courage, creativity, and proactive adoption will let actuaries shape—not just survive—the AI-driven future. The closing reflects on the author’s tenure with the SOA Reinsurance Newsletter, framing this as a final, forward-looking call to action for actuaries ready to lead in a transformed insurance landscape.

Description: This research report discusses simplified issue underwriting in life insurance. It examines recent developments, characteristics, challenges, current practices, assumptions and data elements.

Description: Description and welcome to the 2020 Canadian Reinsurance Conference including highlight of the key note speaker

Description: The article focuses on the use of predictive analytics in the development of experience studies, pros and cons of using predictive analytics versus traditional techniques, and the implications for setting assumptions and improving profitability.

Description: Article reporting the results of interviews/surveys on the level of success companies were having with automated life underwriting.

Description: Feature article discussing the infrequency of independent underwriting audits and the problems that creates.