The IFoA’s risk management symposium in May explored AI, climate risks, and professional development across the actuarial community. Sophie Wright, who chaired the committee, reflects on the event.
As some of you know, I had the privilege of chairing the 2025 IFoA Risk Management Board Symposium Committee.
The 6 May symposium focused on uncertainty and risk management, resilience and sustainability at an organisation and individual level. It provided a forum for exchange of diverse expertise across our international community, both in person and online and across the world.
Over a month on, some of us are still reflecting on the perspectives and insights highlighted on the day by the wonderful speakers. Some of the practical questions raised by attendees, particularly around next steps, deserve a concerted effort to address over the coming months.
Our brilliant speakers covered a great deal of scope across actuarial professions. The topics they explored included AI, climate and wider sustainability risks, emerging risks, professional qualifications (Chartered Enterprise Risk Actuary) and, more broadly, communications risks at an individual level.
The excellent feedback was truly gratifying. I’m keen to share this positive aspect with everyone who took part and made it a success, particularly the excellent speakers, all volunteers, and some non-actuaries too.
At the risk of disappointing you, I would not be doing the event justice if I attempted to summarise it here through key takeaways! Instead, I’d encourage everyone to have a look at the VLE recordings to form your own opinion and would be keen to have any further feedback.
The key messages that highly resonated with me personally focused on several important themes. First, the importance of a positive and open mindset. Second, cultivating curiosity to discover, learn and share. And finally, recognising the sheer power of collaboration across domains and boundaries in the interest of our wider community and the public. Happy watching!
