Description: In this article, we aim to outline the advantages of smaller programs and gather opinions on the challenges these programs face in their efforts to emphasize these strengths. For our purposes, we define small actuarial programs as those with a relatively low student enrollment count. The following are three key advantages of small programs, which are similar to those of small colleges:(a) Enhanced benefits from small class size; (b) Adaptable curriculum; (c) Increased opportunities for each student. A variety of similar other issues are also discussed with recommendations, challenges, and invitations for further dialogue.

Description: The authors reflect on the 2023 SOA ImpACT Conference. They share some of the networking opportunities, and give overviews of the general sessions as well as some of the breakout sessions. They discuss reasons for attending an in-person meeting beyond getting continuing professional development credits.

Description: Court is in session and you're the jury! Follow along as challenging aspects of actuarial professionalism are explored in a court-like setting. Deliberate based on what you already know from your own experience, as well as what you learn in this session. Challenge yourself to evolve and diversify your thinking as new trials are presented in the form of case studies. Then, deliver your verdict accordingly. Who says the actuarial professionalism is an open and shut case? Let's interact together to be innovative while ensuring that we uphold our professionalism standards. There will be a mix of new and updated cases. There will be one case repeated from the 2021 ImpACT Annual Meeting.

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: Come discuss how reinsurers can work side by side with insurer to better develop products, and lift in the areas that reinsurers have more experience, help matching products with distributions (or vice versa) and provide advanced technologies associated with tools and software. The speakers will also present Direct to Consumer plan from various points of view, i.e., distributors, carriers, and reinsurers. Some case studies will also be presented where traditional reinsurers and asset-intensive reinsurers helped insurers bring products to life.

Description: The SOA has recognized the actuarial programs at Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, and Robert Morris University, Moon Township, PA, as University-Earned Credit (UEC) Centers of Actuarial Excellence (CAE).

Description: This paper uses the ideal quasi-natural experiment of government-subsidized agricultural insurance program phased out in different regions of China since 2007 to study the effects and transmission mechanisms of the program on alleviating regional poverty using a multi-period Difference-in-Differences (DID) approach. Specifically, this paper identifies the causal effects on the incidence, depth and intensity of poverty among rural residents. The research has important policy implications. First, this paper uses the program as a case to provide a research paradigm to estimate effects of implementing policy instruments that combine markets and government mandates. Second, as common prosperity is now a government imperative, the research also provides insights into ways insurance can be used to hedge income risks, alleviate poverty and help achieve more equitable distribution. The paper has been published on WeChat account of Chinese Association of Actuaries on February 9, 2022. The full version has been published in CSSCI journal Insurance Research, issue 11, 2021.

Description: The Society of Actuaries will host two great events for the valuation actuarial community. Get empowered for success with in-depth content on the latest valuation and financial reporting concepts, including US GAAP, US Tax Account, and International Reporting Standards (IFRS).

Description: Gather with members and non-members in the China actuarial community to discuss recent topics and related issues in areas such as macroeconomic sharing, pension, investment, product strategy, and more.

Description: It's your first full day of productive learning! Start it off right with a delicious breakfast and warm welcome.