I’m excited to announce the launch of the South Asian Network of Actuaries (SANA). Originally founded in 2020 by Ritu Jain and Shruti Gupta, SANA officially launched in November 2021. SANA’s mission is to establish a global network of current and aspiring South Asian actuaries and provide professional advancement opportunities, early actuarial education support, and broader community upliftment.

Countries typically considered “South Asian” include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. While these countries make up close to a quarter of the world’s population, they continue to be underrepresented in the actuarial community. The CAS currently estimates 23% of its members to be of the broader “Asian” categorization, and yet I have met only a handful of South Asians actuaries in my professional career.

Having a community of people with similar cultural upbringing and life experiences to lean on while advancing in this career is invaluable, and SANA plans to foster the growth of that community. As a member of SANA, I would like to understand why I have heard of so few South Asian actuaries and do my part to normalize pursuing actuarial science in the South Asian community.

SANA’s goals include:

1. Provide networking opportunities for South Asian actuaries, candidates, and allies.
2. Promote the actuarial profession within the South Asian community.
3. Support and mentor members of SANA by providing exam guidance and professional development opportunities.
4. Develop connections with allies across the broader actuarial community.

SANA also operates beyond just US-based actuaries and will bridge connections to actuaries and candidates living in South Asian countries.

As the Networking Chair of SANA, I am working closely with Mallika Bender (CAS DEI Staff Actuary) to host networking opportunities at CAS events and universities. We believe in building genuine connections: SANA wants to empower its members to share their stories in hopes that we can build stronger bonds and learn from each other’s experiences as South Asian actuaries.

If you’re interested in volunteering or becoming a member, please visit southasianactuaries.org or email me at rehan.siddique@milliman.com.