LCP’s Stuart McDonald awarded with prestigious Finlaison Medal

LCP’s Head of Longevity and Demographic Insights Stuart McDonald MBE has been recognised by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) for his exceptional service to the actuarial profession.

At yesterday’s 2023 IFoA conference and award ceremony, Stuart was presented with the Finlaison Medal by Kalpana Shah, the President-elect of IFoA.

Since it was first awarded in 1985 to commemorate the founding President of the Institute of Actuaries, the award has only been given to a select number of individuals who have given exceptional service to the actuarial profession in furtherance of the objects set out in the Royal Charter of the IFoA. The last recipient was honoured in 2016.

Commenting on his achievement, Stuart McDonald, said: “I’m honoured to have been awarded the Finlaison Medal by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. To receive this recognition from my peers means a great deal to me, and it is humbling to look at past recipients and think that I can count myself among them.

I’m grateful to all those volunteers who stepped forward as part of the profession’s response to the pandemic. Together we were able to make a real difference, and I see this medal as a testament to our collective hard work and shared commitment to the public interest.

The actuarial profession has the right skills and mindset to make a vital contribution to the big issues facing society today, such as the climate crisis, economic inequality and the repercussions of the pandemic. It is important that we increase our impact and our influence. I will continue to do what I can to make the voices of actuaries heard.”

Stephen Mann, CEO of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries, added: “IFoA Council is delighted to award the Finlaison Medal to Fellow Stuart McDonald, recognising his immense service to the actuarial profession.

We wanted to acknowledge the significant leadership and influence Stuart demonstrated as part of the profession’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic, including the role he played in helping to communicate key information to government, the media and other organisations.

As both Co-Chair of the Covid-19 Actuaries Response Group and Deputy Chair elect of the Continuous Mortality Investigation, Stuart undoubtedly helped to inform key policy decisions taken during the pandemic, simultaneously raising the profile of the profession and the contribution it can make to public life.”