IFoA investigates role of actuaries in managing cyber risk

9 December 2024

The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) has today published its latest thematic review, ‘Actuaries managing Cyber Risk’.

The report provides an up-to-date picture of the areas of work where actuaries are involved with cyber risk. This could be either periodically through risk management activities, or day-to-day, where actuaries may be pricing experts providing products to the market. It also gives an overview of the changing landscape for standards and regulations relevant to cyber risk around the world.

Actuaries are involved in cyber risk across a range of functions and domains and work alongside other cyber risk experts. It is important to consider how the cross-sector nature of this area of work impacts cyber risk standards and guidance for actuaries working in this space.

Using case studies and interviews, the report identifies areas where actuaries apply their risk management skills and expertise in the cyber insurance market, and to address cyber risk concerns for firms and their customers.

Participants in the review indicated that education and lifelong learning is an area where further support could be beneficial for actuaries, as cyber risk evolves. There are extensive resources available to help inform actuaries on cyber risk and security, from the IFoA, the global actuarial community, and international agencies.

Neil Buckley, Lay Chair of the IFoA Regulatory Board, said:

“‘Actuaries managing Cyber Risk’ provides an important overview on both the activity of actuaries in relation to this high-profile risk and the latest developments around the world as firms, regulators and governments work to mitigate potential harms. I would like to thank all those IFoA members and organisations that took part in this review.

“Managing cyber risk is a joint endeavour and we will continue to actively support members working in this area and encourage collaboration with global actuarial associations and other agencies to help further development of expertise and knowledge.”

Alan Marshall, IFoA Review Actuary, said:

“Cyber risk is all around us and it is a significant and evolving threat. Actuaries will be aware of its critical importance and when involved in identifying and managing cyber risk, are usually working alongside other cybersecurity experts. Given the continual threat to the financial system and beyond, actuaries have an opportunity to utilise their technical skills to extend influence in this field of work for the benefit of businesses and consumers.”

~ENDS~

 

Notes to editors

'Actuaries managing Cyber Risk'. Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. December 2024.

About thematic reviews

This thematic review report on ‘Actuaries managing Cyber Risk’ is part of the Actuarial Monitoring Scheme (AMS). It continues the regulatory work of the IFoA in independently reviewing areas of work in which actuaries have significant involvement and influence.

 

Contact

Sonia Sequeira, Communications Lead, IFoA 
Tel: 07525 592198 
Email: sonia.sequeira@actuaries.org.uk

 

About the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries 

The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) is a royal chartered, not-for-profit, professional body.  

Research undertaken by the IFoA is not commercial.  As a learned society, research helps us to fulfil our royal charter requirements to further actuarial science and serve the public interest.   

Actuaries provide commercial, financial and prudential advice on the management of a business’s assets and liabilities, especially where long term management and planning are critical to the success of any business venture. They also advise individuals, and advise on social and public interest issues. 

Members of the IFoA have a statutory role in the supervision of pension funds and life insurance companies. They also have a statutory role to provide actuarial opinions for managing agents at Lloyd’s of London. 

Members are governed by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. A rigorous examination system is supported by a programme of continuing professional development and a professional code of conduct supports high standards reflecting the significant role of actuaries in society. 

The IFoA is available to provide independent expert comment to the media on a range of actuarial-related issues, including COVID-19 and its long term consequences, mortality, pensions, life and general insurance, health and care, finance and investment, climate change and sustainability, systems thinking, uncertainty and judgement, and risk management.