‘think’ thought leadership series

This series takes a fresh, sometimes challenging, look at some of the issues facing the actuarial profession and society

The ‘think’ series aims to promote debate on topics across the spectrum of actuarial work and beyond. It looks to provide a platform for members and stakeholders to share views that may differ from the IFoA’s ‘house’ view.

Through this, we hope to challenge the status quo within the profession, question orthodoxy, and shine a light on complex or under-examined issues. At its heart, the series is about stimulating discussion and dialogue to help tackle issues from a different perspective.

 

Edition 12: UK Stamp Duty: a path to enhanced mobility and social mobility

The twelfth edition in our ‘think’ series has been authored by IFoA Fellows Jake Iveson and Sarah Iveson. Jake is a London-based Chartered Actuary who works for the management consulting firm Oliver Wyman. He volunteers as Chair of the IFoA’s General Insurance Research and Thought Leadership Committee and Deputy Chair of its General Insurance Board. Sarah is the sole reserving actuary at Berkley Re, a Freeman of the Worshipful Company of Insurers (WCI) and serves as a committee member for the WCI’s young members section iEngage.

In this article, Jake and Sarah argue that residential Stamp Duty Land Tax (rSDLT) poses a significant barrier to mobility in the UK, substantially increasing the upfront cost of moving house.

Read the full piece to learn more about their proposed solution: restructuring rSDLT to allow homeowners to apply previously paid stamp duty towards the amount owed on subsequent property purchases.

Ask the authors

To deepen the discussion, we invite you to join the authors at a live Q&A session at 12:00 BST (UTC + 1) on 4 September 2025. This is your opportunity to engage directly with Jake and Sarah, ask questions, and reflect on how actuarial insights can help shape a fairer and more dynamic housing market. 

Book your place

UK Stamp Duty: a path to enhanced mobility and social mobility

UK Stamp Duty: a path to enhanced mobility and social mobility

Authors: IFoA Fellows Jake Iveson and Sarah Iveson. PDF, 2 MB
Read issue 12
Previous editions
‘think’ edition 11: Behavioural interventions for building climate resilience

‘think’ edition 11: Behavioural interventions for building climate resilience

The eleventh edition in this series has been authored by IFoA Fellow Rajeshwarie VS as a follow-up to issue 4.
Read issue 11
‘think’ edition 10: Student loans: failing students

‘think’ edition 10: Student loans: failing students

The tenth publication in the ‘think’ series has been authored by Richard Hartigan, Chair of the IFoA General Insurance Standards and Consultations Committee (GISCC) and member of the General Insurance Board.
Read issue 10
‘think’ edition 9: The population implosion: what choices do we have?

‘think’ edition 9: The population implosion: what choices do we have?

Our ninth publication in the ‘think’ series has been authored by insurance professional and IFoA Council member Dermot Grenham.
Read issue 9
‘think’ edition 8: Potholes and possibilities: the policy and reputational road ahead for insurance

‘think’ edition 8: Potholes and possibilities: the policy and reputational road ahead for insurance

Our eighth publication in the ‘think’ series has been authored by insurance consultant Seth Williams.
Read issue 8
‘think’ edition 7: UK longevity – are we missing a trick?

‘think’ edition 7: UK longevity – are we missing a trick?

Our seventh publication in the ‘think’ series has been authored by Esther McNamara, Senior Health Policy Lead at the International Longevity Centre.
Read issue 7
‘think’ edition 6: Public private partnerships – why the time is ripe for a new generation of smarter PPPs to flourish

‘think’ edition 6: Public private partnerships – why the time is ripe for a new generation of smarter PPPs to flourish

Our sixth publication in the ‘think’ series has been authored by Chris Lewin, Chair of the IFoA Infrastructure Working Party.
Read issue 6
‘think’ edition 5: Clearing the air: the UK’s plan for a smoke free generation

‘think’ edition 5: Clearing the air: the UK’s plan for a smoke free generation

Our fifth publication in the ‘think’ series has been authored by IFoA Honorary Fellow Nicola Draper.
Read issue 5
‘think’ edition 4: The Brain Game: How can actuaries leverage behavioural economics?

‘think’ edition 4: The Brain Game: How can actuaries leverage behavioural economics?

Our fourth publication in the ‘think’ series is by IFoA Fellow Rajeshwarie VS.
Read issue 4
‘think’ edition 3: Tackling the gender pensions gap – the road to financial equality in retirement

‘think’ edition 3: Tackling the gender pensions gap – the road to financial equality in retirement

Our third publication in the ‘think’ series has been authored by Now:Pensions.
Read issue 3
‘think’ edition 2: Much to GAIN – valuing neurodiversity in the workplace

‘think’ edition 2: Much to GAIN – valuing neurodiversity in the workplace

Our second publication in the ‘think’ series is by Dr Vina Theodorakopoulou, a behavioural economist.
Read issue 2
‘think’ edition 1: Revolutionising fairness to enable digital insurance

‘think’ edition 1: Revolutionising fairness to enable digital insurance

Our first publication in the ‘think’ series is by Duncan Minty, a chartered insurance practitioner and independent ethics adviser.
Read issue 1
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Contact us

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If you have any questions or would like to contribute to a future ‘think’ piece, please contact the IFoA Policy Team.

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