Description: Modeling Approaches and Challenges focuses on approaches to real world simulation and the challenges and considerations in real world simulation. Topics include: A frequency domain approach to build realistic multi-horizon scenarios. (Ortec approach) Cascade models structure linking models for major asset classes and economic variables. (Moody’s approach) Overview of models, calibrations & approaches within the context of different use cases. Deterministic & stochastic approaches. Importance of model re-calibration flexibility. We will also discuss specific insights into considerations and challenges in real world simulation, which include topics like: Setting capital market assumptions and/or calibration targets. Assumptions about correlation and causality. Calibrating the model to capital markets assumptions. Validating the model against capital market assumptions. Role of history, market data and stylized facts. Importance of back testing. Calibrating the model to multiple investment horizons. Inclusion of alterative asset classes such as private equity, infrastructure, and direct real estate. Associated issues of limited data, illiquidity and greater uncertainty about calibration targets.

Description: Learn to utilize one of the most requested skills in the actuarial science job advertisements. During this webcast, discover the benefits of programming, how to identify and explain complex technical information and ways to create stunning visuals with ggplot2, which exceed the capabilities of Excel. With your webcast attendance, you will receive a document with detailed explanations, codes and underlying data. Enjoy exercises which allow the creation of fully reproducible solutions. This means an easy reproduction of all presented plots learned during this webcast. Register and take the next step toward building enticing visualizations.

Description: Hot Topics in Setting Pension Return Assumptions is the third in a series, following Mathematics of Pension Return Assumption and Inflation, focusing on Effects, Forecasts, and Role in Pension Valuations. What time horizon is more appropriate for Capital Market Assumption (CMA) forecasts: mid-term or long-term time horizon, or a blend of both? How do we map the asset classes of a plan's own investment policy to the asset classes of investment forecasters' CMAs? If we use asset-smoothing for valuation assets, should we use market-driven expected returns or smoothed/average versions of them?

Description: How do we take a Minimum Viable Products (MVP) approach to launch new insurance products? Join this moderated discussion and focus on three key development aspects: Distribution, Systems, and the design and pricing of the Insurance product itself. Come discuss reasons to choose an MVP approach and how it solves many of the product launch challenges.

Description: In this webcast, we will speak with actuarial leaders who developed their personal brand over several years to better understand just how powerful having a personal brand can be in actuarial work.

Description: This session will examine bias from a social science perspective. It will discuss the three types of systemic biases using the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) model. The NIST model details the three types as historical bias, societal bias, and institutionalbias. The session will also provide several examples of each type to provide a framework for identifying the social structure of bias.

Description: Develop a better understanding of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) across the financial services and risk management industry, with a focus on actuaries. Panelists will address topics such as industry-wide diversity efforts, as well as current challenges facing diverse groups. Come listen to these panelists share perspectives on attracting, fostering, retaining and increasing diverse actuarial talent, in addition to the SOA’s DEI goals in the coming years.

Description: Biases can creep up in models in numerous ways. After discussing various forms of bias, presenting a framework useful to manage bias in models, and contextualizing this effort in the current environment, this session will focus on practical issues faced by the industry.

Description: Session 1D: Meeting the Mark - Predicting MA Stars Outcomes with Monte Carlo Simulations

Description: Come discuss the benefits and challenges of collaboration between academic institutions and industry stakeholders in shaping actuarial education and research agendas. Register for this event now.