James Xu, FCIA(2014)
Position: Director candidate
Province/State: North Carolina
Primary Practice Area: Life insurance
Position statement
As a dedicated professional with a rich history in the actuarial field, I am presenting myself as a candidate for the role of Director on the CIA Board. In my current role as Associate Partner at Q_PERIOR, I lead the actuarial services line of practice for North American and Asia–Pacific regions, focusing on expanding actuarial expertise and delivering exceptional services in actuarial and data management to a diverse range of insurance companies. Since becoming an FCIA in 2014, my engagement with the Institute has been robust and multifaceted, including my roles as Chair of the Enterprise Risk Management Subcommittee under the Continuing Education Committee since 2022, Vice-Chair of this committee since 2020 and my tenure as Chair of the Practice Education Course Investment Track until recently.
Enhancing Institute and member success
If elected, my vision for the Board includes not only leveraging my professional experience to advance the Institute but also deepening our commitment to nurturing the next generation of actuaries. I have been actively volunteering as a mentor for young actuaries, particularly in non-traditional fields, sharing my insights and experiences. This mentorship is a testament to my belief in the transformative power of guidance and support in shaping the careers of emerging professionals. My journey has been dedicated to the diverse paths an actuarial career can take, and I am passionate about helping young professionals understand and navigate these possibilities. By fostering a culture of mentorship, we can ensure the continuous growth and development of our members, preparing them to become future leaders and innovators in our profession.
Promoting the Canadian actuarial profession globally
My candidacy for the Board is strengthened by my extensive international work experience in seven different countries/regions, which has afforded me a unique global perspective and a vast professional network within the actuarial field. This international exposure has not only enriched my professional outlook but has also enabled me to build bridges across different actuarial communities worldwide. If elected, I aim to utilize this extensive network and my understanding of diverse actuarial practices to amplify the presence and influence of the Canadian actuarial profession on a global scale. By forging international partnerships and participating in cross-border collaborations, I aspire to both showcase the expertise of Canadian actuaries and to bring back valuable global insights to our national community.
Advancing the profession through strategic vision
In these times of unprecedented change, my candidacy for the Board is marked by a forward-looking approach to strategic planning. I aim to work with other Board members to guide our profession through the evolving landscape, ensuring adaptability to new trends and technological advancements, and positioning us for future challenges and opportunities.
As a candidate for the Board, my ambition is to contribute to a vibrant, innovative actuarial community, globally recognized for its expertise and societal impact. My commitment to integrity, vision and responsibility towards our members and the profession is unwavering. I humbly ask for your support and thank you for your consideration.
2022-Present – Committee on Continuing Education
- 2022-Present – Member
- 2020-Present – Enterprise Risk Management Subcommittee
- 2022-Present – Chair
- 2021-22 – Vice-Chair
- 2020-21 – Member
2021-24 – Practice Education Course (PEC) Organizing Committee
- 2021-24 – Member
- 2021-24 – Finance and Investment Track Working Group
- 2023-24 – Member
- 2021-23 – Chair
My diverse skill set extends beyond my primary actuarial responsibilities, offering valuable insights for the Board:
- Audit Chair at Chesterbrook Academy’s Parent Teacher Organization Board: I’ve ensured financial integrity in this role, overseeing bank transactions and maintaining fiscal transparency at my son’s school. These skills are crucial for upholding financial accountability within the CIA.
- Diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and environmental, social, and governance initiatives at Q_PERIOR: As the lead Associate Partner for DEI initiatives in North America, I’ve championed inclusive and sustainable practices, preparing me to guide the Institute towards socially responsible and equitable policies.
- Society of Actuaries (SOA) volunteering: My extensive volunteer involvement with the SOA has enriched my expertise in actuarial education and global industry trends. I’ve taken on roles such as item writer and exam grader, participated in its International Section and Emerging Topic Community, and was a leader on its Entrepreneurial & Innovation Section Council.
- Abacus Actuaries Leadership Committee: I spearhead efforts in North Carolina, advancing Abacus’s mission to ensure equal career advancement opportunities for Asian Actuaries and their allies.
These experiences have sharpened my capabilities in financial oversight, inclusivity, global actuarial insights and leadership in diversity initiatives, making me a well-rounded candidate for the CIA Board.
Question: What do you think of the effectiveness and importance of the CIA in its core functions (e.g., qualification, continuing education, professional development, promotion of the profession, research, standard-setting and professional conduct)?
Answer: The CIA plays a crucial role in upholding and advancing the actuarial profession in Canada, excelling across its core functions. Its rigorous qualification standards ensure actuaries embody professionalism and expertise, essential for maintaining the profession’s integrity. The CIA’s commitment to continuous education equips actuaries with current skills, reflecting the necessity for adaptability in our evolving discipline.
Promoting the profession both in Canada and internationally, the CIA boosts global recognition of Canadian actuaries, aligning with my global perspective and experience. The Institute’s research and standard-setting initiatives keep actuarial practices at the forefront of innovation and ethical standards, crucial for the profession’s advancement. My dedication to diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives mirrors the CIA’s efforts toward building an inclusive actuarial community.
In essence, the CIA’s focus on qualification, education, promotion and research underpins the ongoing success and relevance of the actuarial profession, affirming its indispensable role in the actuarial community both in Canada and globally. This comprehensive approach ensures the profession remains dynamic, innovative and inclusive, reflecting my vision for the future of actuarial science.