Description: On January 12, 2023, the Arizona Blockchain Applied Research Center (AZ BARC) and the SOA Research Institute jointly ran a workshop on the use of blockchain technology in insurance and financial industries. The workshop included presentations focused on academic research in the blockchain space by Arizona State University, AZ BARC and an industry expert panel assembled by the SOA Research Institute. This document summarizes the research highlights and the discussions that occurred during the two-hour workshop.

Description: In April of 2023, the SOA Research Institute assembled an industry expert panel to discuss current issues in actuarial technology. This was the fourth time such a panel was assembled, and most panelists had participated in the previous discussions.

Description: In this session, you will be exposed to new innovations in the insurance industry around the world.

Description: “DeFi,” or decentralized finance, is an emerging financial system built on blockchains without central intermediaries such as banks. Defi has experienced explosive growth in the last couple of years, with billions of capital locked in numerous DeFi protocols on blockchains. However, DeFi is still relatively unknown outside of the cryptocurrency/blockchain sphere. Established actuarial practice areas such as insurance, employee benefits, banking, and investments all contain DeFi application opportunities for those interested in exploring them. This article aims to provide an introduction to DeFi concepts with a few practical tips.

Description: Presenters will explain how traditional distribution channels are being reshaped by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and digital platforms. Participants will gain insights into how these technologies are not only enhancing customer experiences, but also enabling insurers to reach new markets and demographics more effectively. A central theme is the importance of collaboration and breaking down silos within insurance companies. The session will be interactive featuring case studies showcasing both the triumphs and failures of innovative distribution initiatives. By dissecting these case studies, participants will glean valuable lessons on what works and what doesn't when attempting to bring about change in life insurance distribution. Attendees will learn to appreciate the challenges faced by distribution and how collaboration across departments - from underwriting to marketing to IT - can unlock new opportunities and drive significant growth in distribution strategies.

Description: This session will discuss two important dimensions of why a holistic approach is recommended over a piecemeal, nonintegrated approach for an IFRS 17 modeling solution. Attendees will receive three perspectives from actuaries working as actuarial consultants or within an insurance company or as a software developer. The first dimension is model design. The session will demonstrate holistic model design advantages with regards to model inputs, model outputs, liability portfolio management, modeling efficiency, and transparency. The second dimension represents organizational impacts resulting from the model design.

Description: James Glickman delivers his general session speech at the SOA 2019 SOA Annual Meeting & Exhibit in Toronto.

Description: Hop into a panel discussion between InsurTech Advisory Council and a startup, followed by a demo of life event prediction and analyses with multiple applications across financial services. You will also learn about: the SOA office hours program and member participation, the startup ecosystem filled with incubators, company contests, opportunities and outcomes, how to build a data set providing additional insights for customization and enhanced user experience, and - actuaries' engagement with startup strategic advisory boards.

Description: Attendees will learn how carriers and InsurTechs interact with private equity (PE), banks, and other investors who are increasingly interested in taking on traditional insurance risks. The introduction includes a review of recent large transactions, trends in InsurTech funding, and a primer on a typical transaction. There will also be a discussion amongst a panel of experts on the 'why' behind recent trends and future outlooks. Some specific questions we'll answer: Is this a good thing for the insurance industry? How are these trends impacted by interest rates? Where do actuaries fit in? How can a PE/bank investment be set up for success?

Description: To understand the relationship between lifestyle behaviors and mortality, RGA investigated a national, health-related, mortality-linked data set provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). RGA Strategic Research Actuary Julianne Callaway discusses the company's findings.