Actuarial Consulting Firms - Complete Career Guide #
Actuarial consulting firms represent some of the most prestigious and rewarding career destinations for both entry-level graduates and experienced actuaries. The consulting environment offers unique advantages including diverse client exposure, accelerated professional development, and the opportunity to work on complex, high-impact projects across multiple industries. This comprehensive guide explores the major consulting firms in the actuarial industry, providing detailed insights for students and professionals seeking to advance their careers in actuarial consulting.
The firms featured in this guide are strategically organized by their market presence, employee count, and industry influence. However, it’s important to note that the actuarial consulting landscape is dynamic, with firm sizes and market positions evolving through mergers, acquisitions, and organic growth. Each category offers distinct advantages: larger firms provide extensive resources, global opportunities, and structured development programs, while smaller boutique firms offer more personalized attention, direct client interaction, and specialized expertise in niche areas.
Global Professional Services Firms #
These multinational corporations represent the pinnacle of the actuarial consulting industry, employing thousands of actuaries worldwide and offering unparalleled resources, global mobility opportunities, and comprehensive career development programs.
Willis Towers Watson (WTW) #
Willis Towers Watson stands as a titan in the global actuarial consulting landscape, employing over 45,000 professionals worldwide with a substantial portion dedicated to actuarial services. Following the 2016 merger of Willis Group Holdings and Towers Watson, WTW has solidified its position as the world’s largest risk management, insurance brokerage, and advisory company.
Practice Areas:
- Life Insurance Consulting: Comprehensive services including product development, capital modeling, risk management, and regulatory compliance
- Property & Casualty Insurance: Pricing optimization, reserving, catastrophe modeling, and regulatory support
- Healthcare: Medical trend analysis, provider risk assessment, population health management, and healthcare reform consulting
- Pensions and Retirement: Plan design, funding strategies, risk management, and administration services
- Investment Consulting: Asset allocation, manager selection, performance measurement, and fiduciary governance
- Reinsurance: Capital optimization, portfolio analysis, and strategic reinsurance program design
Career Development Opportunities: WTW’s Actuarial Development Program is widely regarded as one of the industry’s premier entry-level programs. New hires benefit from structured rotations across multiple practice areas, comprehensive exam support including study materials and paid study time, mentorship from senior actuaries, and early exposure to high-profile client engagements. The firm’s global presence offers unique international assignment opportunities, allowing actuaries to gain experience in different regulatory environments and market conditions.
The company’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in their employee resource groups, leadership development programs, and flexible work arrangements. WTW consistently ranks among the top employers for actuaries, with competitive compensation packages, comprehensive benefits, and a collaborative culture that encourages innovation and professional growth.
Mercer #
As a subsidiary of Marsh McLennan Companies (NYSE: MMC), Mercer operates as one of the world’s largest human resources consulting firms with a substantial actuarial practice spanning multiple continents. The firm’s rich history dating back to 1945 has established it as a trusted advisor to governments, multinational corporations, and institutions worldwide.
Core Competencies:
- Retirement and Pension Consulting: Mercer leads the global pension consulting market, providing services to over 4,000 pension plans worldwide. Their expertise spans plan design, funding strategies, risk management, investment consulting, and administration services
- Health and Benefits: Comprehensive health and welfare consulting including medical plan design, pharmacy benefit management, wellness program development, and healthcare cost management
- Investment Management: Through Mercer Investments, the firm provides investment advisory services, manager selection, and fiduciary consulting to institutional investors
- Insurance Consulting: Specialized services for insurance companies including capital modeling, product development, and regulatory compliance
Professional Development: Mercer’s actuarial student program is renowned for its comprehensive approach to career development. The program features structured exam support with generous study time allowances, financial assistance for exam fees and study materials, and dedicated coaching from Fellowship-level actuaries. Entry-level actuaries participate in cross-functional project teams, gaining exposure to different practice areas and client industries.
The firm’s commitment to continuous learning is evidenced by their Mercer University platform, which offers extensive training resources, leadership development programs, and technical skill enhancement opportunities. Career progression is well-defined with clear advancement criteria and regular performance feedback.
Aon #
Aon plc operates as a leading global professional services firm providing risk, retirement, and health solutions. With operations in over 120 countries and territories, Aon’s actuarial practice serves as a cornerstone of their comprehensive service offerings to corporate clients, governments, and institutions.
Service Portfolio:
- Retirement Solutions: Aon’s retirement practice is one of the largest globally, serving thousands of defined benefit and defined contribution plans. Services include actuarial valuations, plan design optimization, risk transfer solutions, and investment consulting
- Health Solutions: Comprehensive health and benefits consulting covering medical plan design, pharmacy management, population health analytics, and healthcare regulatory compliance
- Insurance Consulting: Specialized consulting for insurance companies including capital optimization, regulatory compliance, and strategic planning
- Reinsurance Solutions: Through Aon Benfield, the firm provides reinsurance broking and capital solutions to insurance companies worldwide
Training and Development: Aon’s early career program, known as the Aon Graduate Development Programme, provides a structured pathway for new actuaries to build expertise across multiple practice areas. The program includes formal training modules, mentorship relationships, client project assignments, and comprehensive exam support. Participants benefit from Aon’s global network, with opportunities for international assignments and cross-border collaboration.
The firm’s investment in technology and analytics creates unique learning opportunities for actuaries interested in emerging areas such as predictive modeling, artificial intelligence applications in risk assessment, and data visualization techniques.
Large Specialized Actuarial Consulting Firms #
These firms have built their reputation specifically on actuarial and insurance consulting expertise, often providing more specialized knowledge and intimate client relationships compared to their larger counterparts.
Milliman #
Founded in 1947, Milliman has grown to become one of the world’s premier independent consulting and technology firms, specializing exclusively in the insurance, healthcare, and employee benefits industries. With over 4,000 employees across 60 offices worldwide, Milliman combines deep actuarial expertise with cutting-edge technology solutions.
Areas of Excellence:
- Healthcare Consulting: Milliman leads the healthcare actuarial consulting market with services spanning health plan pricing, medical trend analysis, provider risk assessment, and healthcare reform implementation. Their Healthcare Analytics platform is widely used by health plans and employers
- Life Insurance: Comprehensive consulting for life insurers including product development, capital modeling under various regulatory frameworks (Solvency II, IFRS 17, US GAAP), and risk management
- Property & Casualty Insurance: Specialized services in reserving, pricing, catastrophe modeling, and regulatory compliance for P&C insurers
- Employee Benefits: Pension and retirement consulting including actuarial valuations, plan design, and administration services
- Investment Advisory: Investment consulting services through Milliman Financial Risk Management, focusing on asset-liability modeling and investment strategy
Technology Integration: Milliman distinguishes itself through significant investment in proprietary technology platforms and analytical tools. Their Milliman Arius platform provides comprehensive health analytics capabilities, while their catastrophe modeling tools are widely used throughout the insurance industry. This technology focus creates unique career opportunities for actuaries interested in combining traditional actuarial science with advanced analytics and software development.
Career Development: The firm’s actuarial internship and entry-level programs are highly competitive, typically recruiting from top-tier universities with strong actuarial science programs. New hires benefit from extensive mentorship, structured training programs, and early exposure to sophisticated modeling techniques. Milliman’s collaborative culture encourages knowledge sharing and innovation, with regular internal conferences and technical forums.
Oliver Wyman #
As part of Marsh McLennan Companies, Oliver Wyman operates as a premier management consulting firm with a specialized focus on financial services, including a substantial actuarial and insurance consulting practice. The firm’s strategic consulting approach differentiates it from traditional actuarial consulting firms, offering unique opportunities for actuaries interested in broader business strategy and transformation initiatives.
Strategic Focus Areas:
- Insurance Consulting: Comprehensive services for insurance companies including strategic planning, digital transformation, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance
- Risk Management: Advanced risk modeling, stress testing, and capital optimization services for financial institutions
- Strategic Planning: High-level strategic consulting covering market entry, merger and acquisition support, and business model innovation
- Operational Efficiency: Process optimization, technology implementation, and organizational transformation services
Consulting Approach: Oliver Wyman’s approach combines traditional actuarial expertise with management consulting methodologies, creating opportunities for actuaries to develop broader business skills. Projects often involve senior client engagement, requiring strong communication and presentation skills. The firm’s focus on strategic initiatives provides exposure to C-suite executives and board-level decision making.
Professional Development: The firm’s recruitment focuses on attracting top talent from leading universities and business schools. Their development program emphasizes case-based learning, client engagement skills, and analytical problem-solving. Actuaries at Oliver Wyman often transition into broader consulting roles or pursue leadership positions within client organizations.
Mid-Size Firms with Strong Actuarial Practices #
These firms offer an attractive middle ground between large global firms and boutique practices, providing substantial resources while maintaining more intimate work environments and specialized expertise.
Buck (A Xerox Company) #
Following its acquisition by Xerox in 2017, Buck has continued to operate as a leading employee benefits consulting firm with a strong actuarial practice. The firm’s focus on human resources consulting and technology solutions creates unique opportunities for actuaries interested in the intersection of benefits, technology, and workforce analytics.
Core Services:
- Retirement Benefits: Comprehensive pension and 401(k) consulting including plan design, administration, and investment services
- Health & Welfare: Medical, dental, and disability plan consulting with emphasis on cost management and employee engagement
- Insurance Consulting: Group insurance consulting and voluntary benefits program development
- HR Technology: Implementation and support of human resources information systems and benefits administration platforms
Technology Innovation: Buck’s integration with Xerox has enhanced their technology capabilities, particularly in areas such as digital benefits enrollment, data analytics, and automated plan administration. This creates opportunities for actuaries to work at the intersection of traditional actuarial science and emerging technology applications.
Career Path: Entry-level actuaries at Buck benefit from close mentorship relationships, direct client interaction, and exposure to the full spectrum of employee benefits consulting. The firm’s moderate size allows for rapid career advancement and increased responsibility compared to larger firms.
Wakely Consulting Group #
Founded in 2007, Wakely has rapidly established itself as a premier healthcare actuarial consulting firm, specializing exclusively in healthcare analytics, medical economics, and population health management. The firm’s focused approach has attracted top talent from larger consulting firms and health plans.
Specialized Expertise:
- Healthcare Actuarial Services: Medical trend analysis, rate development, risk adjustment, and healthcare reform implementation
- Risk Adjustment: Specialized expertise in Medicare Advantage, ACA marketplace, and Medicaid risk adjustment programs
- Healthcare Analytics: Advanced analytics solutions for health plans, providers, and government agencies
- Strategic Consulting: Healthcare industry strategic planning, merger and acquisition support, and regulatory compliance
Market Position: Wakely’s exclusive focus on healthcare has allowed them to develop deep expertise that rivals much larger firms. Their client base includes leading health plans, government agencies, and healthcare providers. The firm’s growth trajectory and strong market reputation provide excellent career opportunities for actuaries interested in healthcare.
Learning Environment: The firm’s size promotes collaborative learning and knowledge sharing. Junior actuaries often work directly with partners and receive extensive mentorship. The healthcare focus allows for deep technical expertise development in a rapidly evolving industry.
Axene Health Partners #
Axene Health Partners operates as a boutique healthcare actuarial consulting firm founded by former executives from major health plans and consulting firms. Their specialized focus on healthcare economics and provider analytics has established them as thought leaders in healthcare transformation.
Niche Expertise:
- Healthcare Consulting: Specialized consulting for health plans, providers, and government agencies
- Medical Economics: Advanced analytics for understanding healthcare cost drivers and utilization patterns
- Provider Analytics: Risk-based contracting support, provider profiling, and quality measurement
- Strategic Planning: Healthcare industry strategic planning and business model innovation
Client Relationships: Axene’s boutique approach allows for intimate client relationships and high-impact project work. Actuaries often work directly with client C-suite executives and have significant influence on strategic decisions.
Professional Growth: The firm’s small size provides rapid advancement opportunities and exposure to all aspects of the business. Actuaries develop strong client relationship skills and gain experience in business development activities.
Regional and Boutique Firms #
While smaller in scale, these specialized firms often provide the most direct learning experiences and opportunities for rapid advancement, particularly for actuaries interested in specific practice areas or client types.
October Three #
October Three has established itself as a premier retirement plan consulting firm, serving plan sponsors across various industries with specialized expertise in pension and 401(k) plan consulting. Their focused approach has attracted experienced consultants from larger firms seeking more direct client relationships.
Service Specialization:
- Pension Consulting: Comprehensive defined benefit plan consulting including actuarial valuations, plan design, and risk management
- Plan Design: Innovative retirement plan design solutions balancing cost management with employee satisfaction
- Administration Services: Plan administration support and vendor management
- Actuarial Valuations: ERISA and financial reporting valuations for pension and other post-employment benefit plans
Client Focus: October Three primarily serves mid-market and large corporate clients, providing personalized service that larger firms often cannot match. Their consultant-to-client ratios are typically much lower than industry averages, allowing for more intimate relationships and deeper understanding of client needs.
Career Development: Entry-level actuaries at October Three benefit from direct client exposure, comprehensive training in retirement plan regulations, and mentorship from experienced consultants. The firm’s growth trajectory provides advancement opportunities as new offices and service lines are developed.
LEWIS & ELLIS #
LEWIS & ELLIS has built a strong reputation as a specialized actuarial consulting firm serving insurance companies, regulatory agencies, and legal firms. Founded by experienced actuaries with deep regulatory and litigation experience, the firm has become a go-to resource for complex actuarial issues.
Practice Areas:
- Insurance Company Consulting: Comprehensive consulting for property and casualty insurers including rate filing support, product development, and financial analysis
- Regulatory Compliance: Support for insurance companies navigating complex regulatory requirements and examinations
- Healthcare Consulting: Specialized healthcare actuarial services for health insurers and managed care organizations
- Expert Testimony: Actuarial expert witness services for insurance litigation and regulatory proceedings
Regulatory Expertise: The firm’s partners include former insurance regulators and experienced expert witnesses, providing unique insights into regulatory expectations and legal requirements. This expertise creates learning opportunities not available at traditional consulting firms.
Professional Development: Actuaries at LEWIS & ELLIS gain exposure to complex regulatory and legal issues, developing expertise that is highly valued in the insurance industry. The firm’s size allows for direct interaction with partners and significant responsibility on client engagements.
Perr&Knight #
Perr&Knight has established itself as a leading property and casualty actuarial consulting firm, serving insurance companies, self-insured entities, and captive insurance companies. Their specialized focus on P&C lines of business has created deep expertise in areas such as rate filing, product development, and regulatory compliance.
Core Competencies:
- Rate Filing: Comprehensive rate filing services including data analysis, rate indication development, and regulatory filing support
- Product Development: New product development support including coverage design, pricing, and regulatory approval
- Actuarial Analysis: Sophisticated actuarial modeling for reserving, pricing, and capital management
- Insurance Operations: Operational consulting including claims management, underwriting, and reinsurance program design
Industry Focus: Perr&Knight’s exclusive focus on property and casualty insurance allows for deep technical expertise development. Actuaries gain experience across multiple lines of business and develop specialized knowledge in emerging coverage areas.
Career Advancement: The firm’s entrepreneurial culture encourages innovation and provides advancement opportunities for high-performing actuaries. Many junior actuaries advance to senior consultant roles and eventually become partners in the firm.
Application Strategy and Career Planning #
Successfully securing a position at a top-tier actuarial consulting firm requires strategic planning, thorough preparation, and a clear understanding of what each firm values in candidates. The application process is highly competitive, particularly for entry-level positions at prestigious firms.
Strategic Application Timing #
University Recruitment Cycle: Large consulting firms typically follow a structured recruitment calendar aligned with university academic years. Fall recruitment (September through November) is the primary hiring season for full-time entry-level positions, with firms visiting top actuarial science programs and conducting on-campus interviews. Summer internship applications usually open in August or September of the preceding year, with final selections made by December or January.
Experienced Professional Recruitment: For experienced actuaries, recruitment is often more flexible with rolling admissions throughout the year. However, the best opportunities often arise during specific times such as fiscal year-end planning periods or when firms are launching new practice areas.
Regional Variations: Recruitment timing can vary by geographic region and local market conditions. Firms in major financial centers like New York, London, or Hong Kong may have multiple recruitment cycles throughout the year, while smaller regional offices may concentrate their hiring during specific periods.
Essential Qualifications and Skills #
Academic Excellence: Top-tier firms typically recruit from leading universities with strong actuarial science, mathematics, statistics, economics, or finance programs. A minimum GPA of 3.5 is often expected, with many successful candidates achieving GPAs above 3.7. Coursework in advanced mathematics, statistics, economics, and computer programming is highly valued.
Actuarial Exam Progress: For entry-level positions, most firms expect candidates to have passed at least one actuarial exam, with many preferring two or more exams. The specific exams depend on the intended practice area - P&C focused roles value Exam P (Probability) and Exam FM (Financial Mathematics), while life insurance and pension roles may also value Exam IFM (Investment and Financial Markets).
Technical Proficiency: Modern actuarial consulting requires strong technical skills beyond traditional actuarial knowledge. Essential technical competencies include:
- Excel: Advanced proficiency including VBA programming, complex modeling, and data analysis
- Programming Languages: R, Python, SQL, and SAS are increasingly important for data analysis and modeling
- Database Management: Understanding of relational databases and data warehousing concepts
- Statistical Software: Experience with statistical analysis packages such as R, SAS, or SPSS
- Actuarial Software: Familiarity with specialized actuarial software such as Prophet, AXIS, or MoSes
Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Consulting requires excellent communication skills for client interaction, presentation delivery, and team collaboration. Firms look for candidates who can explain complex actuarial concepts to non-technical audiences, facilitate meetings, and build strong client relationships.
Professional Development Considerations #
Comprehensive Exam Support Programs: When evaluating potential employers, carefully examine their actuarial exam support programs. The best programs provide:
- Paid study time (typically 100-150 hours per exam)
- Comprehensive study materials and courses
- Financial support for exam fees and study materials
- Mentorship and tutoring from credentialed actuaries
- Flexible work arrangements during exam seasons
- Bonus payments for successful exam completion
Rotation and Cross-Training Opportunities: Many large firms offer rotation programs that expose entry-level actuaries to multiple practice areas. These programs provide valuable experience in different actuarial specialties and help new consultants identify their preferred career path. Look for firms that offer:
- Structured rotation programs lasting 6-24 months
- Exposure to different practice areas within the firm
- International assignment opportunities
- Cross-functional project work
- Client-facing responsibilities
Mentorship and Professional Networks: Strong mentorship programs can significantly accelerate career development. Evaluate firms based on:
- Formal mentorship program structure
- Accessibility of senior actuaries and partners
- Professional development planning and feedback processes
- Internal networking opportunities and employee resource groups
- External professional organization involvement and support
Technology and Innovation Focus: The actuarial profession is rapidly evolving with new technologies and analytical approaches. Consider firms that:
- Invest in emerging technologies and analytical tools
- Encourage innovation and research and development activities
- Provide training in new technologies and methodologies
- Have dedicated data science or analytics groups
- Partner with technology companies or academic institutions
Work-Life Balance and Culture Assessment #
Project Variety and Client Diversity: Consulting offers the advantage of working with diverse clients across different industries. When evaluating firms, consider:
- Client portfolio diversity
- Project duration and complexity
- Opportunities for industry specialization
- International client exposure
- Regulatory and compliance focus
Team Structure and Collaboration: Different firms have varying approaches to team structure and collaboration. Some operate with traditional hierarchical structures, while others embrace more collaborative, flat organizational models. Consider which environment best fits your working style and career aspirations.
Performance Evaluation and Advancement: Understand each firm’s approach to performance evaluation, promotion criteria, and career advancement timelines. Some firms have structured advancement programs with clear milestones, while others offer more flexible career paths based on individual achievement and client relationships.
Emerging Trends and Future Opportunities #
The actuarial consulting industry is experiencing significant transformation driven by technological advancement, regulatory changes, and evolving client needs. Understanding these trends can help career-minded actuaries position themselves for future opportunities.
Technology Integration and Digital Transformation #
Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning: Leading consulting firms are investing heavily in AI and ML capabilities to enhance traditional actuarial modeling and analysis. Opportunities exist for actuaries with programming skills and interest in predictive analytics, natural language processing, and automated report generation.
Cloud Computing and Scalable Analytics: The shift to cloud-based computing platforms is enabling more sophisticated analytics and real-time reporting capabilities. Actuaries with experience in cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud Platform have competitive advantages.
Blockchain and InsurTech Innovation: Emerging technologies are creating new insurance products and distribution channels. Consulting firms are developing expertise in areas such as parametric insurance, peer-to-peer insurance models, and automated claims processing.
Regulatory Evolution and Compliance #
Global Regulatory Harmonization: International regulatory frameworks such as Solvency II, IFRS 17, and evolving US regulations are creating demand for actuaries with expertise in multiple regulatory environments. Consulting firms with global practices offer opportunities to develop this specialized knowledge.
Climate Risk and ESG Considerations: Environmental, social, and governance factors are becoming increasingly important in actuarial modeling and risk assessment. Firms are developing new practice areas focused on climate risk modeling, sustainable investing, and social impact measurement.
Market Specialization Opportunities #
Healthcare Analytics and Population Health: The healthcare industry’s continued evolution creates ongoing opportunities for actuaries specializing in medical economics, population health analytics, and healthcare cost management.
Retirement Security and Longevity Risk: Aging populations worldwide are creating complex challenges in retirement planning and longevity risk management. Consulting firms are expanding their capabilities in areas such as longevity modeling, retirement income planning, and pension risk transfer.
Emerging Markets and Global Expansion: Many consulting firms are expanding their presence in emerging markets, creating opportunities for international assignments and cross-cultural experience.
This comprehensive guide provides the foundation for making informed decisions about actuarial consulting career opportunities. The key to success lies in matching your interests, skills, and career goals with the right firm and practice area, while remaining adaptable to the industry’s evolving landscape. Whether you choose a global powerhouse with extensive resources or a specialized boutique firm with intimate client relationships, the actuarial consulting industry offers rewarding career paths for dedicated professionals committed to continuous learning and professional excellence.
Additional Resources and Professional Development #
Professional Organizations and Networking #
Society of Actuaries (SOA): The SOA Career Center provides comprehensive resources for actuarial job seekers, including job postings, salary surveys, and career development guidance. Their website offers detailed information about career paths in different actuarial specialties and provides networking opportunities through local actuarial clubs and professional meetings.
Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS): The CAS Job Board focuses specifically on property and casualty actuarial opportunities. Their career resources include mentorship programs, professional development seminars, and networking events that can provide valuable connections within the P&C actuarial community.
International Association of Consulting Actuaries (IACA): For actuaries interested in consulting careers, IACA provides specialized resources focused on consulting skills, business development, and professional practice management.
Online Resources and Research Tools #
Company Research: Thoroughly research potential employers using multiple sources:
- Company websites and career pages for official information about culture, values, and opportunities
- LinkedIn company pages for insights into employee backgrounds, recent hires, and company updates
- Glassdoor and similar platforms for employee reviews and salary information
- Industry publications and news sources for information about firm performance and strategic initiatives
- Professional conference presentations and white papers that demonstrate thought leadership
Industry Intelligence: Stay informed about industry trends and developments through:
- Actuarial publications such as The Actuary Magazine and Contingencies
- Insurance industry publications like Insurance Journal and National Underwriter
- Financial services news sources including American Banker and Risk Management Magazine
- Academic research and working papers from actuarial science programs
Networking and Relationship Building #
University Career Services: Maintain strong relationships with university career services offices and actuarial science faculty members who often have connections with consulting firms and can provide valuable recommendations and insights.
Professional Events and Conferences: Attend actuarial conferences, seminars, and networking events to build relationships with professionals from consulting firms. Major events include:
- SOA Annual Meeting and Life & Annuity Symposium
- CAS Annual Meeting and Seminar on Reinsurance
- Regional actuarial club meetings and social events
- University alumni events and career fairs
Informational Interviews: Conduct informational interviews with actuaries working at target firms to gain insights into company culture, career paths, and application advice. Most actuaries are willing to share their experiences and provide guidance to aspiring professionals.
The actuarial consulting industry offers exceptional opportunities for intellectually curious professionals seeking challenging, rewarding careers at the intersection of mathematics, business, and technology. Success requires careful planning, continuous learning, and strategic career management, but the rewards include competitive compensation, intellectual stimulation, and the opportunity to solve complex problems that impact businesses and society. By understanding the landscape of consulting firms, developing relevant skills, and building professional networks, aspiring actuarial consultants can position themselves for successful, fulfilling careers in this dynamic and evolving industry.