The Evolving Role of Actuaries: From Technical Experts to Trusted Financial Partners

Are actuaries becoming critical partners in shaping financial strategy? How do they design better retirement solutions? How can actuaries facilitate sound, long-term decisions in uncertain economic times?

The answers to these questions could shape a new generation of actuarial value as the profession adapts to the needs of a volatile economy. In today’s rapidly changing financial landscape, actuaries are stepping into a more visible, strategic role. No longer confined to spreadsheets and statistical models, actuaries are emerging as key advisers in navigating financial uncertainty, retirement planning, and long-term employee benefit strategies.

Momentum Corporate’s Head of Employee Benefits and Actuarial Consulting, Henre Prinsloo, believes traditional perceptions need to shift – especially among actuaries themselves.

Henré Prinsloo

“Actuaries have always had the technical skills, but we’re only now recognising that those skills must be paired with empathy, business understanding and the ability to guide clients through a contextual financial journey. That’s where the real value lies,” says Prinsloo.

As South African businesses navigate inflationary pressure, rising benefit costs, and a changing workforce, actuarial expertise has become not just relevant – but essential. Prinsloo says actuaries can guide employers and retirement fund trustees in mitigating risk, ensuring pension sustainability, and designing employee benefit strategies that strike the right balance between cost and value (and not just in a monetary sense).

“We’re stepping into spaces that demand both precision and empathy,” he adds. “It’s no longer enough to be technically right, we have to be meaningfully relevant. And that starts with deepening trust, understanding real client needs, and showing up as strategic partners, not just technical experts.”

This redefined role often sees actuaries stepping into advisory functions traditionally dominated by financial planners – especially when it comes to high-stakes decisions like transitioning into retirement, managing longevity risk, and securing long-term income streams.

“Our ability to model risk and future outcomes is powerful,” Prinsloo explains. “But when we apply that to real-life goals, whether it’s helping an employer protect their people or guiding an individual through retirement planning – that’s where we earn trust.”

Yet, the evolution of the actuarial profession isn’t without hurdles. The ability to build stronger, more human relationships is crucial. Prinsloo acknowledges this as both a challenge and a major opportunity. In a world flooded with data and uncertainty, clients are searching for clarity and confidence. “When positioned correctly, actuaries can provide exactly that,” he says.

Prinsloo believes Momentum Consultants & Actuaries brings a distinctive model to the table – one that breaks away from rigid corporate structures and instead promotes a client-centric, collaborative approach.

“We’re showing up differently – not as distant technicians, but as strategic partners who understand people and business,” he says.

This approach has powerful implications not just for clients but for the broader economy.

“With actuaries, we can plan for the modern workforce, deliver better employee benefits, and use the power of data and understanding when designing inclusive, future-fit financial solutions.”

In a world that demands both certainty and compassion, the actuary of the future may be less of a back-office number cruncher and more of a boardroom ally, shaping better financial futures for all.