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Latest research and analysis from the Institute

Explore insights, stories and technical analysis from actuaries working across a range of issues.

All articles
Young family with cute little baby boy going over finances at home.

1 CPD Point

The (Pricing) Games We Play

In this Normal Deviance Column, Hugh Miller looks at how companies can use pricing tactics as a revenue tool – sometimes at consumer expense.

Hugh Miller
Hugh Miller

8 August 2025

A mature couple using a laptop and phone in the kitchen at home.

1 CPD Point

Unbundling of Lifetime Income Streams

Advantages of transparent fees, flexible investments, and transferability for Australian retirees.

Adam Butt
Adam Butt

7 August 2025

An image of Maathu Ranjan and Anna Stephens against a blue background.

1 CPD Point

Actuaries Working in New Fields: Part 3

Meet actuaries Maathu Ranjan and Anna Stephens who are using their training to drive change in government and healthcare.

Kirsty HoganRicky Au
Ricky Au, Kirsty Hogan

6 August 2025

A snapshot of some students who competed in UNSW Datathon.

1 CPD Point

When Students Become Startups

What happens when 150 actuarial students are handed industry data and asked to compete like startups in a simulated insurance market?

Dr Fei Huang
Dr Fei Huang

29 July 2025

Focused man coding on desktop computer in stylish office space.

1 CPD Point

From Spreadsheet to AI Agents: How Actuaries Can Lead the Productivity Revolution

What if the most stressful hour of your Monday morning could become the most productive?

Jared SpowartZeming Yu
Zeming Yu, Jared Spowart

28 July 2025

1 CPD Point

Mastering Presentation Skills: Expert Tips for Young Actuaries

Learn proven presentation techniques that transform young actuaries from technical experts into confident leaders who drive workplace change.

Actuaries Institute
Actuaries Institute

28 July 2025

A photo of rough seas.

1 CPD Point

Autumn 2025 Sees Highest-Ever Climate Index

The Australian Actuaries Climate Index (AACI) recorded its highest ever composite index value in the autumn of 2025, driven primarily by sea levels.

Emma Vitz
Emma Vitz

23 July 2025

Woman listening to unrecognizable female doctor giving advice.

1 CPD Point

Bridging Purpose and Progress: Measuring Success in PHI Risk Equalisation

PHI risk equalisation needs clear purpose, stakeholder alignment, and measurement systems. Discover frameworks for performance tracking and continuous improvement.

Andrew Matthews
Andrew Matthews

17 July 2025

Senior couple embracing while standing near fence in their front yard.

1 CPD Point

Case Study: How Innovative Retirement Income Streams Compare to CPI-linked Annuities

Compare guaranteed CPI-linked lifetime annuities with flexible, investment-linked IRIS products. Learn the trade-offs between certainty and market participation to choose the right retirement income strategy.

Richard LeckeyDavid OrfordJim Hennington
Jim Hennington, David Orford, Richard Leckey

17 July 2025

1 CPD Point

Product Sustainability, Financial Guidance and Genetics Regulation: The 2025 Life Insurance Appointed Actuary Forum

Catch up on key discussions from the 2025 Actuaries Institute AA Forum including IDII challenges, advice reforms, genetics ban and industry priorities.

Martin Considine
Martin Considine

14 July 2025

Mid adult man working using laptop at library.

1 CPD Point

Innovation and Progress: Semester 1 2025 Results

The Institute congratulates 684 students who passed Semester 1 2025 subjects, with 113 achieving Fellowship qualification. 

Mike Callan
Mike Callan

13 July 2025

man and woman stand smiling holding a trophy

1 CPD Point

Your Nomination Matters: The Expanding Impact of Actuarial Leadership

The 2025 Actuary of the Year Award is now open for nominations – and we need your help to find this year's exceptional recipient.

Actuaries Institute
Actuaries Institute

10 July 2025

Over-the-shoulder view unrecognisable male worker attending online meeting.

1 CPD Point

Beyond the Screen: Mastering Communication and Time Management in Remote Work

Solve remote work communication challenges with proven strategies.

Daniel PodmoreSimon Ong
Simon Ong, Daniel Podmore

8 July 2025

2 men and two women sit on a stage in front of an audience

1 CPD Point

Transformations Too Big to Ignore

Three leading experts reveal how economic, energy, and scientific transformations are challenging traditional actuarial assumptions and models.

Actuaries Institute
Actuaries Institute

7 July 2025

New housing construction on the outer suburbs of Sydney.

1 CPD Point

The Next Generation: Strength, Vision and Legacy

Supporting Indigenous housing resilience through actuarial expertise.

Ash LivingstonSharanjit Paddam
Sharanjit Paddam, Ash Livingston

1 July 2025

1 CPD Point

The Longevity Conversation: Why Personalised Planning Horizons are the Missing Link in Retirement Advice

In the complex landscape of retirement planning, one question towers above all others: "How long will my money need to last?"

Richard LeckeyJim HenningtonDavid Orford
David Orford, Jim Hennington, Richard Leckey

1 July 2025

Complementing the Standard Risk Measure: Framing Super as an Investment for Retirement

A Discussion Paper introducing a new long-term investment risk measure for superannuation.

Read paper
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Thought leadership and public policy

More thought leadership
Submission

1 CPD Point

Consultation - Ban on the Use of Adverse Genetic Testing Results in Life Insurance

The Institute supports the Government’s decision to ban adverse genetic test results in life insurance underwriting.

Actuaries Institute

12 March 2025
Submission

1 CPD Point

APRA Consultation - Targeted Adjustments to General Insurance Reinsurance Settings

Reinsurance is a critical element of risk management for general insurance. The Institute welcomes the opportunity to provide feedback on reinsurance settings to assist in maintaining access for Australian insurers to global reinsurance arrangements and high-quality alternative protection markets.

Actuaries Institute

14 February 2025
Submission

1 CPD Point

Submission to SIRA Review into Home Building Compensation Scheme

Given the significant financial risk involved in home building, it is critical for societal resilience that Home Building Compensation schemes remain efficient and effective.

Actuaries Institute

27 November 2024
Submission

1 CPD Point

Response to Treasury - Review of AI and Australian Consumer Law

Responding to Treasury's review of AI and Australian Consumer Law, the Institute has drawn on recommendations made in prior extensive submissions to Government on AI including the need for regulation to be outcomes focused, prioritisation of existing regulation and guidance rather than new regulation and the creation of a centralised expert body to consider AI governance, regulation and guidance.

Actuaries Institute

13 November 2024
Publication

2 CPD Points

How COVID-19 has Affected Mortality in 2020 to 2023

The new Research Paper from the Mortality Working Group explores how COVID-19 affected mortality in Australia from 2020 to 2023 and how Australia’s experience compares with the rest of the world.

Mortality Working Group

28 July 2024

Housing in Australia: Financial Journeys Through Affordability, Retirement and Climate Challenges

A paper presented to the joint conference hosted by ABS and RBA examining Australia's dual housing challenges and their impact.

Read now
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Event insights

All presentations
Video

2 CPD Points

LASSO Regularised GLMs Enhancements for Life Insurance Experience Analysis

The revision of Actuarial Qualification Pathways paved the way for a new generation of actuaries equipped with improved statistical techniques. At the same time, established methods remain at the heart of life insurance experience analyses. This session bridges these perspectives by exploring LASSO regularisation within generalised linear models (GLMs). Whether you are a recent graduate familiar with modern techniques or a seasoned professional with deep experience, this discussion will show you how LASSO-regularised GLMs can complement traditional approaches.

Tim Lam and Byron Wong

29 July 2025
Presentation slides

1 CPD Point

LASSO Regularised GLM Enhancements for Life Insurance Experience Analysis

The revision of Actuarial Qualification Pathways paved the way for a new generation of actuaries equipped with improved statistical techniques. At the same time, established methods remain at the heart of life insurance experience analyses. This session bridges these perspectives by exploring LASSO regularisation within generalised linear models (GLMs). Whether you are a recent graduate familiar with modern techniques or a seasoned professional with deep experience, this discussion will show you how LASSO-regularised GLMs can complement traditional approaches.

Tim Lam

29 July 2025
Video

2 CPD Points

Data Meet Up

This meeting focused on the role of mathematics in AI, particularly in building large language models, with discussions on tokenization, embeddings, attention mechanisms, and training methods. The speakers explored the capabilities and limitations of AI models, including their ability to handle various tasks and languages, as well as the challenges in implementing AI across different sectors. The conversation ended with considerations on the growing demand for AI and its potential overuse, emphasizing the importance of balancing AI implementation with customer needs and maintaining human oversight in areas like coding and data science.

Sachin Abeywardana

15 July 2025
Video

2 CPD Points

Mortality Update 2020-2024: annual update on excess mortality

The meeting focused on analyzing mortality trends from 2020 to 2024, with presenters discussing COVID-19's impact on death rates and comparing it to other causes like cancer and flu. The presenters examined regional patterns of excess mortality across different countries and analyzed life expectancy data from the World Bank, highlighting how governments' responses to the pandemic affected outcomes. The discussion concluded with an evaluation of mortality trends across various countries, including Australia's performance compared to others, and considered the long-term impact of the pandemic on mortality rates.

Richard Lyon and Matt Ralph

10 July 2025
Presentation slides

1 CPD Point

Master LinkedIn: Strategic networking for actuaries slides

Haylee and Leona conducted an insight session on LinkedIn strategic networking for actuaries, covering profile optimization, engagement strategies, and content creation techniques. The session included discussions on building thought leadership, networking effectively, and leveraging LinkedIn's features to enhance professional visibility and career opportunities. The presenters shared practical advice on timing, keyword selection, and authentic content creation to help actuaries maximize their LinkedIn presence and connect with potential opportunities.

Haylee Kerans and Leona Spencer

1 July 2025
Video

2 CPD Points

Master LinkedIn Strategic networking for actuaries

Haylee and Leona conducted an insight session on LinkedIn strategic networking for actuaries, covering profile optimization, engagement strategies, and content creation techniques. The session included discussions on building thought leadership, networking effectively, and leveraging LinkedIn's features to enhance professional visibility and career opportunities. The presenters shared practical advice on timing, keyword selection, and authentic content creation to help actuaries maximize their LinkedIn presence and connect with potential opportunities.

Haylee Kerans and Leona Spencer

1 July 2025
Video

2 CPD Points

Women Actuaries Connect Event

The Women Actuaries Connect Plus event was launched to strengthen pathways for women actuaries and address professional barriers, with a focus on fostering connections and community building. The event featured a guest speaker who shared their career journey and emphasized the importance of networking, discussing how building meaningful relationships can lead to career advancement. The speaker addressed common fears and misconceptions about networking, providing practical strategies and tips for effective professional connections while highlighting the value of both in-person and virtual networking opportunities.

Kresh Wright

26 June 2025
Video

2 CPD Points

Data Meet Up

The meeting covered various aspects of AI and data science in education and professional settings, including discussions on teaching methods, challenges with AI-generated content, and the use of AI tools in course development and feedback processes. Participants explored the integration of AI in workflows, the importance of human oversight in AI systems, and the concept of instinctive recognition of flawed models. The event concluded with announcements about job opportunities and consultancy services, as well as an invitation for networking.

Luana Woodward

24 June 2025
Presentation slides

1 CPD Point

Actuaries in Action; Superannuation & Investments

The meeting featured an insight session where four actuaries shared their career journeys in the financial and actuarial sectors, discussing their experiences in retirement solutions, consulting, and trading roles. The panelists explored the value of actuarial training in various professional settings, including consulting and direct employment, while addressing stereotypes about actuaries and emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and professional development. The discussion concluded with conversations about actuaries' roles in improving retirement outcomes and their career development journeys, highlighting the significance of mentorship, effective communication, and aligning personal values with career choices.

Aidan Nguyen, Estelle Liu, Hendrie Koster, Shang Wu and Victor Huang

21 June 2025
Video

2 CPD Points

AI and Chill Improve your productivity Work Smarter, Not Harder

Colin discussed the capabilities, limitations, and best practices for using Large Language Models (LLMs) in various professional contexts, emphasizing the importance of human judgment and oversight. He demonstrated practical applications of AI across industries, including insurance, banking, and education, while highlighting strategies for improving prompts and outputs. The session concluded with insights on staying informed about AI developments and a call for feedback to enhance future discussions.

Colin Priest

22 May 2025
Video

2 CPD Points

Actuaries in Action; Superannuation & Investments

The meeting featured an insight session where four actuaries shared their career journeys in the financial and actuarial sectors, discussing their experiences in retirement solutions, consulting, and trading roles. The panelists explored the value of actuarial training in various professional settings, including consulting and direct employment, while addressing stereotypes about actuaries and emphasizing the importance of lifelong learning and professional development. The discussion concluded with conversations about actuaries' roles in improving retirement outcomes and their career development journeys, highlighting the significance of mentorship, effective communication, and aligning personal values with career choices.

Aidan Nguyen, Estelle Liu, Hendrie Koster, Shang Wu and Victor Huang

21 May 2025
Video

2 CPD Points

Data Meet Up

The Sydney AI and Data Science Meetup concluded its last meeting at the Institute of Actuaries, with the next meetup scheduled at Australia Square. The discussion focused on the evolution of coding, the potential pitfalls of using AI for predictive models, and the capabilities and potential of AI systems. The meeting also addressed the impact of AI on various professions, the improvements in AI's reasoning models, and the potential of AI in solving complex problems.

Eugene Dubossarsky

6 May 2025
Presentation slides

1 CPD Point

Insights Session; Metabolic Health and Implications on Insurance slides

The meeting focused on metabolic health and its implications for insurance, covering topics such as the importance of understanding how people live, the impact of diet and lifestyle on health, and potential innovations in insurance products and wellness programs. The discussion emphasized the need for a shift in approach, from supporting people when they need insurance to rewarding prevention, and explored the potential of incorporating metabolic health factors into underwriting, pricing, and claims management. The team also shared personal experiences with glucose monitoring and addressed questions about using wellness data in life insurance, highlighting challenges and opportunities in this evolving field.

Aidan Nguyen, Ingrid Thorn, Cara Jiao

30 April 2025
Video

2 CPD Points

Insights Session: Metabolic Health and Implications on Insurance

The meeting focused on metabolic health and its implications for insurance, covering topics such as the importance of understanding how people live, the impact of diet and lifestyle on health, and potential innovations in insurance products and wellness programs. The discussion emphasized the need for a shift in approach, from supporting people when they need insurance to rewarding prevention, and explored the potential of incorporating metabolic health factors into underwriting, pricing, and claims management. The team also shared personal experiences with glucose monitoring and addressed questions about using wellness data in life insurance, highlighting challenges and opportunities in this evolving field.

Aidan Nguyen, Ingrid Thorn, Cara Jiao

30 April 2025
Video

2 CPD Points

Value-Based Healthcare; What is it and How can Actuaries play a role?

Get an introduction to value-based care, a value-based care framework and delve into barriers to implementing value-based care, lessons from other parts of the world and Actuaries and value-based care.

James Richardson, Ash Evans, James Goldsmith, Adam Mazay and Wayne Wang

18 April 2025
Video

2 CPD Points

Data Meet Up - AB Testing; The good, the bad and the ugly

The AI and Data Meetup group discussed various aspects of data science in retail settings, including challenges in A/B testing, recommendation engines, and store-level trials. The group explored the importance of stakeholder management, data analysis techniques, and the use of synthetic data in system setup. They also touched on understanding customer preferences, the credibility of research papers, and the value of diverse perspectives in solving

Peter Yeates

15 April 2025

Unmasking Greenwashing with AI

The rise of greenwashing – the exaggeration or fabrication of eco-friendly practices – has become a significant challenge, eroding trust and distorting critical data that actuaries rely on for decision-making. To combat this challenge, advanced technologies like Natural Language Processing (NLP) can be used to uncover misleading claims and promote accountability in sustainability practices.

Read the article
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Trending topics

All Actuaries Digital articles

1 CPD Point

COVID-19 Deaths the Key Driver for 2024 Excess Mortality to November

In their latest article, the Mortality Working Group shares excess mortality analysis for the first 11 months of 2024. In summary For the first 11 months of 2024, against a baseline that includes anticipated COVID-19 deaths, total mortality was 1% higher than predicted, which is just within the 95% confidence interval. The statistically significant outcomes […]

Mortality Sub-Committee
Mortality Sub-Committee

19 March 2025

1 CPD Point

I am an Actuary: April Edition

In the latest edition of‘I am an Actuary’we speak to four actuaries whose journey spans from pragmatic beginnings to self-taught innovation, strategic shifts and familial influence turned passion, to get their perspectives on the ever-evolving landscape of actuarial excellence.Andy Nguyen My journey into becoming an Actuary began with a practical consideration: […]

Martin Mulcare
Martin Mulcare

14 April 2024

Young female candidate talking to human resource team during a job interview in the office.

1 CPD Point

The Top Skills Employers Want When Hiring Actuaries

As the job market continues to evolve, offering new opportunities, SKL founder and managing director, Jas Singh checks in at 2024’s midyear point to share the skills and attributes that actuarial employers are prioritising in their hiring process. From the development of powerful artificial technologies to surviving global climate catastrophes, the actuarial industry is constantly […]

Jas Singh
Jas Singh

29 May 2024

Young couple viewing a house with a real-estate agent.

1 CPD Point

Why Buying a Home is Far Better than Renting

Detailed analysis reveals homeowners are over $1 million better off at retirement than renters.

Jim HenningtonDavid Orford
David Orford, Jim Hennington

28 May 2024

A snapshot of the ActuaryGPT bot.

1 CPD Point

An Interview With ActuaryGPT: The Actuary of the Future?

In 72 hours, Justin created a specialised actuarial AI assistant and put it through its paces via interview. From Monte Carlo stock price simulations to professional insights, discover how custom AI tools could reshape actuarial practice while preserving human expertise.

Justin McGee Odger
Justin McGee Odger

27 October 2024

Confident female doctor pointing digital tablet while consulting patient in the medical office.

1 CPD Point

An Introduction to Value-Based Care and the Potential Role of Actuaries

Learn about the transformative potential of Value-Based Care in addressing Australia’s healthcare challenges through improved outcomes and cost management.

Actuaries Institute
Actuaries Institute

4 March 2025

A person with a hand typing in a computer

1 CPD Point

Visualising Data

The sheer volume of data produced daily is staggering, and without proper interpretation, it remains just numbers. This is where data visualisation comes in – transforming data into formats that can be easily understood and utilised. Research consistently shows that humans better understand and retain information presented in charts rather than raw numbers.

Jonathan Tan
Jonathan Tan

11 November 2024

Side view of financial specialist checking data. Joyful man in formalwear making financial report and forecast, calculating and analyzing stock market data.Financial analytics, business growth concept

1 CPD Point

Appropriate Indexation of Retirement Income

This article explores how retirement spending may change for individuals as they progress through retirement, and the impact of choosing an appropriate level of indexation on their retirement income could have on their required level of retirement savings. One of the fundamental elements that is often overlooked when helping individuals plan for their retirement is […]

Ruvinda Nanayakkara
Ruvinda Nanayakkara

14 April 2024

A man worker on coding on his phone and laptop.

1 CPD Point

Actuarial Cash Flow Model in Python

Learn how insurance cash flow models work conceptually, then build a simple term life insurance model using the open-source cashflower package.

Zuzanna Chmielewska
Zuzanna Chmielewska

6 September 2023

www.scottehler.com

1 CPD Point

Reinsurance under IFRS 17: Many devils in the details

The new IFRS 17 standard for the accounting of insurance contracts is mandatory for IFRS accounts from this year onwards. In the time since its publication, we discovered that it creates significant challenges in re-assessing margin expectations and reflecting the outcome in the financial statements. As we will show in this article, this applies in […]

Sunil KansalMichael Winkler
Michael Winkler, Sunil Kansal

24 July 2023

A photo of Andrew Ngai at the 2023 Microsoft Excel World Cup.

1 CPD Point

Under the Spotlight with the Microsoft Excel King, Andrew Ngai

Meet the Taylor Fry actuary who became a three-time Microsoft Excel world champion, going viral in the process. Andrew Ngai shares how actuarial problem-solving skills translated to championship success, the impact of viral fame and practical Excel tips for professionals.

Actuaries Institute
Actuaries Institute

13 February 2024

Woman making notes while working on computer. Female computer programmer working at her desk.

1 CPD Point

Determination and Dedication: Semester 2 Results

The Actuaries Institute’s Education Team is dedicated to supporting members in qualifying for and succeeding in their actuarial careers through our student-centric education program. Our tutorials, assignments, and real-life examples enrich the learning experience, fostering practical understanding and skill development. This semester, we’ve continued to identify opportunities to embed AI skills and techniques in our […]

Mike Callan
Mike Callan

13 January 2025

Elderly woman reading documents on a couch

1 CPD Point

Re-evaluating the ASFA Standard: How to Afford a “Comfortable” Retirement With Less Super

For 20 years now, the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) has been publishing a breakdown of the annual budget for a ‘comfortable’ or ‘modest’ retirement and the estimated super balance required to achieve it. This standard is widely used by super funds as a guide for their members and by commentators more generally. But with the retirement landscape changing significantly in recent years, new retirement income products are emerging. In this article, we explore whether the new ‘lifetime’ income products can achieve the same comfortable retirement with less money.

David OrfordJim Hennington
Jim Hennington, David Orford

26 November 2024

A middle aged Caucasian couple is bonding in the kitchen. The wife is sitting on the countertop showing her husband something on her smartphone

1 CPD Point

Period Life Expectancy vs Cohort Life Expectancy: The Difference is Important

The term‘life expectancy‘should be treated with care when it comes to financial planning, especially if you’re estimating how long an individual’s superannuation and savings need to last. The Encyclopaedia Britannica website explains that life expectancy is:“an estimate of the average number of additional years that a person of a given age can […]

Jim HenningtonDavid Orford
David Orford, Jim Hennington

9 September 2024

1 CPD Point

Purposeful Leadership: 2024 Actuary of the Year, Jan Swinhoe

Jan Swinhoe’s journey from a country girl to Actuary of the Year is a testament to her passion, perseverance, and diverse skill set. A lover of mathematics from a young age, Jan initially imagined herself as a university lecturer. “I especially loved maths and had ideas of being a university lecturer in pure maths, largely […]

Actuaries Institute
Actuaries Institute

24 September 2024

Future, LED, Projector, Digital.

1 CPD Point

The Weird World of Quantum Computing: Part 1

Quantum computing is revolutionising the way we think about data and computation.In the first of two articles on quantum computing, we introduce key concepts to demonstrate the differences between classical and quantum computing and explain why the latter can perform much faster. In the second article, we will explore which types of actuarial […]

David WhittleDr Anthony Lowe
Dr Anthony Lowe, David Whittle

5 September 2024

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