President Comment

Disruptive technology has become something of a catchphrase in contemporary conversation. Most believe that Harvard Business School professor Clayton M Christensen coined the term in 1997, and it refers to groundbreaking technology that displaces established methods, shaking up and sometimes creating completely new industries.

It’s that time of year again – summer is drawing to an end, the days are shortening and the subscription-renewal reminders are arriving in our inboxes (you should have received yours on 1 September).

It is a time of change. This brings about challenges, opportunities and risks, and I am honoured to be taking on the leadership of the IFoA at such a time. I believe that the skills and value actuaries can bring are more relevant and needed than ever before.

A year ago, I closed my presidential address with these words from Thomas Edison: “If we do what we are capable of, we will astound ourselves”, and subsequently I have focused on what the IFoA can do to enhance our collective thought leadership.

Colin Wilson outlines the importance of integrity in decision-making and the IFoA’s global campaign to promote professionalism

Colin Wilson focuses on the strategic issues that will shape the profession with an eye to the future

Discount rates have been the subject of much debate in recent months. Colin Wilson outlines the issues affecting the future

In line with his presidential theme of ‘thought leadership’, Colin Wilson describes the rise of the IFoA’s public profile

Colin Wilson on the review of the composition of Council and how it presents an opportunity to have a say in how it serves your profession

This season has once again seen a large number of our members participate in the IFoA’s residential conferences, with many of you preparing to depart for the Life Conference as this edition of The Actuary arrives through your letterbox.