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04

Big talk, small talk

Open-access content Friday 27th March 2015 — updated 5.13pm, Wednesday 29th April 2020

Kelvin Chamunorwa considers divided opinions and encourages debate

2

I am sure that many of you came across 'The Dress'. If not, Google it - it divided the internet some weeks ago. At first, when I was invited to a colleague's desk where a handful of other workmates were already gathered, it seemed that Friday afternoon banter had degenerated to debating the colours of a dress. It turned out to be an optical illusion but it was fascinating to see how difficult it was to change someone's view

—

The political world is also not black and white. In the run-up to the UK general election next month, the voting public is largely divided across a number of the political parties, so there's a high possibility of no outright majority. I recently came across a debate on the radio about the appropriate number of kitchens in the home of a prime minister, in what seemed like a far-fetched effort to differentiate the candidates.

Paul Kennedy, an actuary running for a seat as an MP in these elections, writes on poll matters with more substance. He discusses how he tackles the challenges of changing opinions in his favour, and how his actuarial background has been relevant when addressing the various issues his constituency faces (p8).

Darryl Boulton's last two articles in The Actuary have stirred a number of responses from readers, two of which are included in the Letters page overleaf. 

I'd be interested in your thoughts on Boulton's latest instalment, about hidden charges (p30).

The Actuary is a great conduit for discussion across the global actuarial profession, and also for those with an interest in the work we do.

On a personal note, my two-year term as editor concludes in December and so the search for a successor begins. If this opportunity interests you, 

I would encourage you to get in touch to explore what the role entails. For me, it has certainly been a fascinating experience so far - one that I will look back upon with fond memories. In the meantime, let's continue debating.

This article appeared in our April 2015 issue of The Actuary .
Click here to view this issue

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Letters to the editor: The haves and have-nots

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Letters to the editor: Economic quandary

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Letters to the editor: Better late than never

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Latest from April 2015

Home insurance premiums continue to fall because of advanced planning

The cost of UK home insurance has continued to fall in the first quarter of 2015, with the average combined building and contents policy now costing £287 a year.
Thursday 30th April 2015
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Majority of savers not confident about future of their pensions

More than half of savers feel uncertain about what the future holds for their retirement, warns the National Association of Pension Funds (NAPF).
Thursday 30th April 2015
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More than two thirds of financial services professionals expect regulators to increase scrutiny on model risk management

Some 68% of financial services professionals believe regulators will become increasingly focused on model risk management.
Wednesday 29th April 2015
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Latest from missing_authorDate_strap_details

TPR publishes coronavirus guidance

The Pensions Regulator (TPR) has published guidance to help UK pension trustees, employers and administrators deal with the financial and regulatory risks posed by coronavirus.
Monday 23rd March 2020
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Sensitivity analysis: swimming lessons

Silvana Pesenti, Alberto Bettini, Pietro Millossovich and Andreas Tsanakas present their alternative approach to sensitivity analysis
Wednesday 4th March 2020
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10

October 2019 archive + digital edition
Wednesday 9th October 2019
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