New topics for future IFoA thematic reviews

07 December 2022

We are pleased to announce future review topics for the Thematic Review Programme. Topics are chosen in areas of significant public interest with the potential for the review to provide useful insights into the work of members.

We look forward to engaging with members and other stakeholders as we scope these topics over the next two years. If you have an interest in any of these topics and would like to be involved, the Review Team would be pleased to hear from you. Please contact them by emailing reviews@actuaries.org.uk.

Data Science

This covers a range of techniques used to analyse and model large and diverse data sources. It may include use of complex modelling techniques across a range of programming platforms. This exercise will gather information on the use of data science by actuaries across different practice areas and work functions, both in the UK and globally.

Pensions on divorce

This is a niche area of work in which actuaries provide advice and calculations on pension sharing in divorce cases. The review will continue our ‘Actuaries as Experts’ series, looking at narrower, or less typical, fields of expertise. The review will look at current actuarial practice in this area. It will also cover the way actuaries provide their advice to customers.

Cyber risk

This is now an established risk managed by firms employing actuaries. The work of actuaries may include quantifying and managing risks from potential cyber events, developing and pricing cyber risk products, and identifying potential latent risk from legacy products. This review will aim to understand better where and how actuaries are involved.

Pension scheme benefit design

Actuarial advice is critical when benefit changes are proposed for UK-defined benefit pension schemes, as changes may affect accrued or future benefits for scheme members. This review will look at current practices adopted by actuaries in pension scheme design. It will also cover the treatment of potential conflicts of interest.

 

The IFoA Thematic Review Programme is part of the Actuarial Monitoring Scheme (AMS), designed to improve the effectiveness of actuarial regulation in the public interest, provide meaningful, credible, independent feedback to members and their employers and promote ongoing reinforcement and continuous improvement.