Strat 1: Milliman

Room: Strat 1
Language: English
Title: Unlock Your Future with Milliman: International Experience and Professional Growth

Description:
Join us for an inspiring seminar designed to give you a glimpse into a future with Milliman’s Chicago office.
– Discover life-changing opportunities to relocate to Chicago for an internship.
– Hear personal and professional growth stories from employees working internationally.
– Learn about Milliman’s pioneering work in life insurance and financial risk management, including outsourcing, hedging, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory consulting.
– Explore how our integrated approach in Financial Risk Management, Life Technology Solutions, and Life Consulting creates a collaborative environment.

Connect with industry leaders, gain valuable insights, and start your international career journey with Milliman.

Speakers:
Rajeev Dutt, Principal and Consulting Actuary, FRM (FSA, FCIA, CERA, MAAA)
Erica Lee, Consulting Actuary, LTS (FSA, CERA, MAAA)
Yiteng Zhang, Consulting Actuary, Chicago Life (FSA, MAAA)

Strat 2: Manulife

Room: Strat 2
Language: English
Title: Life Insurance Products and Drivers of Earnings

Description:
Come learn about life insurance products! In this interactive session, we will discuss:
– Different products and features.
– How actuarial expertise is used throughout the product life cycle.
– How insurance companies recognize profits throughout the life of a product.

Speaker:
Julien Larivée (FSA, Canadian Inforce Management)
Julien has been with Manulife for nearly 9 years, specializing in life insurance products.

Strat 3: Intact

Room: Strat 3
Language: English
Title: Challenges & Opportunities for Specialty Lines Actuaries in P&C

Description:
Join Yvonne and Vincent to discover the dynamic world of P&C Specialty Lines insurance:
– Learn about the opportunities and challenges in this segmented market.
– Understand how actuaries tackle complex pricing for high-stakes policies.
– Gain insights into Intact’s global advantage and strength in distribution.

Speakers:
Yvonne Cheng, Actuarial Director, Specialty Lines (FCAS, FCIA)
Focuses on pricing specialty lines such as Property, Liability, Energy, Marine, and more.

Vincent Quirion, Actuarial VP, Specialty Solutions (FCAS, FCIA)
Has 20 years of experience at Intact, working across departments in pricing, underwriting, and analytics.

Strat 5 & 6: CAAT

Room: Strat 5 & 6
Language: English
Title: Redefining Retirement: DBplus and the Future of Pension Actuarial Work

Description:
Explore the evolving world of pension actuarial work:
– Discover adaptive funding strategies and advanced risk management techniques.
– Learn about DBplus as a modern alternative to traditional DB and DC plans.
– Understand how secure, predictable pensions with fixed contributions can offer enhancements.

Speakers:
Jacquelyn Baxandall
Focuses on supporting plan growth, merger pricing, and integrating new employers into DBplus.

Wendy Pan
Specializes in member benefit projections, risk management, and plan improvement analyses.

Up. Fall View B: CIA/ICA

Room: Up. Fall View B
Language: English/French
Title: Pathways to Prepare You for the Future: Transition to 2026

Description:
Join us for an informative session on the CIA qualification pathways to ACIA (Associate) and FCIA (Fellow) designations:
– Learn about the CIA’s state-of-the-art education system and evaluation process.
– Discover how to become a Student or Candidate member and the transition rules approaching 2026.
– Audience participation is encouraged, with prizes to be won!

Speakers:
Michael Stinchcombe (FCIA), Chair, CIA Education and Qualification Council
David Siddall (FCIA), Actuary, Education, Canadian Institute of Actuaries
Alicia Rollo, Director, Education and International Affairs, Canadian Institute of Actuaries

Strat 1: Moody’s

Room: Strat 1
Language: English
Title: Interactive Simulation and Sensitivity Analysis Tools in Actuarial Software

Description:
1. Introduction to Simulation and Sensitivity Analysis
2. Types of Simulations in Actuarial Software
3. How Sensitivity Analysis Works in Actuarial Models
4. Key Features of Simulation and Sensitivity Analysis Tools
5. Benefits of Interactive Simulation and Sensitivity Analysis
6. Challenges and Considerations

Speakers:
Jay Lin (FSA, FCIA, FRM), Associate Director at Moody’s Analytics. Graduated with a Master of Mathematical Finance from the University of Toronto.
Luke Yang (FSA, FCIA), Associate Director at Moody’s Analytics, holds a Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo.

Strat 2: Sun Life

Room: Strat 2
Language: French
Title: Tracer votre chemin avec Sun Life : Opportunités, Stratégies et Témoignages

Description:
Vous vous demandez comment décrocher un poste à la Sun Life et faire évoluer votre carrière au sein d’une des plus grandes compagnies d’assurance au Québec et au Canada? Participez à notre séminaire en français!

Nous aborderons :
– Le chemin vers le succès : Découvrez les rôles disponibles, comment obtenir un stage à la Sun Life et le transformer en poste à temps plein.
– Perspectives internes : Écoutez nos parcours personnels, les stratégies qui ont fonctionné, les défis rencontrés, et les leçons à retenir.

Cette session est l’occasion idéale pour obtenir des conseils et poser vos questions. Nous avons hâte de vous rencontrer et de partager nos expériences !

Speakers:
Amine Ben Arous, Dan Lucaciu Chifu, Natiah Randrianasolo

Strat 3: Munich Re

Room: Strat 3
Language: English
Title: Understanding National Pharmacare in Canada

Description:
Prescription medications are a cornerstone of healthcare, but have you ever stopped to think about who foots the bill—or how those prices are set? The drug insurance landscape in Canada is a maze of complexity, with evolving trends and policies reshaping how medications are funded and accessed.

Join Xander Goh, an industry expert from Munich Re, as he demystifies Canada’s drug insurance ecosystem and dives into the potential impact of National Pharmacare.

This engaging session will explore:
– Who really pays for your medications and the intricate funding mechanisms at play.
– Emerging trends in drug costs and utilization that are influencing the healthcare landscape.
– The game-changing implications of new National Pharmacare laws for insurers, patients, and healthcare providers alike.
– The pivotal role of actuaries in navigating this evolving framework.

Whether you’re curious about the future of healthcare or want to understand how actuaries can influence meaningful change, this seminar promises insights, clarity, and actionable takeaways. Don’t miss this chance to connect the dots in Canada’s complex healthcare puzzle!

Speaker:
Xander Goh (FCIA, FSA), Director, Group Reinsurance Solutions
Xander has over 10 years of experience in the group insurance market, having worked at Munich Re and in group benefits consulting roles across Canada. He graduated from the University of Calgary’s Actuarial Science program and the Haskayne School of Business.

Strat 5: CAS

Room: Strat 5
Language: English
Title: Exploring New Horizons in Bias Mitigation for Insurance Pricing

Description:
This session will discuss the potential of telematics data—like driving patterns and behaviors—to provide a more direct link to accident risk, thereby improving fairness in pricing.

We will explore a recent CAS research paper that used telematics data from a Canadian insurance company to evaluate how this data can reduce the dependence on rating variables that may have impacts on protected groups. The results may surprise you.

Speakers:
Ken Williams (FCAS)
Craig Sloss (PhD, FCAS, FCIA), Technical Consultant and Lead Data Scientist at Definity Financial Corporation, specializes in predictive modeling and is the founding chair of Definity’s Bias and Fairness Subcommittee.

Up. Fall View B: SOA

Room: Up. Fall View B
Language: English
Title: SOA Pathways: Mapping Your Actuarial Journey

Description:
This session will provide a review of the Society of Actuaries (SOA) actuarial pathways. The SOA associateship and fellowship pathways continue to serve the global actuarial profession’s educational needs, providing the highest quality education and assessment to serve your current and future needs.

We will review:
– The current SOA associateship pathway that covers your foundational actuarial education.
– Details on the upcoming flexible SOA fellowship pathway designed to adapt to an ever-changing world.

Speakers:
Scott Lennox, Staff Fellow for the Society of Actuaries in Education, with over 30 years of work experience in actuarial fields.
Dirk Sack, AVP of Financial Projects at Co-operator’s Life Operations, with expertise in insurance and education.

Strat 1: AON

Room: Strat 1
Language: English
Title: Join Aon Professionals for an Exciting Panel Discussion!

Description:
Are you curious about the diverse career paths and opportunities within Aon? Don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights from our experienced professionals!

Our panelists are eager to share their knowledge about our organization, solution lines, and the exciting work they do. This is your opportunity to ask questions and get real answers from industry experts. Whether you’re exploring career options or looking to network, this event is designed to inspire and inform.

Come and discover how Aon can help you achieve your career goals!

Speakers:
Bryce Matthews – Actuarial Associate, Minet
Justine Harvey – Retirement Consultant, Wealth
Selina Wong – Pension Administration Associate Partner, Wealth
Linda Bian – Retirement Senior Consultant, Wealth
Alex Morakis – Senior Actuarial Analyst, Reinsurance

Strat 2: Sun Life

Room: Strat 2
Language: English
Title: Navigating Actuarial Pricing – A Development Perspective

Description:
Join us for an insightful seminar on the work of a pricing actuary, exploring the product life cycle and how it links to your professional development and career growth. Learn how actuarial roles shape businesses while advancing professional development.

The session also includes a panel of actuarial professionals sharing career journeys, challenges, and strategies for success. This is a must-attend for aspiring actuaries seeking inspiration and actionable advice.

Speakers:
Gabriel Peñalver
Hannah Watson
Nikhil Kakadiya
Shuk Yung Chan

Strat 3: UofT MFI

Room: Strat 3
Language: English
Title: Graduate School and Beyond

Description:
The Master of Financial Insurance (MFI) is an intensive, 12-month professional program offered by the Department of Statistical Sciences at the University of Toronto.

Designed at the crossroads of Finance and Insurance, with a strong emphasis on Data Science, the program equips students with advanced expertise in financial mathematics, actuarial science, and insurance modeling.

In this presentation, we’ll highlight the MFI program’s unique blend of academic rigor and industry relevance. From its comprehensive curriculum to its strong industry connections, the MFI program prepares students for diverse and rewarding careers in the financial insurance sector.

We’ll also explore the advantages of pursuing graduate studies with the MFI compared to entering the workforce directly after an undergraduate degree. Join us to discover how this program can position you for leadership roles in the evolving landscape of financial insurance and beyond.

Speakers:
Andrei Badescu – Director, Master of Financial Insurance Program
Sarah Lee – Graduate Administrator, Master of Financial Insurance Program
Shari Kurgatnikov – Internship Outreach Administrator, Master of Financial Insurance Program

Strat 5 & 6: AAA

Room: Strat 5 & 6
Language: French
Title: Ce que vous devez savoir sur les normes de qualification aux États-Unis

Description:
Rejoignez les représentants de l’association actuarielle nationale des États-Unis pour une présentation sur :
– Ce qu’il faut à un membre de l’ICA (ou d’une autre association actuarielle) pour devenir membre de l’Académie.
– Ce dont vous avez besoin pour être qualifié pour remettre des rapports aux États-Unis.
– Quelles règles de déontologie s’appliquent.
– Notre travail pour soutenir et informer les décideurs.
– Comment le processus disciplinaire américain fonctionne envers un membre de l’ICA.

Si vous envisagez de travailler un jour de l’autre côté de la frontière, cette séance s’adresse à vous.

Speaker:
Claire Mickelson

Up. Fall View B: CIA-ICA

Room: Up. Fall View B
Language: English
Title: Cracking the Vault: Unlocking Opportunities for Actuaries in Banking

Description:
Have you considered a career in banking?

The unique skillset you are acquiring to become an actuary will offer you a competitive advantage in a field where risk and an evolving regulatory landscape continue to create a plethora of needs.

Join us for a discussion on the treasure trove of potential for actuaries in banking, and learn about what the CIA is doing to equip actuarial students for success in this industry.

Speakers:
Francis Truong (ASA, ACIA, FRM)
David Hatherell (FASSA, FCIA, CERA)
Frederic Siino (MSc)
Rolly Molisho (FASSA, FCIA, CERA)

Strat 1: HUB International

Room: Strat 1
Language: English
Title: Seismic Shifts in the Employee Benefits – Helping Clients Through Innovation

Description:
The changes in the employee benefits landscape were accelerated by COVID-19, employee attraction and retention issues, inflation, DE&I initiatives, and much more. Employers are increasingly aware of key health concerns regarding their active workforce and need help addressing these issues by leveraging their employee benefits plan.

– Join us to explore the latest important changes in the employee benefits landscape.
– Learn about what actuarial colleagues do at HUB and how we help clients navigate these changes using our patented innovative approach.

Speakers:
Maxence Deschênes and Jean-Marc Jones are consultants in the National Accounts Team, specializing in employee benefits consulting and actuarial valuations.
Colin Paton is an account manager for complex risks, specializing in captives for P&C insurance.

Strat 2: Manulife

Room: Strat 2
Language: English
Title: Segregated Funds Overview

Description:
Join us for an insightful session on segregated funds. We’ll delve into product design, risk considerations, and key differences from mutual funds. Learn about segregated fund pricing and the day-to-day of an actuary at Manulife.

Speaker:
Eunice Yap, FSA, Canadian Segfund Pricing
Eunice has been working at Manulife for the past 5 years. She has previously held roles in capital management, overseeing segregated fund capital before transitioning into her project role in LICAT IFRS17. Eunice then moved to her current role in segregated fund pricing, where she leverages her previous knowledge in capital and explores a different aspect of the business.

Strat 3: Aviva

Room: Strat 3
Language: English
Title: Estimating Catastrophic Event Ultimate Losses

Description:
In a world filled with climate change and catastrophic events occurring at an increasing frequency, how does reserving perform catastrophic event ultimate loss estimation?

Please join us for a walkthrough of the work performed by our reserving actuaries.

Speaker:
Marty Baskaran
Marty is a University of Waterloo graduate, currently working as a senior actuarial analyst at Aviva on the Personal Pricing Property Indications team. He also has experience in reserving. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling, playing basketball, and playing chess.

Strat 5 & 6: Gallagher

Room: Strat 5 & 6
Language: English
Title: (Information not provided)

Up. Fall View B: SOA

Room: Up. Fall View B
Language: English
Title: “NetWorthing”: Connections for Your Long-Term Career

Description:
Join us for an interactive discussion with two actuaries who have leveraged interpersonal connections throughout their careers to build large networks with high-impact individuals.

You’ll learn more about how to:
– Hone your soft skills.
– Leverage the value of the mentor/mentee relationship.
– Use networking to support a successful long-term career.

Speakers:
Austin Riis-Due, ASA, is a third-year Ph.D. candidate in Actuarial Science and Quantitative Finance at the University of Waterloo. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas at Austin. His primary research interests are in mathematical reinforcement learning for actuarial problems and working collaboratively with industry partners.

Ibukun Adejuyigbe works for an investment firm where he helps construct portfolios for pension plans and foundations. He has worked as a pension actuary as well as in insurance. He studied actuarial science at the University of Western Ontario and has a master’s degree in statistics from the University of Toronto.

Strat 1: Desjardins

Room: Strat 1
Language: English
Title: Insurance Fraud and Its Effects on Auto Insurance Costs

Description:
Dive into the world of auto insurance fraud and discover why it’s a serious issue experienced by the entire industry. This seminar will break down the types of fraud impacting insurers and policyholder premiums, ranging from underwriting to claims fraud.

We’ll discuss how actuaries collaborate with other departments to analyze data, spot fraud, and help insurers protect against it.

Speakers:
Michelle Gardner, Senior Manager, Actuarial Analysis and Business Solutions
Jenny Wang, ACIA, Director, Atlantic and West Ratemaking

Michelle Gardner holds a bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science and Statistics from the University of Toronto. Over the last eight years, she has held various roles within the ratemaking and modeling teams and is now a Senior Manager within the Actuarial Analysis and Business Solutions team.

Jenny Wang holds a bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science from the University of Waterloo. With over 17 years of experience in the P&C industry, Jenny has worked in consulting, commercial lines, and personal lines before joining Desjardins three years ago.

Strat 2: Intact

Room: Strat 2
Language: English
Title: The Future of Insurance Distribution: Embedded Insurance and Ecosystems

Description:
Join Christian for an exciting exploration of the future of insurance distribution, focusing on evolving models like embedded insurance and ecosystems.

– Discover how embedded insurance integrates seamlessly into everyday transactions, providing effortless coverage.
– Explore how ecosystems create interconnected service networks that enhance customer experiences.

This session will also introduce innovative insurance products emerging from these models, such as personalized, on-demand coverage, micro-insurance, and parametric solutions.

Speaker:
Christian Strilchuk, Actuarial Consultant
Christian is an Actuarial Consultant on the direct distribution pricing team. He monitors topline growth and bottom-line profitability for the Ontario Personal Lines Home and Auto books of business.

Strat 3: Canada Life

Room: Strat 3
Language: English
Title: Equations of Success: How to Ace Your Co-op Term and Prepare for Full-Time Roles

Description:
a² + b² = c² and y = mx + c…boring! Are you ready to learn an equation that actually matters?

Come learn from industry professionals who have been through the co-op experience and discover the formula to jumpstart your actuarial career.

– Master interviews and stand out on the job.
– Gain skills to secure co-op opportunities and excel during your terms.
– Receive tips on transitioning into full-time roles.

Speakers:
Aaliyah Alleyne-Smith, FSA, FCIA, Manager, Par Product Management and Pricing
Ashisha Ramsaroop, Actuarial Analyst, Par Pricing and Special Initiatives

Aaliyah is a graduate of the University of Waterloo’s Actuarial Science and Statistics co-op program. She is a manager on Canada Life’s Par Pricing and Product Management team.

Ashisha graduated from York University in 2020 with a bachelor’s in Mathematics for Commerce. She completed a co-op term at Canada Life in Fall 2020 before transitioning into a full-time role in 2021.

Strat 5 & 6: Travelers

Room: Strat 5 & 6
Language: English
Title: The Travelers Predictive Modeling Cooking Show

Description:
The Travelers Predictive Modeling Cooking Show offers a unique look into the “kitchen” of master chefs—except these chefs are building predictive models.

Watch real actuaries and data experts showcase their modeling skills as they compete to solve a real-world prediction problem.

Learn basic modeling concepts, including:
– Data scrubbing
– The steps to build a model
– Measuring the effectiveness of a model

Speakers:
Ben Moats, Spyros Orfanos, Whittney LeBruce, Reina Chen, Eugene Evans

Actuaries and data scientists from Travelers Canada and the US will guide this entertaining session, bringing insights into analytics and modeling.

Up. Fall View B: AAA

Room: Up. Fall View B
Language: English
Title: What You Need to Know about Qualifications in the United States

Description:
Join representatives of the national actuarial association in the United States for a presentation on:
– What it takes for a CIA (or other actuarial association) member to join the Academy.
– What you need to be qualified to practice in the U.S.
– Which professionalism rules apply.
– The work we do to support and inform public policymakers.
– How the U.S. disciplinary process works vis-à-vis a CIA member.

If you’re considering ever working across the border, this session is for you.

Speakers:
Maambo Mujala, FSA, Academy Board Member
Bill Michalisin, Academy Executive Director

Strat 1: Pacific Life

Room: Strat 1
Language: English
Title: “Shaping Generations:” Does the Year You Were Born Affect How Long You Will Live?

Description:
Many things affect our life expectancy – some we can control, and some we can’t. In this session, we will explore both traditional and less obvious ways of predicting mortality.

Speaker:
Matthew Smith (FIA), SVP R&D
Matt has over 20 years of experience in the (re)insurance industry. He is the R&D SVP at Pacific Life Re, responsible for assumption development, tail scenarios, analytics, and medical research across all products, risks, and territories. Based in Toronto, Matt is an active participant in various industry groups and has presented at many conferences on mortality and morbidity topics.

Strat 2: Munich Re

Room: Strat 2
Language: English
Title: Ask an Actuary with Munich Re

Description:
Discover the world of actuarial science with Munich Re!

Ever wondered what it’s like to be an actuary at one of the world’s leading reinsurers? Join us for our inaugural “Ask an Actuary” Q&A event, where you’ll connect with talented actuaries who were once students like you.

This interactive session features a dynamic Q&A panel format. Whether you’re curious about career paths, industry insights, or day-to-day life as an actuary, our panelists are here to share their stories and answer your questions.

Don’t miss this chance to gain firsthand insights, network, and take the first step toward a future in reinsurance.

Speakers:
Jessica Kangappaden (Moderator), Matthew Cheung, Adaijah Wilson, Chris Schabel

Jessica is Munich Re’s campus recruiter for North America, overseeing student recruitment and engagement. Matthew is an AVP leading the Capital Strategy team, specializing in capital optimization.

Strat 3: TD Insurance

Room: Strat 3
Language: English
Title: Home Insurance: The Growing Impact of Catastrophes

Description:
In 2024, Canada experienced record-breaking climate events. Understanding catastrophe risk and its impact on home insurance is increasingly important for actuaries starting their careers.

Through this panel, you will learn about the dynamic world of Property and Casualty insurance and the methods actuaries use to manage catastrophe risk in different areas of an insurance company.

Speakers:
Daniel Chammas (FCAS), Pricing and Profitability
Madeline MacGillivray, Product Innovation
Nex Wong (ACAS), Reinsurance

Daniel, Madeline, and Nex are property and casualty actuaries who have held both traditional and innovative roles through their careers at TD Insurance.

Strat 5 & 6: Northbridge

Room: Strat 5 & 6
Language: English
Title: P&C + You = ? Calculating Your Possible Future in P&C Insurance

Description:
What could your future look like in the P&C industry? Could it be at Northbridge Financial Corporation?

This presentation will help you calculate if a career in P&C insurance is right for you by discussing:
1. An overview of P&C insurance and NBFC.
2. The role of P&C actuaries.
3. Tips for success when applying for P&C roles.
4. How to hit the ground running when you start.
5. Career paths and the future of actuarial roles.

Speakers:
Doris Tsang, Hao Ran Wang, Dhananjay Iyer

Doris works in pricing frameworks and data quality, Hao Ran focuses on commercial lines, and Dhananjay joined NBFC as a co-op and now works in corporate actuarial.

Up. Fall View B: CAS

Room: Up. Fall View B
Language: English
Title: Exploring the Quantitative Analysis of Gambling and the Parallels to Insurance

Description:
The quantitative analysis of casino gaming odds and strategies shares many roots with actuarial science.

This session includes:
– A beginner’s guide to rules and strategies for popular casino games.
– Insights into parallels between gambling and insurance, such as risk selection, house edge, and competitive advantage.

Speakers:
Ken Williams (FCAS), Jason Machtinger (FCAS, FCIA, MAAA)

Ken is a staff actuary at the CAS and a frequent presenter on actuarial topics. Jason is a Senior Vice President at Aon, specializing in reinsurance placements across Canada and the Caribbean.