Description: This is a summary of the benefits of attending the 2019 Predictive Analytics Symposium.

Description: Interview on opportunities for InsurTechs in Life and Health reinsurance. Themes covered include digital distribution and digital health data. The article also shares insights into the role of the reinsurer when working with InsurTechs.

Description: The rapid economic development of Asia has ushered in profound lifestyle changes, particularly in urban centers. Increased disposable income, urbanization, and the proliferation of convenient food services have contributed to dietary habits associated with elevated health risks. Among these, insulin resistance (IR)—a metabolic condition linked to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases—has emerged as a critical yet underrecognized threat. IR is also strongly associated with an increased risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. For life and health insurers operating in markets such as Greater China and Southeast Asia, traditional underwriting methods face significant challenges in accurately assessing these evolving risks. This article investigates the limitations of conventional approaches and explores the potential of continuous underwriting methodologies to better align risk assessment with dynamic lifestyle factors.

Description: As an undergrad student, I discussed about my understanding of how AI is going to influence insurance industry through my volunteer experience with the SOA Actuarial Innovation and Technology Repository.

Description: Letter from the editor, outlining the theme and providing a brief description of each article within this edition of NewsDirect.

Description: Align carrier, agent, and consumer definition(s) of DTC to establish a collective understanding for the affected parties. Understand why a direct-to-consumer approach may be important for carriers’ and distributors’ growth and development goals, tactics and strategies. Use the agreed-upon baseline and understanding of DTC’s importance to establish and agree upon reasonable expectations for its role in marketing, distribution, and product development and performance. Position carriers and distributors together to align sales, marketing and performance expectations and incentives for all parties to increase the possibility of outperforming in (and outside of) the DTC space; design sales, marketing and distribution systems and approaches to meet consumers where they are at; and expand current sales and cultivate new markets to remain relevant and magnify profiles in an ever-changing industry.

Description: In the world of digital excitement, Blockchain is the newest kid on the technology block. Pull up any search engine, punch in “Blockchain” and find yourself inundated with articles praising improvements over current centralized network systems that many insurers use. But is this praise warranted, and does Blockchain truly cure all ails? In this article, we pose commonly asked questions as well as provide answers from the perspective of an insurance company.

Description: This summary of presentation given at the 2019 Annual Meeting covers a personal perspective on factor behind innovation in insurance. Four key themes are discussed: 1. Customer focus 2. Value of partnerships 3. Experimentation 4. Obstacles to innovation

Description: Artificial intelligence (AI) at the heart of new digital tools allows actuaries to extract structured data useful for creating more precise risk assessment models. This technology sits best alongside the expertise of insurance professionals who have years of experience in the industry. RGA’s partnership with DigitalOwl is an example of how AI combines with human knowledge for the best outcomes.