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A Cashless Society

Overview

The Cashless Society Working Party (CSWP) was formed in late 2016 with a number of volunteers. Its research delivers a neutral, analytical assessment of developments to comprehend benefits, risks and issues of a cashless society at global level, in the public interest. It provides insights into specialist economic topics, and identifies opportunities to learn from international experiences, and to adapt public policy. It also provides insights into stakeholder interests that underpin entrenched positions on the transition in progress.

Its first paper “A Cashless Society: Benefits, Risks and Issues” (referred to as the “Interim paper”) formed the basis for a broader body of work on a number of topics and supported contributions towards several public consultations throughout 2018. “A Cashless Society in 2018” continued Its global chronicle and presented the 2018 trends for the topic, followed by a paper discussing the rise of QR codes for payments, a key 2018 trend.

The CSWP started to take interest in the specialist topics of Central Bank Digital Currencies and crypto assets with a first article in The Actuary magazine in December 2018. This set the scene for a focus in these areas throughout 2019, with a specialist paper on the adoption of digital currencies by the life and pension industries. At the end of the first quarter, the paper “Understanding Central Bank Digital Currencies” seemed ominous of tumultuous events to follow in 2019. A later article about the potential of crypto assets for capital markets invited readers to think beyond payments.

Financial inclusion was the second area of focus for the CSWP in 2019. Starting with anecdotal evidence from Africa, the CSWP looked to draw lessons from developing regions for the potential benefit of countries such as the UK where de-cashing has been accelerating, with insidious effects on vulnerable residents. The CSWP has engaged with several events, written to stakeholders and published articles proposing a set of actions to manage the transition towards a less-cash society.

Outputs

2017:

2018:

2019:

2020

Chair:  Ian Collier
Membership:  9
Established:  2016

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Contact Details

If you want more information about this research working party please contact the Communities Team.

professional.communities@actuaries.org.uk

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Events calendar

  • KSS event: Where now for pensions?

    Royal London Group, 1 Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DG
    18 February 2020

    Fully booked.

    With a single party government at Westminster holding a comfortable majority, and with the first phase of Brexit complete, the potential for radical reforms of the pensions landscape is increased. 

    Former Pensions Minister Steve Webb discusses what changes we can expect to see in pensions including in state pensions, pension tax relief, automatic enrolment and the workplace pension landscape.

  • Sessional: Impact of E-cigarettes Working Party

    Royal College of Physicians, 9 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JQ
    24 February 2020

    Spaces available

    This sessional meeting will be of direct interest to actuaries and others working in the in the Health and Care, Life or Pensions sectors or indeed actuaries with an interest in morbidity or mortality. Note: Registration is from 17.30 in time for the sessional to begin at 18.00.

    Event paper access code - C8F6256C

  • Webinar: Joining the Dots. How complete is your picture?

    Worldwide
    26 February 2020

    Spaces available

    In this webinar, members of the PRA’s Actuarial Function and other relevant technical specialisms will draw upon their experiences to lead a discussion on how those carrying out the actuarial and other functions can best engage with each other to ensure that a complete picture is presented to the Board.

  • SIAS Event: Actuaries in Non Traditional Fields Talk 1/3

    Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QJ
    2 March 2020

    Spaces available

    "Advising funeral trusts - avoiding the pitfalls and not getting burnt" 

    In response to our members feedback, for our 2020 programme we are planning 3 talks that explore the work the actuaries do in non traditional actuarial fields. The 1st talk in the trilogy will be presented by Graeme Muir and Nigel Sloan who will cover some of the issues you might need to think about if asked to advise a funeral trust or a similar body - neither pensions nor life assurance.

  • Finance and Investment Webinar: Introduction to ESG

    Webinar
    5 March 2020

    Spaces available

    Investors globally are embracing ESG but what does this involve and can ESG be measured? Louise Dudley, Global Equity Portfolio Manager at Hermes Investment Management will outline the taxonomy often used when talking about ESG (exclusion, screening, engagement, sustainable, impact, responsible investing), talk about the importance of stewardship and engagement, and showcase evidence to the question as to whether ESG adds va

  • KSS event: How is Scotland’s population changing and what are the implications?

    New Register House, 3 West Register Street, Edinburgh
    5 March 2020

    Spaces available

    The National Records of Scotland (NRS) collects, preserves and produces information about Scotland's people and history to inform current and future generations - work that underpins the fabric of Scottish society and tells the story of our nation. This KSS talk will explore the following and other areas impacting Scotland’s changing population, and assess the potential implications of the changes:

  • Actuarial valuations to monitor defined benefit pension funding

    Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QJ
    9 March 2020

    Spaces available

    This paper addresses one of the fundamentals of actuarial practice: assessing the solvency of a defined benefit pension scheme. It is timely as The Pensions Regulator is reviewing its code of practice on funding, providing an opportunity for the actuarial profession to contribute to an important matter of public interest.

  • Highlights of the Life Conference 2019 - London

    America Square Conference Centre, 17, One Crosswall, America Square, London EC3N 2LB  
    11 March 2020

    Spaces available

    This event will cover the highlights from last year's Life Conference 2019 held in Dublin. The Conference Committee has reviewed session feedback and has put together a high-quality technical programme featuring the best-reviewed sessions from the conference. Book now to ensure your place.

  • Insurance Investment Roundtable (IFoA & PRA) - Register your interest

    Aviva, St Helens, 1 Undershaft, London, EC3P 3DQ
    11 March 2020

    Few spaces available

    The IFoA hosts regular roundtable meetings with the PRA on best practice in insurance investment and the application of the Prudent Person Principle, which governs insurance investment under Solvency II.

    These roundtables are organised by the IFoA’s Finance and Investment Practice Board, supporting its members with access to relevant information on industry and regulatory developments. They have been attended by a diverse group of IFoA members, including insurance CIOs and Heads of ALM, actuarial and investment consultants, insurance asset managers, and investment bankers. 

  • Insurance Investment – Prudent Person Principle & CP22/19

    Aviva, St Helens, 1 Undershaft, London, EC3P 3DQ
    11 March 2020

    Spaces available

    At this event, Alan Sheppard (Head of Insurance Policy, Bank of England) will provide insight into the PRA’s oversight of insurance investment activity and the recent Consultation Paper on the Prudent Person Principle.

    The Finance & Investment Practice Board of the IFoA has hosted regular roundtable meetings with the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) covering best practice in insurance investment and the application of the Prudent Person Principle, which governs insurance investment under Solvency II.

  • Worshipful Company of Actuaries Lecture - Mortality Myths

    George Porter Lecture Theatre B University of Leicester University Road Leicester LE1 7RH
    18 March 2020

    Spaces available

    Jointly hosted by the Worshipful Company of Actuaries (WCA) and the Leicester Actuarial Science Society (LASS).

    Stuart McDonald, Head of Demographics at Lloyds Banking Group, will give us a mortality update, dispelling a few myths along the way!

     

  • Webinar: Social Impact Investment, 19 March

    Worldwide
    19 March 2020

    Spaces available

    The IFoA and its Social Impact Investment Working Party are delivering a webinar to introduce social impact investing not only to actuaries but also to external stakeholders. The presenters will use their international experience of this significant and growing market to:

    • clarify often confusing terminology
    • describe key trends, and
    • explore the ways in which actuaries can contribute in this field.

  • Board agenda: Why Responsible Investing, ESG, and Climate Change matters to Pension Funds, Companies

    Staple Inn, 4 High Holborn, Holborn, London. WC1V 6DR, UK
    19 March 2020

    Fully booked.

    Recent years have seen ESG, Climate Change, and Responsible Investing thrust onto the corporate agenda in every boardroom. The same also be said for pension funds. Expectations of how companies should respond are high and NEDs on Boards are expected to adapt and adjust their guidance to companies accordingly. What does this mean for Actuaries serving as NEDs and Trustees?

  • KSS event: A Cashless Society- Benefits, Risks, Issues and Developments

    Deloitte, 4th Floor, Saltire Court, 20 Castle Terrace
    19 March 2020

    Spaces available

    Speaker: Iain Collier, Chair of the CSWP

    The talk will look to cover the following: Progression towards a Cashless Society • Developments home and overseas • Benefits, Risks and Issues • Crypto Currencies and Central Bank Digital Currencies.

    There will be an extended Q&A session at the end of the event.

  • Professional Skills Training - Edinburgh (19 March 2020)

    IFoA (Edinburgh), Level 2, Exchange Crescent 7 Conference Square Edinburgh EH3 8RA
    19 March 2020

    Spaces available

    A Trusted Profession

    A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2019/2020.  This session is suitable for actuaries working in any area (i.e. it is not specifically aimed at Pensions, GI or any other technical discipline) and is interactive, so you should come along prepared to take part in the discussions.

  • Finance and Investment Webinar: Applying Artificial Intelligence to systematic investing

    Webinar
    23 March 2020

    Spaces available

    What are the advantages of using artificial intelligence (AI) in investing? What are the differences between traditional quant and AI? This new webinar, part of a series of four webinars leading to the annual Finance & Investment Conference 2020, discusses challenges and the future of AI in the investment sector.

  • Spring Lecture 2020, Edinburgh - Vicky Pryce

    Assembly Rooms, 54 George St, Edinburgh EH2 2LR
    25 March 2020

    Spaces available

    The Brexit Budget: What next for the UK economy? Please join us for our annual Spring Lecture presented by Vicky Pryce in Edinburgh. Vicky is Chief Economic Adviser and a board member at the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).

  • Spring Lecture 2020: Live Streaming at Staple Inn - Vicky Pryce

    Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn, London, WC1 V 7QJ
    25 March 2020

    Spaces available

    This event will be live streamed from Edinburgh. 

    The Brexit Budget: What next for the UK economy? Please join us for our annual Spring Lecture presented by Vicky Pryce in Edinburgh. Vicky is Chief Economic Adviser and a board member at the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).

  • Spring Lecture 2020: Live Streaming

    Webinar
    25 March 2020

    Spaces available

    What next in Economic Policy? Please join us on 25 March 2020 for the live stream of our annual Spring Lecture presented by Vicky Pryce in Edinburgh. Vicky is Chief Economic Adviser and a board member at the Centre for Economics and Business Research (CEBR).

  • Professional Skills Training - London (26 March 2020)

    Staple Inn, High Holborn, London WC1V 7QJ        
    26 March 2020

    Spaces available

    A Trusted Profession

    A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2019/2020.  This session is suitable for actuaries working in any area (i.e. it is not specifically aimed at Pensions, GI or any other technical discipline) and is interactive, so you should come along prepared to take part in the discussions.

  • SIAS Event: CMI Update

    Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QJ
    1 April 2020

    Spaces available

    Following the release of the updated CMI Mortality Projection Model, CMI_2019, the CMI Mortality Projections Committee will lead a discussion on future mortality improvements.

  • Current Issues in General Insurance (CIGI) 2020

    Hilton London Tower Bridge, 5 More London Riverside, Tooley St, London SE1 2BY
    22 April 2020

    Spaces available

    CIGI is a well-established one-day seminar designed to increase awareness and encourage discussion on a variety of topical issues across the general insurance industry. 

    There will be an excellent and diverse line-up of speakers to provide a variety of perspectives and challenge covering technical and professional areas. 

  • Professional Skills Training - Edinburgh (29 April 2020)

    IFoA (Edinburgh), Level 2, Exchange Crescent 7 Conference Square Edinburgh EH3 8RA
    29 April 2020

    Spaces available

    A Trusted Profession

    A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2019/2020.  This session is suitable for actuaries working in any area (i.e. it is not specifically aimed at Pensions, GI or any other technical discipline) and is interactive, so you should come along prepared to take part in the discussions.

  • Professional Skills Training - London (29 April 2020)

    Staple Inn, High Holborn, London WC1V 7QJ         
    29 April 2020

    Spaces available

    A Trusted Profession

    A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2019/2020.  This session is suitable for actuaries working in any area (i.e. it is not specifically aimed at Pensions, GI or any other technical discipline) and is interactive, so you should come along prepared to take part in the discussions.

  • Finance and Investment Conference 2020

    Royal College of Physicians, 11 St Andrews Pl, London NW1 4LE
    05-05 May 2020
    Spaces available

    Join us at this year’s Finance and Investment Conference in London that will focus on ESG. The environmental, social and governance (ESG) space is growing rapidly and increasingly moving centre stage. In many cases, it is now an essential part of policy and central to the way stakeholders make decisions for the long term to ensure retention of clients, manage risk better, and ensure more economically efficient and sustainable investment returns.

    ESG factors cover a wide range of areas reflecting how vital consideration of these factors are part of wider systemic risks.

  • Professional Skills Training - London (19 May 2020)

    Staple Inn, High Holborn, London WC1V 7QJ         
    19 May 2020

    Spaces available

    A Trusted Profession

    A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2019/2020.  This session is suitable for actuaries working in any area (i.e. it is not specifically aimed at Pensions, GI or any other technical discipline) and is interactive, so you should come along prepared to take part in the discussions.

  • Professional Skills Training - Edinburgh (19 May 2020)

    IFoA (Edinburgh), Level 2, Exchange Crescent 7 Conference Square Edinburgh EH3 8RA
    19 May 2020

    Spaces available

    A Trusted Profession

    A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2019/2020.  This session is suitable for actuaries working in any area (i.e. it is not specifically aimed at Pensions, GI or any other technical discipline) and is interactive, so you should come along prepared to take part in the discussions.

  • CILA 2020

    Royal College of Physicians, 11 St Andrews Pl, London NW1 4LE
    20 May 2020

    Spaces available

    CILA is aimed at practicing life actuaries from life offices, consulting firms and other employers of actuaries. It will also be of interest to all those who work in, or advise on, the life assurance market in the UK and Europe. The programme this year features a timely mix of hot topics including sessions on:

  • Protection, Health and Care Conference 2020

    The Grand Brighton, 97-99 Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 2FW
    02-03 June 2020
    Spaces available

    The Protection, Health and Care Conference is an annual conference aimed at all insurance professionals with a passion for harnessing insurance risk in their organisations.

  • Mortality and Longevity 2020

    1 Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London SW1H 9JJ
    08-08 June 2020
    Spaces available

    This highly regarded seminar will provide topical and practical updates and discussion on the latest thinking and innovations in mortality and longevity.  The program is designed for life, pensions and health and care actuaries, academics, researchers, underwriters and related practitioners eager to learn about the latest developments in mortality and longevity.  The sessions are designed to be very accessible to a broad range of exp

  • Professional Skills Training - London (10 June 2020)

    Staple Inn, High Holborn, London WC1V 7QJ       
    10 June 2020

    Spaces available

    A Trusted Profession

    A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2019/2020.  This session is suitable for actuaries working in any area (i.e. it is not specifically aimed at Pensions, GI or any other technical discipline) and is interactive, so you should come along prepared to take part in the discussions.

  • Professional Skills Training - Edinburgh (17 June 2020)

    IFoA (Edinburgh), Level 2, Exchange Crescent 7 Conference Square Edinburgh EH3 8RA
    17 June 2020

    Spaces available

    A Trusted Profession

    A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2019/2020.  This session is suitable for actuaries working in any area (i.e. it is not specifically aimed at Pensions, GI or any other technical discipline) and is interactive, so you should come along prepared to take part in the discussions.

  • Pensions Conference 2020

    Renaissance Manchester City Centre Hotel, Blackfriars Street, Manchester,M3 2EQ
    18-19 June 2020
    Spaces available

    Join us as this year’s conference that will focus on topics including  funding and savings, pension law current issues, ESG, the end game and transferring risk, investment issues, data visualisation and data science.

  • Professional Skills Training - London (18 June 2020)

    Staple Inn, High Holborn, London WC1V 7QJ   
    18 June 2020

    Spaces available

    A Trusted Profession

    A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2019/2020.  This session is suitable for actuaries working in any area (i.e. it is not specifically aimed at Pensions, GI or any other technical discipline) and is interactive, so you should come along prepared to take part in the discussions.

  • IFoA Asia Conference 2020, Kuala Lumpur

    CCEC Nexus, 7, Jalan Kerinchi, Bangsar South, 59200 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
    24-25 June 2020
    Spaces available

    Join us at the IFoA Asia Conference 2020 at CCEC Nexus, Kuala Lumpur where intellectual thought leaders, senior industry players, opinion formers, academics, actuaries and non-actuaries from across Asia and beyond are expected to attend. This year's landmark conference promises to an exciting one as our first Asian President-elect, Tan Suee Chieh will, as newly appointed president of the IFoA, use his presidential address to highlight the two key pillars of the IFoA’s emerging strategy:

    • the reinvention of the profession in terms of its skillsets and mind-sets so that we can thrive in an increasing range of domains in a digital age;
    • the widening application of actuarial science in achieving social impact and sustainability goals.

    We are also delighted to announce that the Honourable Mr. Lim Guan Eng, Minister of Finance, Malaysia, will be the guest of honour at this year's conference.

    Early registration discount is now open until 1 March.  10% group discounts are offered to a minimum of six IFoA booking in a single transaction. This also applies to ASM members.  Limited spaces are available, so please sign-up early to avoid disappointment.