Hot topics of 2025 revealed 

Insurance, climate, artificial intelligence and career development were high on the list for actuaries engaging with our content in 2025. 

You showed diverse interests and real curiosity for the issues that are shaping the future. 

Here’s a recap of some of the most-read articles of the year: 

Insurance, pricing and reserving 

• The Aussie Advantage: How our actuaries pioneered insurance reserving by Geoff Atkins: A reflective examination of how Australian actuaries developed world-leading reserving approaches and why judgement, context and communication remain central to the discipline. 
• California Wildfires: Issues, Challenges and Lessons for Insurance and Reinsurance by Saliya Jinadasa: An analysis of catastrophe risk, insurance availability and reinsurance capacity, drawing lessons from one of the largest systemic loss events in recent history. 
• Why Pet Insurance Should be Focusing on the Tail Risks — I'm not Joking by Tom van Denderen: A data-driven challenge to conventional pet insurance design, arguing that catastrophic vet bills, not everyday claims, represent the real protection gap. 

Artificial intelligence, data and emerging technology 

As AI becomes more embedded in actuarial work, readers sought you loved articles that balanced innovation with governance, ethics and consumer outcomes. 

• Check your AI: A Framework for its Use in Actuarial Practice by Dr Fei Huang: A practical framework for responsible AI use, extending the actuarial control cycle to embed fairness, transparency and accountability. 
• AI Case Studies: Reimagining Underwriting for the Digital Age by Sting Fan: A hypothetical case study illustrating how AI could transform life insurance underwriting and the critical role actuaries play in managing associated risks. 
• AI Case Studies: Smart Homes, Smarter Insurance by the Actuaries Institute: An exploration of how smart home technology and sensor data could reshape pricing, underwriting and claims outcomes in general insurance. 

Climate, sustainability and risk communication 

Climate-related risk and sustainability reporting remained areas of strong engagement, particularly where articles moved beyond compliance. 

• The Role of Actuaries in Measuring Scope 3 Greenhouse Gas Emissions by Heidi Hunter: A guide to Australia's evolving climate disclosure requirements, the challenges of measuring Scope 3 emissions and where actuarial skills can add value. 
• An Introduction to Value-based Care and the Potential Role of Actuaries by the Actuaries Institute: An examination of value-based care in Australia's health system, highlighting how actuarial expertise can support better outcomes and cost management. 
• Why a Manga-predicted Earthquake Scared Tourists and What it Reveals about Climate and Risk Communication by Erick R. Velasco-Reyes, Maura Feddersen, Alexander Pui: A behavioural lens on why fictional narratives can outweigh statistical evidence and what this means for risk communication. 

Careers, communication and professional influence 

Many of the most-read articles focused on how actuaries build influence, visibility and connection in hybrid and digital workplaces. 

• Getting Your Voice Heard: Trusty Tactics for Young Actuaries by Alexander Fioretto: Insights from actuarial leaders on speaking up, influencing decisions and navigating senior conversations with confidence. 
• 7 Ways You Can Master LinkedIn by the Actuaries Institute: A practical guide to building a credible, authentic LinkedIn presence that supports career momentum. 
• Women's Actuaries Connect+: From "Who You Know" to "Who Knows You" by the Actuaries Institute: Key takeaways from the inaugural event, exploring networking, visibility and inclusive professional pathways. 

Broadening the actuarial career lens 

Readers showed strong interest in stories highlighting the diversity of actuarial careers and the transferability of actuarial skills. 

• I am an Actuary featuring Effie Zhang, Alyssa Dai, Aniket Panesar, Ashley Lin, Kai Zhi Lim, Karen Chan and Matthew Winfred: Seven personal reflections illustrating how actuarial training can lead to varied, impactful careers across industries and geographies. 
• Actuaries Working in New Fields featuring Hugh Karp and Nafiz Farnaz: Profiles of actuaries applying their skills in entrepreneurship, data, product strategy and leadership beyond traditional practice areas. 

What will 2026 bring? 

Thank you to the authors who shared their expertise throughout the year and to readers who continue to make Actuaries Digital a space for thoughtful dialogue. 

If you have insights, research or perspectives to share with the actuarial community, we'd love to hear from you. Submit your article ideas or proposed contributions to [email protected] .