What makes data “bad” or difficult to work with? For actuarial consultants, data from clients is crucial to a comprehensive analysis. Although that data may arrive with any number of issues and challenges, solving those puzzles gives actuaries the opportunity to demonstrate our ability to adapt, innovate and communicate.

Machine learning is a branch of artificial intelligence (AI) that teaches a computer how to analyze and find hidden patterns in data through the use of algorithms. It’s been called a “revolution,” and from self-driving cars to health care, it has begun to change the way we live our lives. Our Pinnacle University group explored the emerging world of machine learning and how it fits into the insurance industry.

Nuclear verdicts (verdicts over $10 million) are becoming more common and contribute to significant angst experienced by commercial auto executives, underwriters and claims handlers across the country. A common theme in these matters is how plaintiff attorneys have been successfully employing reptile theory.

Few industries will be impacted by the compounding effects of climate change as severely as the insurance industry. Extreme climate-related disasters have increasingly dominated the media. Some recent climate data has indicated that expansive wildfires, hurricanes, extreme flooding and prolonged droughts are negatively affecting more and more people. By taking timely action, the insurance industry can help lead change to combat the growing regularity of catastrophic events.

At least two things came to fruition from the 1960s science fiction TV shows many of us watched as children. First, as the title of this blog suggests, it is now acceptable to split an infinitive (that is, insert an adverb between the word “to” and the verb). Second, although we still don’t have flying cars, it is possible to conduct meetings and converse with people miles away while looking at a screen. This came in quite handy as we planned our 2021 Pinnacle University program.