The Society of Actuaries Announces New Center of Actuarial Excellence in Beijing

February 7, 2024, Chicago, IL — The Society of Actuaries (SOA) named a new SOA Center of Actuarial Excellence (CAE): the actuarial program at the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) in Beijing. The SOA named its first 13 CAEs in 2010 as part of its commitment to strengthen the academic branch of the profession. Today, with the addition of UIBE, the CAE program now includes 40 universities worldwide.

“The SOA is delighted for UIBE’s actuarial program to be recognized as the newest Center of Actuarial Excellence. Programs like the one at UIBE help prepare actuarial students to be global business leaders and address the world’s future needs and challenges with sound risk solutions,” noted Andrew Peterson, FSA, MAAA, FCA, Managing Director, International, SOA. “We look forward to a bright future for UIBE’s graduates and our actuarial profession.”

There are now two CAE universities in China, two in Hong Kong and one in Singapore, along with five universities in Australia, 20 in the U.S., eight in Canada and two in the United Kingdom, spanning four continents. The continued addition of CAEs supports the SOA’s efforts to accelerate the actuarial profession’s growth internationally.

Centers of Actuarial Excellence

The CAE program recognizes universities with outstanding actuarial programs. To qualify, programs must meet eight main criteria, along with other specific requirements. The criteria encompass appropriate degree and curriculum offerings, graduate count, faculty composition, quality of graduates, appropriate integration with other areas of study, connection to industry, and research and professional involvement. Universities retain the CAE designation for five years, after which renewal is subject to compliance with the CAE criteria.

About the SOA

With roots dating back to 1889, the Society of Actuaries (SOA) is the world’s largest actuarial professional organization with more than 32,000 actuaries as members. Through research and education, the SOA’s mission is to advance actuarial knowledge and enhance actuaries’ ability to provide expert advice and relevant solutions for financial, business and societal challenges. The SOA’s vision is for actuaries to be the leading professionals in measuring and managing risk. To learn more, visit soa.org.