Ian Duncan: A New Chapter for the Society of Actuaries
Arbital Health is proud to announce that Dr. Ian Duncan, a Senior Advisor and Board Member, has been elected as the 2025-2026 President-Elect and Vice-Chair of the Society of Actuaries (SOA). This prestigious role is a testament to his lifelong dedication to advancing the actuarial profession and his significant contributions to the field.
A Legacy of Innovative Leadership
The Society of Actuaries, the largest professional association for actuaries with over 34,000 members globally, aims to enhance actuarial knowledge and support professional development while addressing complex societal challenges. Ian's career exemplifies this mission.
Dr. Duncan's journey began in the UK as a trained actuary. Over the years, he has amassed a wealth of experience across multiple countries, including Canada and South Africa. In the 1990s, he was at the forefront of predictive analytics in healthcare, laying the groundwork for modern actuarial practices. Notably, he founded or co-founded five healthcare analytics companies, including Santa Barbara Actuaries, which Arbital Health acquired in 2023.
Ian’s work at Arbital further emphasizes his impact on the healthcare system. He has integrated advanced actuarial modeling and artificial intelligence into the management of risk-based contracts, ensuring that healthcare providers can operate more efficiently and effectively.
Mentorship and Impact
Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to mentorship, Dr. Duncan has guided over 1,000 actuarial students as an Adjunct Professor of Actuarial Statistics at the University of California, Santa Barbara. With more than 80 peer-reviewed publications and several influential textbooks to his name, he is a beacon of knowledge for future actuaries. His books, such as
Healthcare Risk Adjustment and Predictive Modeling, continue to be essential readings in academic curricula.
In his own words, “It is an honor to be elected by my peers to lead the Society of Actuaries. Actuarial science is evolving rapidly, and I see enormous opportunities for our profession to apply its expertise in new areas.” His vision includes embracing innovation and addressing pressing societal issues through the lens of actuarial science.
A Forward-Looking Agenda
As the newly elected SOA President, Dr. Duncan is poised to guide the profession through a period of rapid transformation. He recognizes the new opportunities arising from data science, healthcare, and climate risk. His commitment to expanding the actuarial toolkit and empowering actuaries on entrepreneurial paths reflects Arbital Health's foundational values.
Arbital Health’s mission aligns with Dr. Duncan’s objective of simplifying risk-based contracts and enhancing healthcare outcomes. By centralizing data and automating processes, Arbital aims to reduce complexity and ensure that value-based care contracts fulfill their potential.
Conclusion
Dr. Ian Duncan’s election is not just a personal achievement but a significant advancement for the actuarial profession as a whole. His leadership will influence the trajectory of the Society of Actuaries at a time when innovation and adaptability are crucial.
For more information about Arbital Health and its contributions to the healthcare sector, visit
ArbitalHealth.com.