At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and optimise a £22bn investment portfolio while collaborating with key stakeholders.
- Company: Join Canada Life, a leading financial services company in the UK and Ireland.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension, private medical insurance, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology and develop strong relationships within a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on investment strategies and enhance your actuarial skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries with experience in life insurance or investments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: London.
Job Purpose
You will play a key role in shaping how we manage and optimise a £22bn investment portfolio across the Canada Life Group UK (Canada Life Limited) and Ireland (Irish Life) entities. You will work closely with the wider Investment Function and Commercial’s Pricing sub‑function to design and implement optimal asset strategies for new business, including pricing for strategic third‑party bulk annuity transactions. This role reports to the Head of Actuarial Investment Strategy and would suit a recently qualified actuary with experience in life insurance, pensions or investments.
Key Accountabilities
- Shape and refine asset strategy and asset mix in partnership with the Head of Actuarial Investment Strategy and the wider Investment Function, taking into account the relative attractiveness of assets under Canadian, UK and EU regulatory regimes.
- Deliver clear, meaningful actuarial investment information to multiple internal stakeholder teams, meeting Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with Irish Life and Pricing.
- Drive improvements in the optimisation and day‑to‑day operation of the Matching Adjustment Portfolio, including regular asset/liability projections, development of rebalancing proposals, evaluation and recommendation of new asset classes, and regular reporting on trading activity and rationale.
- Help set appropriate investment targets and guidelines for investment managers, and make proposals to manage effectively the impact of trading and liability changes each quarter.
- Continuously enhance the Actuarial Investment Team’s models, processes and procedures to ensure timely, accurate and efficient delivery of services.
Desired Knowledge / Experience / Skills
- Strong understanding of asset classes and investment strategies suitable for matching life insurance liabilities.
- Good knowledge of Solvency UK, Solvency II and the Matching Adjustment; knowledge of IFRS 17 and bulk annuities is beneficial but not essential.
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to articulate technical and complex issues clearly, both verbally and in writing, to senior audiences including non‑actuaries.
- Familiarity with using PowerBI to present data and analysis is viewed favourably.
- Ability to develop and evaluate solutions to complex technical problems, make recommendations and implement agreed actions with the Head of Actuarial Investment Strategy and other key stakeholders.
- Demonstrates personal drive, energy, persistence, self‑motivation and awareness of wider business needs.
- Proven ability to build sound, trusted relationships within and outside the team and to manage multiple stakeholders successfully.
- Demonstrates an understanding of actuarial control frameworks and governance requirements, with the ability to implement and maintain these in practice.
- Track record of delivering high‑quality work under tight time pressure.
- A good working knowledge of Python and VBA is viewed favourably.
- Experience of managing actuarial students is beneficial but not essential.
Qualifications
- Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (or equivalent).
Benefits
- Competitive salary and comprehensive reward package including a generous pension and bonus scheme.
- Income protection, private medical insurance and life assurance.
- Other benefits and support services as well as regular personal and professional development.
Actuary (Actuarial Investment Team) in London employer: Canadalife
At Canada Life, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where actuaries can thrive. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our comprehensive reward package, including competitive salaries, generous pensions, and ongoing professional development opportunities. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and supports your career aspirations while managing a significant investment portfolio.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Actuary (Actuarial Investment Team) in London
✨Tap into Campus Networks
If you're still in uni, don’t forget to engage with your campus's career services and attend finance-related events. Banks often do presentations and recruitment drives on campus, so put yourself out there and make use of these opportunities to show off your passion for the field.
✨Get Certified
Consider pursuing relevant certifications like the CFA or ACCA while you’re job hunting. They not only beef up your CV but also connect you with professional bodies which can lead to networking opportunities and even job openings in banking and financial services.
✨Connect on Professional Platforms
Join finance-focused groups on platforms like LinkedIn and engage in discussions. This can really help you stand out from the crowd, allowing potential employers to see your knowledge and interest in industry trends. Plus, you might stumble upon job postings shared exclusively within the group.
✨Apply Directly and Be Proactive
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to firms like Canadalife. Use their websites and apply through them, but also consider following up with a polite email to express your enthusiasm. Being proactive can make a huge difference in getting noticed in the competitive financial services sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Actuary (Actuarial Investment Team) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Numbers!:In the banking and financial services world, quantifiable achievements are key. Make sure your CV highlights your grades in relevant subjects, any financial certifications you hold, and specific projects where you've delivered measurable results. Employers love to see how your skills translate into real-world success.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Role:When applying for a full-time position, your cover letter should make a direct connection between your experience and the job description. Don't just state your enthusiasm for finance—dive into how your background in banking or financial analysis sets you apart. Let your passion shine through while being specific about what you can bring to Canadalife.
Include Relevant Financial Software Experience:If you've worked with financial modelling tools or software like Excel, SAP, or specific analytical tools during your studies or internships, bring that up! Highlighting your proficiency can really make your application pop and show you're ready to hit the ground running in a full-time role.
Research and Reflect:Before hitting that 'apply' button on Canadalife's website, do a little digging. Look up their recent projects, values, and culture. Reflecting their ethos in your application can make a huge difference and show you’re genuinely interested in being part of the team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Canadalife
✨Brush Up on Financial Analysis Skills
Make sure you're well-versed in financial concepts and analytical techniques relevant to banking and financial services. Get comfortable with tools like Excel for modelling or financial forecasting, as technical questions in this area are common during interviews with Canadalife.
✨Prepare for Case Studies
Expect to tackle case studies that demonstrate your problem-solving skills in real-world banking scenarios. Familiarise yourself with the types of problems you might face—think risk assessments or investment evaluations—and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly.
✨Show Your Passion for Finance
Since this is a full-time position, employers at Canadalife will be keen to see your genuine interest in finance. Be prepared to discuss recent industry trends or news articles that excite you, showcasing your enthusiasm and engagement with the field.
✨Network with Industry Professionals
Before your interview, reach out to current or former Canadalife employees on platforms like LinkedIn. They'll offer unique insights into the company's culture and the interview process, which can give us a delightful edge in showcasing a good fit for the team.