
Contingencies
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Building Insurance Literacy
Insurance touches nearly every aspect of financial life, yet many Americans lack a clear understanding of how it works or why it matters. This article explores the drivers and consequences of insurance illiteracy and highlights the vital role... Read More
Autism in the Workplace: A Personal Journey of Discovery and Understanding
As we honor World Autism Month in April, this article seeks to raise awareness about autism creating a deeper understanding of the value autistic individuals bring to professional environments and promoting greater inclusion and support. By... Read More
How an actuary convinced doctors to revisit their assumption setting
By Lenny Shteyman MAAA, FSA A doctor and actuary walk into an emergency room…. It sounds like the beginning of a dark joke actuaries would appreciate, except that it became my reality for five days in a row. Here’s my story. During my... Read More
Cyber Awareness: It's Everyone’s Responsibility
Actuaries, insurers, regulators, and individuals—all play a part in mitigating the evolving risks. October marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a crucial time to reflect on the evolving landscape of cyber risk. In an age where digital threats... Read More
Throwing Starfish: The Quest to Save a Million Lives
How actuaries, along with insurance and health care professionals, are addressing concerns around adverse mortality trends. By Nate Worrell A Dire Situation “There, along the strip of wet sand that marks the tide, death walks hugely and... Read More
Volunteer Value—Giving Back, Gaining Benefits
Academy volunteers sound off on the advantages of serving on a committee or work group The Academy’s 1,000+ volunteers are the lifeblood of the organization, working with staff to deliver over 300 resources annually to benefit our members and... Read More
Celebrating Women in the Actuarial Field
Read about the inspiring experiences and outlooks of our roundtable respondents. On the occasion of Women’s History Month, Contingencies sat down for a roundtable discussion with seven women at various stages of their careers in the actuarial... Read More
WEB EXCLUSIVE: What the Hack?
Cybercrime and ransomware have become a global concern for governments and businesses By Michael G. Malloy The adage that crime doesn’t pay is being turned on its head with cybercrime, which pays well (often in hard-to-trace... Read More
Charting the Future of Insurance
NAIC President Jon Godfread, Nebraska Insurance Commissioner Eric Dunning, Wisconsin Insurance Commissioner Nathan Houdek, and NAIC President-Elect Scott White discuss key regulatory priorities, emerging risks, and the evolving insurance landscape—mapping a path forward through innovation, consumer protection, and risk management.
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The Academy Advantage
In the world of actuarial science, professional growth continues long after the final exam. For many actuaries, joining the American Academy of Actuaries is a pivotal and advantageous step in their careers. We spoke with several longtime members about their experiences with the Academy. Their stories highlight how membership and their engagement with the Academy has benefited their careers, broadened their perspectives, and strengthened the profession.
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Positioned For Impact
Early-career actuaries explain how Academy membership sets them up for opportunities in professional engagement and public policy impact, which can significantly shape an actuary’s career path.
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The Dynamics of Market Forces—Squaring the Circle
Understanding the applicability of supply and demand can help practicing actuaries not only analyze economic pricing but also assess the impact of tax policies, government intervention, and producer behavior.
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Aging and Financial Security: It’s Complicated
America’s demographics are rapidly changing. One out of six citizens is now at least 65 years old; a century ago, that figure was one in 20, according to census data.
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What Makes a Chief Actuary Truly Effective?
Learn about the 10 key competencies that enable chief actuaries to drive success in insurance companies across all sectors. By Ken Avner, Jack Burke, William Cashion, Patrick Getzen, Dave Nelson, Keith Passwater, Dan Rachfalski, Stafford... Read More
Raising Awareness of Health Equity Considerations in Actuarial Work
Inherent biases in program development and modeling can contribute to health disparities, but existing ASOP guidance can help identify and mitigate these disparities. By Ian McCulla As trusted advisors for organizations interested in managing... Read More
The Dynamics of Market Forces—Setting the Stage
By Carlos Fuentes Editor’s Note: This is the first of a two-part series examining the dynamics of market forces that govern the economy, which is the stage in which actuaries operate. The historical development of utility, supply, and... Read More
The Power of Volunteering
By Anthony Washington From a 35-minute inaugural board meeting in 1965 to a thriving network of more than 1,000 volunteers, the Academy has built a lasting legacy of leadership and impact. As the Academy modernizes its approach to volunteer... Read More