Reflections from the IFoA Life Conference: Jo Frankham

Last week, the Life Actuarial team at Eames Consulting attended the IFoA Life Conference 2025  in Edinburgh. Held at the EICC, the event brought together more than 800 actuarial professionals from across the globe to exchange insights, discuss the latest developments in the sector, and strengthen connections within the actuarial community.

Below are some of my key reflections from this year’s conference.

1. The importance of communication

Across the three days, our team spoke with more than two hundred actuaries, many of whom were attending the conference for the first time. The atmosphere was one of genuine enthusiasm and curiosity.

Although the market has been relatively subdued this year, there was strong engagement from attendees seeking to understand current trends and our perspective on what 2026 may bring.

It’s clear that the industry is in a period of transition, with many large organisations undergoing consolidation, leadership changes, or structural reviews. Among more senior actuaries in particular, there is an understandable interest in how these shifts might influence future opportunities and career paths.

2. BPA remains dominant – but balance is essential

Bulk purchase annuities (BPA) continue to play a leading role in shaping the life insurance market, creating significant volumes of work and revenue. However, as only a relatively small proportion of life actuaries operate directly in this space, it is important that other areas of the market are not overlooked.

Protection and other life insurance products have long formed the foundation of the industry’s growth and value creation. A recurring theme throughout the conference was the need to reaffirm the importance of non-BPA markets and innovation, ensuring a well-rounded and sustainable future for the sector.

3. A broad and balanced agenda

One of the most encouraging aspects of this year’s event was the breadth of topics covered. In a market where BPA often dominates discussion, it was refreshing to see a diverse and inclusive programme offering learning and development opportunities across multiple specialisms.

A few notable sessions included:

AI and automation – highlighting, as reflected in our Life Actuarial UK Workplace Attitudes Survey, a strong appetite among actuaries to enhance their skills and futureproof their careers.

Neurodiversity – exploring the unique strengths that neurodiverse professionals contribute to the workplace and the value of inclusive practices.

The NHS – examining the long-term implications of an ageing population for the workforce, the role of insurance products and actuaries, and the sustainability of public health systems.

Mental toughness – a compelling closing session from Penny Mallory, mental toughness expert and former British Championship Rally Driver, on the role of resilience and self-belief in professional success.

This year’s IFoA Life Conference provided a valuable forum for reflection, collaboration, and forward thinking. It was a pleasure to reconnect with so many industry professionals and to meet new faces joining the community.

We left Edinburgh with a renewed sense of optimism and an eagerness to see how the conversations and ideas shared will influence the next phase of development within the life actuarial market.

Get in touch with us

At Eames Consulting, we remain committed to supporting actuaries at every stage of their career – helping them navigate an evolving landscape, connect with the right opportunities, and continue to shape the future of the life insurance industry. If you want to talk about hiring an actuary for your team or finding an actuarial role, or you’d like to request a download of our Life Actuarial UK Workplace Attitudes Survey, please get in touch with me.