Programme Introduction
Prepping for a Professional Career with Our BBA Insurance, Financial and Actuarial Analysis Programme
The Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) programme in Insurance, Financial and Actuarial Analysis (IFAA), offered by the Faculty of Business Administration at CUHK, provides in-depth education in insurance, finance and actuarial science for students who wish to be actuaries, financial analysts or risk managers in insurance companies, banks and other financial institutions and business consultancies.
In response to the needs of the market, the programme is rooted in Hong Kong’s institutional environment, although students are also exposed to international issues and practices. University-level insurance, financial services and actuarial education is essential for the growth of the industry and for maintaining and promoting professional standards. The programme curriculum is well-rounded and practical, and not limited to the study of actuarial science theory. Students receive training in actuarial and statistical techniques in both life and non-life insurance. They learn about insurance operations, financial markets, portfolio management and derivatives securities so that they can excel in management positions in the insurance and finance sectors.
The programme has been accredited by the Society of Actuaries (SoA) in the US since 2011. The programme’s curriculum is aligned with the exam syllabi of the SoA. Our graduates perform very well in professional actuarial examinations. Most enter the actuarial department of insurance companies or consulting firms. Some join other sectors, such as banking and accounting.
Accreditation
The IFAA Programme has been recognised by the Society of Actuaries (SOA) in the United States as a Centre of Actuarial Excellence since 2011. We are one of only 38 universities in the world so recognised, which is the highest award bestowed upon an actuarial programme. The SOA recognises IFAA’s excellence in a wide range of areas, including curriculum design, faculty qualifications, connection with the insurance industry and graduate prospects:
“Fully integrated business courses, close to 100% participation in its internship and co-op programme and a strong connection to the industry are among the exceptional qualities of the CUHK actuarial science programme, and are instrumental in positioning students for success.”
– CAE Evaluation Committee (CEC), Society of Actuaries
The Chinese University of Hong Kong participated in the inaugural group of 13 universities recognized by the Society of Actuaries for the University-Earned Credit (UEC) programme in August 2022. IFAA students taking approved courses are eligible for specific SOA exam credits after obtaining the required score.
Craft Your Path
Ready to dive into the IFAA programme adventure? Tips from IFAA graduates:
- “Students in the IFAA programme are not only strong in mathematics, but also equipped with excellent communication and presentation skills. You can make good use of the internship and overseas exchange opportunities offered by the programme and University to sharpen your skills in foreign languages and build a professional network. This valuable experience is extremely useful for your future career.”
- “Although a certain level of mathematical proficiency is required, you do not have to be a prodigy to excel; in addition to quantitative skills, soft skills, such as communication skills and problem-solving skills are vitally important. To lead a fruitful campus life, I recommend students take an active role and join university societies, participate in exchange programmes, and join as many competitions as they can.”
Career Prospects
IFAA graduates are competitive candidates for a number business careers and are ideally suited for careers in banks, consulting firms, insurance firms and a number of key fields in the financial services industry.
Actuaries
Graduates who aspire to become actuaries are well-equipped for work in insurance companies, consulting firms, government agencies, banks, investment firms, the employee benefits department of large corporations, and any business that has substantial financial risk to manage.
Insurance Professionals
IFAA graduates can pursue professional careers in insurance as underwriters, insurance adjusters, examiners and risk managers.
Financial Analysts
IFAA students receive training in financial markets, modelling and investment, and are well-positioned for a career as a financial analyst in an investment firm.
Since the primary aim of the IFAA programme is to nurture talent for the insurance industry, it is not surprising that about 60% of IFAA graduates now work in this industry. Most of them start their careers as an actuarial assistant or trainee. About 20% of IFAA graduates now work in investment banks, commercial banks, accounting firms and business consultancies. The rest work in non-financial institutions, such as government and educational institutions, or pursue higher degrees locally or overseas.
Employers include AIA Company Limited, AXA China Region Insurance Company Limited, Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited, Bloomberg, BNP Paribas Hong Kong Branch, BOC Group Life Assurance Company Limited, Deloitte Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited, Deutsche Bank, EY, Hang Seng Bank, HSBC, HSBC Insurance (Asia) Limited, Manulife (International) Limited, Prudential Hong Kong Limited and Swiss Reinsurance Company.
If you are interested in this programme, please review the application requirements and deadlines specific to the respective admission scheme to increase your chances of getting accepted.
