The C-Suite Panel continues the insightful discussions from the first day, bringing together visionary leaders to explore the transformative forces shaping our burgeoning financial services landscape. As our industry experiences rapid growth and evolution—driven by technological advancements, changing consumer behaviors, and emerging market dynamics—we find ourselves at the forefront of innovation and opportunity. This exciting session will delve into hot topics such as the crucial partnerships between regulators and industry pioneers, and strategies for building trust in our nascent sector. Panelists will address pressing challenges like financial inclusion, digital transformation, and cybersecurity, highlighting the importance of agile and forward-thinking approaches. Attendees will gain invaluable insights into how industry trailblazers navigate this dynamic environment, fostering resilience and leveraging challenges as catalysts for innovation and sustainable growth in our vibrant, emerging financial ecosystem.

Building from the previous regulatory session, gain additional views from regulators on the current state of their markets and where the actuarial profession can make a difference. The points of consideration remain the same but their impact and priorities in addressing them may vary modestly or significantly from one jurisdiction to another.

Following these regulatory sessions, actuaries will be informed with multiple options to consider as an employee, a contributor, service provider or partner with the regulator on its journey regarding the soundness of the financial sector and country’s economic development. Other attendees will gain insights on the regulatory challenges to tackle and the response, solutions actuaries could provide.

In an era of rapid demographic shifts and evolving economic landscapes, understanding the role and future of social insurance is more crucial than ever. This session will provide a comprehensive exploration of social insurance, with a focus on the differences between defined benefit and defined contribution systems, and the associated risks and variations.

This session will delve into global demographic trends, particularly changes in fertility and mortality rates, and how this impact social insurance sustainability. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of the foundational concepts of social insurance and its vital role in society. They will also gain insight into global benchmarking practices and recent changes shaping social insurance frameworks, and appreciation of the critical role actuaries serve in ensuring the robustness and fairness of social insurance systems.

Join us to equip yourself with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the complexities of social insurance and to contribute effectively to its ongoing evolution.

Globally, collectively and individually we are witnessing a wide range of responsibilities emerging in response to living with AI which raises the question as to what to do? For the SOA as an organization, it means helping the candidates and members in gaining the skills needed, embedding AI tools safely in its services and leading on issues AI poses for the profession and industry.

In parallel, as the largest actuarial credentialing and professional institution, the SOA works closely with other actuarial associations through the International Actuarial Association and locally with the U.S. Department of Commerce in bringing together AI creators/users, academics, government, industry researchers and other organizations in promoting the safe and trustworthy development and use of AI. to that effect, the SOA Research Institute has been selected amongst 200 leading institutions across many industries and sectors involved in this work.

Considering all this rapid development, our panelists will provide insights on the priorities and action plans developed by their clients and stakeholders leading to changing existing practices, considering new and alternative solutions in launching new products, managing risks where actuaries can and will play pivotal roles across organizations.

Traditionally, the Middle East has been less prone to natural catastrophes than other parts of the world. This has been the reason for the massive entry of global reinsurance capacity. However, the recent events that took place in 2023 including the Libyan floods in addition to the Morocco and Turkey earthquakes have been extremely severe. Furthermore, the April 2024 storm in the UAE confirmed the trend toward more frequent and severe weather events in the GCC.

Nat Cat events will put financial pressure on the primary insurance sector operating in a competitive market with limited ability to pass on higher reinsurance costs to customers. Moreover, the rating agencies have expressed concerns about the occurrence of these floods on GCC insurers’ balance sheet.

Given this challenging context, this session will shed light on the actuarial modelling practices and technical analyses in non-life reinsurance treaty. This includes Nat Cat models, benchmarks, risk appetite statement, and the design and pricing of an optimal reinsurance program.

As organizations move beyond the initial implementation of IFRS17, the focus shifts to the financial and operational implications, and performance metrics that define success. As a result, this year’s IFRS17 session will focus on these financial impacts offering insights into how the new standard reshapes key performance indicators (KPIs) and financial reporting processes.

This session consists of speakers from different sectors, where each panelist will discuss the following key objectives:

In line with the theme, this session will delve into the strategic role of Chief and Appointed Actuaries in the MAP region. As the region faces rapid transformation, actuaries are tasked with navigating emerging risks—particularly climate-related challenges and changing technology and cyber risks —while identifying opportunities for innovation and growth.

The session will explore how these key actuarial leaders are essential in shaping the strategic direction of insurance firms by balancing risk management with long-term value creation. The discussion will focus on actuaries being business enablers and strategic business partners integrating risks into actuarial models, addressing sustainability concerns, and ensuring regulatory compliance in a changing global landscape. Additionally, attendees will learn how digital advancements and data analytics are being leveraged to optimize decision-making and foster resilience.

Expert panelists will highlight how Chief and Appointed Actuaries can proactively address emerging risks, such as climate change and cyber threats, while seizing opportunities that align with sustainable growth strategies. This session offers a forward-looking perspective on how actuaries can drive innovation and contribute to building a resilient, future-ready insurance market in the region.

Drawing on experience from the Egyptian Life and Savings market, this session will explore practical strategies for driving growth and expansion in other markets. It will cover:

• Expanding market reach by increasing insurance coverage and exploring untapped customer segments
• Adapting successful product offerings to fit the specific needs and preferences of different regions
• Utilizing digital platforms to improve distribution channels, making it easier to reach customers and scale operations efficiently
• Balancing pricing strategies to remain competitive while addressing consumer sensitivity and maintaining profitability
• How digitization is transforming the industry, bringing greater speed, transparency, and cross-selling opportunities
• Key challenges, such as the need for flexible regulatory frameworks to support innovation
• The importance of making smart, strategic tech investments to avoid costly missteps and ensure sustainable growth

Join us for an insightful session on “The Intersection of Innovation and Technology in Insurance,” where we delve into how continuous innovation and technological advancements are revolutionizing the insurance industry. This session will explore the integration of new technologies into product development/innovation and the challenges insurers face in adopting these innovations. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the future of insurance, learn about the challenges and opportunities in adopting new technologies, and explore strategies for fostering innovation within their organizations.

Key takeaways include identifying key trends driving innovation, analyzing the impact of technological advancements on product innovation, and discussing actionable strategies for overcoming challenges in technology adoption. This session aims to further equip attendees with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate the evolving landscape of insurance effectively.

Court is in session and you are the jury!

Follow along as challenging aspects of actuarial professionalism are explored in an engaging court-like setting. Deliberate based on your own experiences and newfound insights from this session, then deliver your verdict. Who says learning about actuarial professionalism can't be fun? Even if you've attended before, join us again for fresh material and updated discussions that will both educate and entertain, proving that professional development can be as enjoyable as it is essential.

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to: