What is the rationale for doing this?
Following discussions with our stakeholders, we understand that there will always be demand for the high levels of specialism demonstrated by Fellows; particularly in established areas of actuarial employment such as pensions and insurance.
Yet in order to remain relevant and broaden the profession, the IFoA needs a qualification framework that responds to the changing needs of industry. We must develop actuaries with a broad generalist skill-set who can adapt to a wide range of corporate roles, as well as actuaries who have a deeply specialist skill-set to fulfil highly regulated roles.
Fellowship will remain the IFoA's most senior qualification and membership category and any new Student member will be required to complete the CAct qualification before taking any further examinations towards Fellowship. Transitional arrangements will apply to current Student members and those who meet the CAct standard can, if they wish, transfer to this membership category.
What changes are being proposed?
- The level of Fellowship would remain unchanged
- Qualification as a recognised actuarial professional would focus initially on the generalist actuarial skills which are developed in the core part of our current and future Curriculum 2019
- This initial qualification would be established around the current IFoA Associate level
- The qualification would be re-titled 'Chartered Actuary' (CAct)
- The curriculum for CAct would be aligned to the new International Actuarial Association (IAA) syllabus to ensure it is globally recognised, with the additional requirement for one year’s supervised work-based Personal and Professional Development (PPD): this PPD requirement would be identical to that currently required for IFoA Associateship
- After the launch date of the proposed framework, any new Student member would be required to complete the CAct qualification before taking any further examinations towards Fellowship. Transitional arrangements will apply to current Student members. Those who meet the CAct standard can, if they wish, transfer to this membership category.
- Chartered Actuaries would use the post-nominal ‘CAct’, with members who subsequently qualify as Fellows entitled to use both their Fellowship and CAct post-nominals.
Why are you making it easier to qualify?
We are not making it easier to qualify: the proposal will help to reduce the time it takes to qualify with core generalist actuarial skills, but we are not reducing the rigour of our examinations.
This proposal will also align the IFoA with the international market where an increasingly large proportion of our members operate, and will become the formal initial qualification for fully qualified actuaries who will possess 'core actuarial competencies'.
Are you devaluing the status of Fellows?
Absolutely not. IFoA qualifications are highly regarded as being market leading in terms of quality. The Chartered Actuary qualification and brand maintains the IFoA's commitment to producing globally recognised, relevant, high quality qualifications.
What impact will this have on my subscriptions?
The Fellowship subscription will continue to be set in the usual way by Council. We will review the route to Fellowship in line with our Curriculum changes and development of the Chartered Actuary qualification. Any changes will be communicated to you as soon as possible.
Can I be a Fellow and a Chartered Actuary?
Yes. If you have qualified as a Fellow you will also be entitled to call yourself a Chartered Actuary, subject to conditions associated with use of CAct.
What impact will this have on my CPD requirements?
CPD requirements remain an important feature of our regulatory environment that helps to bring confidence in the work of actuaries. We will continue to review the specific CPD requirements to ensure that they remain appropriate, including to take account of these proposed changes.
What’s the point in Fellowship status?
Actuarial employers have fed back to us that there will always be a demand for the high levels of specialism demonstrated by our Fellows; particularly in established areas of actuarial employment such as pensions and insurance. However, they also need a more flexible qualification framework, which ensures that their employees are working to the level that is needed for the roles that they are undertaking.
Certain roles within the actuarial industry will always require the specialist knowledge of Fellows. Working as a Fellow within the market will showcase your knowledge and experience and will retain the reputation of having achieved a ‘gold standard’ qualification. Fellows will have the broad skill-set of a Chartered Actuary/Associate but they will also have the specialist skills and experience required for their role.
Do these changes mean that the IFoA is losing its distinctiveness?
On the contrary, the re-positioned Associateship (with the badge of Chartered Actuary) will retain all the features of a high quality, globally recognised qualification that the external world associates with the IFoA.
Is this driven by international concerns?
No, it is externally driven. It will bring the IFoA qualification framework into line with the global market for actuaries and the minimum competency standard for qualified actuaries being developed by the International Actuarial Association.
Does this impact on reserved roles that have been defined in legislation?
No. Fellows undertaking reserved roles will still need to obtain a Practising Certificate in the UK, and in accordance with relevant legislation where applicable around the world.
Where can I find out more?
A dedicated email address (consultation@actuaries.org.uk) has been set up where you can send us any questions you might have about the proposal. We will respond to any queries within five working days, and will refresh the FAQ section on the website regularly in light of queries received.
Please also spend some time giving us your feedback via our consultation survey. We will also hold two interactive webinars during the consultation period on 11 December at 9.00 and 17.00 (GMT). You can register for the consultation webinars here.
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Events calendar
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IFRS17 Workshop, 21 February
Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QJ21 February 2019The Life Board and Life Lifelong Learning Sub-committee are running this half-day workshop on IFRS 17.
They will provide a detailed understanding of the key concepts of the standard, as well as discuss how implementation will impact people, process and systems. They will also share views on how the new standard will change the way insurers are viewed in the market, and share perspectives from within and outside of the profession.
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NoCA UK Teleconference–A Risk Management perspective on Artificial Intelligence and FinTech
N/A22 February 2019This teleconference will be presented by Isaac Alfon
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Sessional Event: Antibiotic Resistance Working Party
Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, 9 Queen Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1JQ25 February 2019The IFoA Antibiotic Resistance Working Party has studied the rise of Antibiotic resistance (‘ABR’) and how it has become an increasing concern to the medical professions, health services and governments of the world’s major economies.
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Data Science: Opportunities for Actuaries
The IFoA's first virtual event26 February 2019 - 28 February 2019The IFoA are launching their first virtual conference on the topic of Data Science, that is free to attend. This is an exciting and forward thinking move to reach members all over the world and to share knowledge and discuss developments and techniques within data science.
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Professional Skills Training - London (26 February 19)
Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn London WC1V 7QJ26 February 2019 -
Leicester Actuarial Science Society presents the 5th Annual Worshipful Company of Actuaries Lecture
The University of Leicester, Ken Edwards Lecture Theatre 3 (see map and directions)27 February 2019IFoA President-Elect, John Taylor will discuss his work on 'robo advice' and the implications of technology for the future of the profession, but also his thoughts about the immediate priorities for the actuarial profession based on his first year with the Presidential Team.
The Worshipful Company of Actuaries will also be explaining their work and presenting two prizes: one each to the best performing 2nd year and 3rd year BSc Mathematics and Actuarial Science student at the University during the session.
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ARC: ERM Results Launch Event
Staple inn Hall, High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QJ28 February 2019This event is now full. We do operate a waiting system for this event should there become availability, which you can register for here and be added to the waitlist. We will email everyone on the waiting list nearer the time to confirm whether there is availability for them to attend.
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Actuaries Rock event – What happened at GIRO?
Gibraltar Financial Services Commission P O Box 940 Suite 3, Ground Floor Atlantic Suites Europort Avenue GX11 - 1AA Gibraltar28 February 2019This event is run by Actuaries Rock, the regional society for actuaries in Gibraltar. To register please email: kmorgan@gfsc.gi
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SIAS Event: Challenges and Opportunities for Actuaries Working in Data Science
Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QJ4 March 2019This talk will present examples of the use of data science in the General Insurance and Health and Care practice areas. It will highlight some of the opportunities and challenges for actuaries in using the latest data science techniques in these fields.
- Lisa Balboa will present on using predictive analytics to improve health care forecasting.
- Alexander Hanks will present a practical example of training a neural network to fit curves to general insurance claims data.
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Highlights of the Life Conference 2018 - London
Ect Venues, 200 Aldersgate, St. Pauls, London EC1A 4HD5 March 2019This event will cover the highlights from the Life Conference 2018 held in Liverpool. The Conference Committee has reviewed session feedback and has put together a high-quality technical programme featuring the best sessions from the Life Conference 2018. Book now to ensure your place.
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Life and F&I One Day Workshop
Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QJ11 March 2019This cross-practice event for Life actuaries and those in finance and investments roles offers high-quality CPD with a series of thought-provoking presentations covering economics and financial markets, responsible investment, CMA review outcome, FCA requirements, asset analytics, and much more.
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Spring Lecture 2019, Live stream at the Lloyds Building - Professor Sir John Curtice
The Old Library, Lloyds, One Lime Street, London, EC3M 7HA13 March 2019In conjunction with the Scottish Board.
Following the popularity of this year’s Spring Lecture, delivered by Professor Sir John Curtice, an additional venue has been sourced for those wishing to attend a London Livestream event.
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Spring Lecture 2019, Edinburgh - Sir John Curtice
Royal College of Physicians, 9 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JQ13 March 2019In conjunction with the Scottish Board. Edinburgh is now full. However, you can still register here to view the event live online, allowing those who cannot attend in person to stream the lecture to their computer, laptop, tablet, and phones wherever they are in the world.
We do operate a waiting system for each of the Edinburgh and London venues should there be availability, which you can register for here and be added to the waitlist. We will email everyone on the waiting list nearer the time to confirm whether there is availability for them to attend.
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Spring Lecture 2019, Live stream at Staple Inn - Professor Sir John Curtice
Staple Inn, High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QJ13 March 2019In conjunction with the Scottish Board. Following the popularity of this year’s Spring Lecture, delivered by Professor Sir John Curtice, an additional venue has been sourced for Members to attend a London Livestream event at the Lloyd's building. Please register here. Alternatively, you can still register here to view the event live online, allowing those who cannot attend in person to stream the lecture to their computer, laptop, tablet, and phones wherever they are in the world.
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Sessional Meeting: Investment risk for long term investors - risk measurement approaches
Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QJ18 March 2019The term ‘investment risk’ is often used loosely, and frequently confused with the notion of short term price volatility, particularly for equity instruments. For the long term investor, however, what is most apposite is the ability to meet future real cash flows as they become due.
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KSS event – Index Based Longevity Hedging
Royal London St Andrew House, 1 Thistle St, Edinburgh EH2 1DG18 March 2019This KSS talk on Index Based Longevity Hedging - The Dutch Experience and implications for the UK market will cover the structure of deals to date in the Dutch market; the challenges in determining the Solvency 2 capital treatment for such deals and the work done by the Longevity Risk Transfer Working Party of the Dutch Insurance Association; a proposal for a method for quantification of Basis Risk based on a recent paper “Basis Risk in Index Based Longevity Hedges: A Guide for Longevity Hedgers” by Cairns & El Boukfaoui, and implications for the future, both in terms
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Highlights of the Life Conference 2018 - Edinburgh
Apex Grassmarket Hotel, 31-35 Grassmarket, Edinburgh EH1 2HS19 March 2019This event will cover the highlights from the Life Conference 2018 held in Liverpool. The Conference Committee has reviewed session feedback and has put together a high-quality technical programme featuring the best sessions from the Life Conference 2018. Book now to ensure your place.
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Professional Skills Training - London (19 March 19)
Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn London WC1V 7QJ19 March 2019 -
KSS event - FinTech and The Actuarial Profession
Barnett Waddingham 163 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2JJ20 March 2019This KSS talk from FinTech Scotland's CEO will explore the mission to create an integrated Fintech ecosystem through provision of funding, support, infrastructure and talent that recognises and responds to the needs of all stakeholders - and the overarching aim for Scotland to be one of the top 5 Fintech global leaders by 2020.
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IFoA’s Diversity Advisory Group: The Power of Deep Listening
Aviva, The Agora, Level 2B, St Helens, 1 Undershaft, London EC3P 3DQ21 March 20198th March is International Women’s Day. The IFoA’s Diversity Advisory Group will be facilitating a session later in March as part of this celebration. Subject to availability. All members are welcomed. Please contact Susan Hunter Jones (susan.hunterjones@aviva.com) to register for the session.
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Actuaries Rock event – What does the Government Actuary do?
Gibraltar Financial Services Commission P O Box 940 Suite 3, Ground Floor Atlantic Suites Europort Avenue GX11 - 1AA Gibraltar21 March 2019This event is run by Actuaries Rock, the regional society for actuaries in Gibraltar. To register please email kmorgan@gfsc.gi
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Professional Skills Training - Edinburgh (26 March 19)
IFoA (Edinburgh), Level 2, Exchange Crescent 7 Conference Square Edinburgh EH3 8RA26 March 2019A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2018/2019. 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.
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NOCA event – To Omega and beyond: the evolution of longevity
N/A29 March 2019Presented by Stuart McDonald
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Sessional Meeting: Improving understanding and transparency around the assessment of the inflations
Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QJ15 April 2019This event is now fully booked. Please register here to be added to the waitlist.
We will email everyone on the list nearer the time to confirm whether there is availability for them to attend.
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Professional Skills Training - London (16 April 19)
Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn London WC1V 7QJ16 April 2019Please register here to join the wait list
A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2018/2019. 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.
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TIGI 2019 (Technical Issues in General Insurance)
Royal College of Physicians, 11 St Andrews Place, Regent's Park, London, NW1 4LE25-26 April 2019This General Insurance CPD offering has been changed from former years of individual one day seminars to include individual sessions for IFRS 17, Pricing, Capital Modelling and Reserving over a two-day event packaged as Technical Issues in General Insurance, providing attendees with a varied program . The event is suitable for anyone who works, or are interested, in these areas.
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NOCA event – Technological Developments and the Future of Insurance
N/A25 April 2019Presented by Yossi Sirote
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Professional Skills Training - Edinburgh (30 April 19)
IFoA (Edinburgh), Level 2, Exchange Crescent 7 Conference Square Edinburgh EH3 8RA30 April 2019A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2018/2019. 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.
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IFoA Asia Conference 2019, Chengdu
Crowne Plaza Chengdu Panda Garden, Poly Park 198, No. 1980 ShuLong Avenue,Xindu District, Chengdu09-10 May 2019Offering a diverse selection of plenary sessions and cross-practice workshops, the annual Asia Conference is the perfect opportunity to discover and discuss current and developing actuarial topics in Asia, whilst providing excellent opportunity to grow your network of contacts.
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CILA 2019
30 Euston Square, London NW1 2FB14 May 2019CILA is one of the pre-eminent events in the annual Life calendar. It 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.
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KSS event – Bulk Annuity Market Update
Willis Towers Watson 2 Lochrin Square, 96 Fountainbridge, Edinburgh EH3 9QA15 May 2019This KSS talk will give a bulk annuity market update over 2018 and for 2019 and beyond. The presenters will also consider bulk annuity options as part of pension scheme de-risking strategies, and how pension schemes can best prepare when requesting a quote in order to achieve a favourable outcome. To book please email Dawn.Neil@willistowerswatson.com.
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Professional Skills Training - Edinburgh (15 May 19)
IFoA (Edinburgh), Level 2, Exchange Crescent 7 Conference Square Edinburgh EH3 8RA15 May 2019 -
KSS event – Bulk Annuity Market Update
Willis Towers Watson 2 West Regent Street Glasgow G2 1RW16 May 2019This KSS talk will give a bulk annuity market update over 2018 and for 2019 and beyond. The presenters will also consider bulk annuity options as part of pension scheme de-risking strategies, and how pension schemes can best prepare when requesting a quote in order to achieve a favourable outcome. To book a place please email Dawn.Neil@willistowerswatson.com
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Professional Skills Training - London (16 May 19)
Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn London WC1V 7QJ16 May 2019 -
Risk and Investment one day Conference 2019
Amba Hotel, Charing Cross, Strand, London WC2N 5HX20-21 May 2019This year's Risk and Investment Conference will be taking place at Amba Hotel, Charing Cross, London.
To book your place click here.
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Sessional Research Event - Saving for Retirement: Rules of Thumb
Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn London WC1V 7QJ20 May 2019How much does the average person need to save over a full working life to provide a decent retirement income? We call this the Lifetime Pension Contribution (LPC) and have attempted to quantify it.
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NoCA event – Optimising Copula Structures for Risk Management
N/A24 May 2019Presented by Richard Schneider
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Professional Skills Training - London (12 June 19)
Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn London WC1V 7QJ12 June 2019A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2018/2019. 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.
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NED Event: Behavioural Finance and Boards
Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn, London, WC1V 7QJ18 June 2019Substantial work has been undertaken in the field of behavioural finance to explore the psychological factors affecting investment decisions made by individuals. In contrast, “behavioural” factors (such as politics or human psychology) affecting decisions and actions made by institutional investors, such as insurers or pension schemes, are less understood.
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Pensions Conference 2019
Bristol Marriott Hotel City Centre, 2 Lower Castle Street, Old Market, Bristol, BS1 3AD18-19 June 2019This year's Pensions Conference will be taking place at the Bristol Marriott City Centre.
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Current Issues in General Insurance (CIGI) 2019
Inmarsat, 99 City Road, London, EC1Y 1BJ19 June 2019CIGI will provide an excellent and diverse line-up of speakers, each providing their insight and knowledge on a range of topics. The programme will be broad in nature, so will be of most value to those with some experience in the industry.
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Professional Skills Training - Edinburgh (20 June 19)
IFoA (Edinburgh), Level 2, Exchange Crescent 7 Conference Square Edinburgh EH3 8RA20 June 2019 -
Sessional: Why the Pensions Dashboard is more than a data collection exercise
Royal College of Physicians, 9 Queen St, Edinburgh EH2 1JQ24 June 2019The pensions dashboard has been talked about across the industry for a long time and now nears implementation with DWP’s consultation ending in January 2019.
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Professional Skills Training - London (25 June 19)
Staple Inn Hall, High Holborn London WC1V 7QJ25 June 2019A 2 hour CPD event designed to meet the IFoA’s Stage 3 Professional Skills Training under the IFoA’s CPD Scheme 2018/2019. 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.