Actuarial Talk

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 3 of Actuarial Talk.

In this episode, Will Gallimore is joined by Richard Dixon, whose career has taken him from Captain in the British Army to senior actuarial roles across the London insurance market. R Dixon pod transcription

Richard reflects on his unconventional journey into the actuarial profession, including six years in the Army before making the move into insurance. He shares the challenges of transitioning into a completely different industry, starting his actuarial career in marine pricing and the experiences that have shaped his career since. R Dixon pod transcription R Dixon pod transcription

The conversation also explores the future of insurance pricing, the impact of technology and AI, the transferable skills people from other industries can bring to insurance, and what Richard looks for when hiring the next generation of actuarial talent. R Dixon pod transcription R Dixon pod transcription

Topics covered include:

• Richard's journey from the British Army into the actuarial profession
• Making the transition into insurance from another industry
• Building a career in London Market pricing
• The future of pricing, data and technology
• Transferable skills from outside the insurance industry
• What Richard looks for when hiring
• Attracting new talent into insurance
• AI and the future of work
• Advice for aspiring actuaries

The Actuarial Talk podcast tells Richard's story.

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Disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of HFG. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The hfg name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organisation, product, or service.

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 2 of Actuarial Talk.

In this episode, Will Gallimore is joined by Nazmul Hasan, an actuary whose career has spanned consultancy, regulation and senior leadership roles across the insurance market.

Nazmul reflects on his journey into actuarial science, from his early days in investment banking to roles at the FSA/PRA, Beazley, Bupa and beyond. Along the way, he shares insights into capital modelling, risk management, leadership and how the profession has evolved over the past two decades.

The conversation also explores the growing impact of AI on the actuarial profession, the importance of developing future talent, what firms should consider when hiring and the value of maintaining balance outside of work.

Topics covered include:

• Nazmul's career journey into insurance and actuarial science
• Capital modelling, validation and risk management
• Lessons from working at the FSA/PRA
• Leadership and managing under pressure
• How AI is changing the actuarial profession
• Hiring, talent development and the future of the market
• Advice for aspiring actuaries
• Finding balance through yoga and mindfulness

The Actuarial Talk podcast tells Nazmul's story.

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Disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of HFG. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The hfg name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organisation, product, or service.

Welcome to Series 3, Episode 1 of Actuarial Talk!

In this episode, we’re joined by Colum D’Auria, Global Business Leader - Portfolio Solutions at Canopius.

With more than 25 years of experience across actuarial, finance, underwriting and executive leadership roles in the London Market, Colum has built a career that has taken him from PwC to Chubb, MS Amlin, QBE and now Canopius.

We discuss his journey from actuarial consultant to Chief Actuary, Chief Financial Officer and business leader, exploring the pivotal career decisions that shaped his path along the way.

Colum shares insights into his current role at Canopius, where he is helping to build an innovative portfolio solutions business, and discusses how technology, data and new ways of thinking are continuing to reshape the insurance industry.

We also talk about:

• Building high-performing teams and what Colum looks for when hiring

• Why actuaries should spend more time outside their own profession

• The importance of curiosity, taking risks and embracing opportunities

• How the actuarial profession is evolving in a rapidly changing world

• Why insurance is one of the most rewarding industries to build a career in

The Actuarial Talk podcast tells Colum’s story.

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Disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of HFG. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The hfg name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organisation, product, or service.

The final episode of Series Two of Actuarial Talk is here!

William Gallimore is joined by Dan Gelderd, founder of ACT Collab (Actuarial Collaborative Technology), a business created with a bold vision: to make Python the natural choice for actuarial work.

With an impressive background spanning capital modelling roles across the London Market, from consulting at EMB to leading Aon’s Tyche Capital Model product,  Dan brings a blend of actuarial expertise and software development insight.

Dan shares his journey from life as a teacher to the actuarial world, discusses the story behind ACT Collaband its mission to connect actuarial science with modern technology, and reflects on his passion for AI, which he describes as one of the great wonders of the world, while joking (we hope!) that it could one day end civilisation.

An entertaining and insightful discussion to round off the series!

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Disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of HFG. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The hfg name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organisation, product, or service.

This episode, we're joined by Peter Way. Peter leads the actuarial team at Africa Specialty Risks, helping to improve access to specialty insurance and reinsurance across Africa and Emerging Markets. 

In true start-up style, nothing is off-limits, from opps and claims to outwards reinsurance, pricing, reserving and capital.

He shares his journey from maths teacher to senior actuary, and we discuss some of life’s biggest challenges, including serious health struggles and being left without a roof over his head when a builder disappeared with his money.

A proud family man from Weymouth and secretly a beach boy at heart, Peter’s always striving to strike the right balance between work, family, and squeezing in time for a round of golf!

And yes… we even touch on his fascination with conspiracy theories.

The Actuarial Talk podcast tells Peter’s story.

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Disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of HFG. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The hfg name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organisation, product, or service.

This episode, we’re joined by Taha Ahmad – actuary, transformation leader and all-round insurance innovator.

Taha is Director of Pricing Solutions at Verisk, where he’s helping insurers unlock the power of data and analytics to drive faster, smarter decisions. From shaping pricing strategy at Lloyd’s of London to delivering big change at Deloitte, his journey through the London market is nothing short of impressive.

Born in a remote village in Bangladesh and now based in Birmingham, Taha is also a proud father of six, so when it comes to balancing work, family, and leadership, he lives by clear boundaries and ruthless time management. “I feel like this is my community,” he says of the insurance world, and that passion shines through in everything he does.

We chat about what the actuarial profession needs next, why he’s standing for election to the IFoA Council and how fresh thinking and inclusivity can help shape the future of insurance.

The Actuarial Talk podcast tells Taha’s story.

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Disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of HFG. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The hfg name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organisation, product, or service.

In this episode we’re joined by Anthony Williams, International Chief Risk Officer at SiriusPoint. With nearly thirty years of experience in the London Market, Anthony’s career began on the other side of the world. Starting out as an actuarial consultant in Australia, he took a two year secondment to London in the late ’90s and never quite made it back.

We dive into Anthony’s thoughts on why a great interview must be a two-way conversation, how AI is reshaping insurance and why a linear career path isn’t the only route to success. He also shares the one piece of advice he’d give his younger self: “don’t fear change.”

We also uncover the tale of a marathon through the vineyards of southern France, and question whether it was more about mileage or Merlot...

The Actuarial Talk podcast tells Anthony's story.

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Disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of HFG. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The hfg name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organisation, product, or service.

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Dilley, Global Head of Financial Institutions at Mosaic, to explore his unique perspective on working with actuaries. While not an actuary himself, Tom shares insights on how he navigates the actuarial world and the value they bring to the financial institutions space.
 
We also dive into how Tom manages his work-life balance while leading a global team and maintaining strong relationships across this ever-changing market.
 
Finally, we uncover the story of how Tom saved Will’s life during the London Marathon! 🏃‍♂️
 
The Actuarial Talk podcast tells Tom's story.

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Disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of HFG. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The hfg name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organisation, product, or service.

James Borrett's journey at Gen Re showcases not only his professional achievements but also his personal growth. His transition from being the sole P&C actuary in London, after initially qualifying on the Life side, to becoming the Head of International P&C Pricing highlights his dedication, adaptability and undoubted loyalty. James highlights the consistent support and encouragement he received played a significant role in his ability to develop and implement new ideas, contributing to the company's success over his 26-year tenure.

Equally impressive is his transformational fitness journey! James admits himself that he is a man of extremes and balancing a demanding career with personal development reflects his commitment to achieving excellence. James's story is a great example of how the right environment can lead to remarkable accomplishments.

The Actuarial Talk podcast tells James' story.

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Disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of HFG. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The hfg name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organisation, product, or service.

Join us for a special episode of Actuarial Talk as we sit down with Jake Morton, Associate Director at HFG and head of the GI Actuarial and Risk team. Jake shares stories from his recruitment journey and provides his views on the current and future trends shaping the actuarial market and the hiring of staff within insurance. Plus, we put Jake in the hot seat for a quick-fire Q&A segment and Will shares some funny tales from his time in the market! 

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Disclaimer:  The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are the speaker’s own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of HFG. The material and information presented here is for general information purposes only. The hfg name and all forms and abbreviations are the property of its owner and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organisation, product, or service.