Iain Maclugash

⚡Flexible Working Survey 2024⚡ After some weeks in the making, our 2024 WFH report for the Actuarial market is finally ready! We surveyed over 700 actuarial professionals across the London Market, General Insurance, & Life Insurance to explore how many days they currently go into the office in comparison to how many days they would like to spend on site. The data was collected at both the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries Life and GIRO conferences, as well as through online polls, with the report offering insight into the differences (and similarities) in working-from-home policies across the Life and Non-Life markets. If you'd like a copy of the report, please drop me a message! 💻 [email protected] #GIRO2024 #IFoA #wfh #Insurance #Lloyds #Life #LifeConference2024 #survey

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🌟 New Year, New Opportunities? 🌟 As we get closer to wrapping up the year, it’s natural to start thinking about where we are in our careers and where we want to go. For those in the actuarial pensions field, it might be the perfect time to think about a fresh start with a new role in the new year. 🔄 Why consider a change now? January is when many companies allocate fresh budgets, start up new projects and look for new talent. Joining a new team right at the start gives you the chance to make an impact from day one and settle in as the year unfolds. 💼 What are the benefits of making a career move in pensions? 🎉 Stay Competitive on Salary: Changing roles can be a great way to keep your pay in line with market trends and make sure your skills are valued – no one wants to feel stagnant in their role. 🎉 Expand Your Network: New companies mean new connections. You’ll meet a whole new circle of professionals who can bring fresh insights and opportunities. 🎉 Gain Diverse Experiences: Every company tackles actuarial challenges a bit differently, so a new role is a chance to grow your skills and perspective. 🎉 Re-ignite Your Motivation: Sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to get excited about work again and set new goals. 🔍 Curious about what’s out there? The actuarial pensions market is evolving fast, and companies are on the lookout for experts with fresh ideas and strong technical skills. If you’ve been thinking about making a move, now might be the time to take a closer look. 👉 Let’s connect! Feel free to reach out – I am happy to chat about what’s happening in the pensions world and where the best opportunities might be. A fresh start in 2024 might be just what your career needs! #ActuarialPensions #CareerMove #NewYearNewYou #PensionIndustry #ActuarialJobs

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🚀 Why Work for a Large Pensions Consulting Firm? 💼📊 Looking to take your actuarial career to the next level? Working for a large pensions consulting organisation offers unique advantages that smaller firms often can’t match. Here's why joining a top-tier firm could be the perfect next step: 1️⃣ Diverse Client Exposure – Work with a wide range of clients across industries, from multinational corporations to public sector giants, giving you a broader skill set and more varied experience. 2️⃣ Career Progression – Larger firms often offer structured development programs, clear career paths, and mentorship opportunities, helping you accelerate your growth. 3️⃣ Access to Resources – Enjoy state-of-the-art tools, cutting-edge technology, and support from specialized teams to deliver top-tier consulting services. 4️⃣ Global Opportunities – Many large firms have international footprints, providing you the chance to work on cross-border projects or even relocate. 5️⃣ Collaborative Culture – With multiple teams and expert departments, you'll engage with top professionals, opening up opportunities to learn and collaborate in ways smaller firms simply can’t offer. The benefits of working at a larger firm go far beyond just the name. 🌟 If you're ready to thrive in a dynamic, resource-rich environment with limitless opportunities, let's talk. We have exciting roles available with leading pensions consultancies, and we’d love to help you find your fit! #PensionsConsulting #CareerGrowth #ActuarialOpportunities #ActuarialRecruitment #TopTierFirms

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🌟 Here’s Why Staying in UK Actuarial Pensions Is Your Best Move🌟 It’s natural to wonder if a change of scenery or even a new industry might be the right next step. But before you jump ship, take a minute to think about the amazing potential right here in UK actuarial pensions. There are some real perks to sticking with it – here’s why staying put might be your smartest move yet: 💼 Job Security You Can Count On With the UK’s ageing population and the increasing need for secure retirement solutions, pensions actuaries are needed more than ever. It’s not just a job – it’s work that’s valued and relied upon, no matter what’s happening in the economy. 💷 Salaries That Keeps Pace Actuarial pensions roles in the UK tend to be well-compensated, and they only get better as you gain experience. You don’t need to switch industries to make sure your pay stays competitive – this field rewards you for deepening your expertise. 📈 Specialised Skills That Set You Apart Each year you stay in pensions, you’re building unique knowledge that’s in high demand. This experience doesn’t just make you better at what you do – it can also open doors to more senior roles and exciting new projects, all while becoming a go-to expert in your field. 🌍 Room to Grow Without Moving Out From consulting to in-house pensions teams, UK pensions offers plenty of room to explore new paths. You can take on technical challenges, move toward management, or even help shape policy – without needing to leave the industry. 💡 Meaningful Work Helping people secure their futures isn’t just about numbers – it’s about making a real impact on lives. Especially here in the UK, with more people relying on pension security, your work truly matters. There’s a lot of pride in knowing you’re helping people plan for the future with confidence. So, before you start looking outside the industry, remember: staying in actuarial pensions has benefits that go way beyond stability. This field offers you purpose, growth, and real impact – what more could you ask for? 👉 Curious about where a career in UK pensions could take you... Let’s chat! #UKActuarialPensions #CareerGrowth #PensionsIndustry #StayAndThrive

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New DB funding code in force today The Pensions Regulator’s (TPR) new funding code for defined benefit (DB) schemes, which provides guidance and sets expectations for meeting funding and investment strategy (FIS) requirements, takes effect today. This code applies to DB schemes with actuarial valuations from 22 September 2024 onward. Click below to read our article. https://lnkd.in/gbVmRmHk #DBcode #tpr #pensionscheme #trustees #employers

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Have you taken part in the 2024 Pensions Actuarial Salary Survey yet? Here’s another preview of how one of the questions is stacking up so far. When you complete the survey, the 12 answers are presented in a random order, and you drag and drop to rank them. It’s interesting to see ‘variety of work’ down in 8th place after 300+ submissions! Please use the link to take part, and share with a few friends/colleagues: https://lnkd.in/eJ7NQ7g7 #pensions #actuarial #actuaries #salarysurvey2024 #somethingdifferent

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Navigate your actuarial career with confidence! Whether you're negotiating your salary, planning your career trajectory, or keeping up with emerging trends, the DW Simpson Salary Survey is your essential tool: ✅ Negotiate with Confidence: Use our data to ensure fair compensation for your skills and experience. ✅ Plan Your Career: Understand the factors driving career advancement and identify growth opportunities. ✅ Stay Ahead of Trends: Discover how technological advancements, regulatory changes, and industry demands are shaping actuarial compensation. Take control of your career and make informed decisions. Learn how: https://nsl.ink/dRj5 #ActuarialSearch #AnalyticsRecruiting #ActuarialSalarySurvey

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Navigate your actuarial career with confidence! Whether you're negotiating your salary, planning your career trajectory, or keeping up with emerging trends, the DW Simpson Salary Survey is your essential tool: ✅ Negotiate with Confidence: Use our data to ensure fair compensation for your skills and experience. ✅ Plan Your Career: Understand the factors driving career advancement and identify growth opportunities. ✅ Stay Ahead of Trends: Discover how technological advancements, regulatory changes, and industry demands are shaping actuarial compensation. Take control of your career and make informed decisions. Learn how: https://nsl.ink/dRj5 #ActuarialSearch #AnalyticsRecruiting #ActuarialSalarySurvey

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What Would Insurance Look Like if Actuaries Led the Strategy? Actuarial insight is traditionally seen as technical support, but what if actuaries took the reins on strategic direction? Their unique perspective on risk could reshape everything from product development to long-term business resilience. Could actuaries be the untapped strategic leaders in insurance?

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Is your pension scheme ready for the Pensions Dashboards? As the Pension Dashboard rollout approaches, many UK pension schemes are facing a critical challenge: data accuracy. Incomplete or outdated information could lead to mass confusion, incorrect allocation of pensions, and regulatory penalties from TPR. #PensionsDashboards

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Are you and actuary aiming for a quantitative risk role in London's insurance market? Here are five top tips to help you succeed in your job search: ❗ Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest developments in the non-life insurance sector. Being aware of market trends and regulatory changes can give you a competitive edge. ❗ Upskill Strategically: Enhance your quantitative skills to demonstrate your analytical abilities. A strong background in mathematics and statistics is essential for risk oversight roles. I would highly recommend shadowing colleagues in risk if this is possible. ❗ Network Wisely: Connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn and attend relevant events and webinars. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and keep you informed about the industry. ❗ Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight your quantitative expertise, industry-specific knowledge, and key achievements. Tailoring your application for each role is crucial. ❗ Connect with Me: Please reach out, I would be happy to offer my expertise and can provide personalised career advice and job opportunities in person, teams or on the phone. 📩 [email protected] Or visit www.arthur.co.uk for our latest risk opportunities. #RiskRecruitment #LondonInsurance #QuantitativeRoles #InsuranceCareers #LloydsMarket #QuantitativeRisk

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Thinking of exploring the market in Q4 this year? Please do drop me a message for a confidential exploratory chat. Q4 (from my view) always seems like a good time to see what is available in the general insurance actuarial market. Processes tend to move quickly, especially compared to Q3 with summer & school holidays. If you are on a 1 month or 3 month notice you'll be able to get a start date confirmed for early 2025. From a financial standpoint it will help maximise your 2025 bonus paid in 2026 due to the calendar year running from January-December. There is also always plenty of opportunity in the market, with companies looking to get the headcount confirmed and hiring completed before the end of the year. Happy to have a chat. (e) [email protected] #actuarial #generalinsurance

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As Defined Benefit schemes secure benefits with insurers, trustees and sponsors are moving towards buy-outs and wind-ups. While many schemes have completed buy-ins faster than expected, the essential work for buy-out and wind-up might not be underway, risking delays and increased costs. This report covers: ⏳ Wind-up duration 🚧 Causes of delays ✅ Strategies to reduce risks Ensure a smooth, cost-effective process. Download the report now! 📄 Read more here 🔗: https://okt.to/Ycsri7 #Pensions #Trustees #RiskManagement

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As Defined Benefit schemes secure benefits with insurers, trustees and sponsors are moving towards buy-outs and wind-ups. While many schemes have completed buy-ins faster than expected, the essential work for buy-out and wind-up might not be underway, risking delays and increased costs. This report covers: ⏳ Wind-up duration 🚧 Causes of delays ✅ Strategies to reduce risks Ensure a smooth, cost-effective process. Download the report now! 📄 Read more here 🔗: https://okt.to/ur0px9 #Pensions #Trustees #RiskManagement

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Building Actuarial Talent: Invest in the Future. The actuarial skills gap is growing, and demand for the best is fierce. To future-proof the industry, it must invest in training, mentorship, and upskilling the next generation of actuaries. What’s your organisation doing to nurture emerging actuarial talent?

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The Talent Equation: Attracting and Retaining the Best. The demand for actuarial talent is soaring, but are companies doing enough to attract and retain the best? It’s not just about competitive salaries—culture, growth opportunities, and work-life balance are key. What’s your strategy for winning the talent race?

Navigating a new role in the London market as an actuary in the insurance sector can be quite the challenge. The city's fast-paced financial environment demands a quick adaptation to new regulatory frameworks and market dynamics. One of the primary hurdles is understanding the specific regulatory requirements of the UK, especially those pertaining to insurance, which can differ significantly from other regions. This requires not only a solid grasp of local laws but also the ability to forecast their impacts on financial models and risk assessments. Another significant challenge is the cultural shift. London's diverse and dynamic work culture can be both exciting and overwhelming. Building relationships with new colleagues and clients, who come from varied backgrounds, requires excellent interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity. This is crucial for effective communication and collaboration, especially in a field where precision and clarity are paramount. Lastly, the sheer volume of data and the speed at which it needs to be processed in London's financial markets can be daunting. Actuaries must be proficient with advanced analytical tools and technologies to manage and interpret complex datasets efficiently. Continuous professional development and staying updated with the latest industry trends are essential to thrive in such a competitive environment. #ActuaryChallenges #LondonFinance #CareerTransition #InsuranceIndustry

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