The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in January 2025 published its November 2024 year-on-year inflation figure of 4.5% globally, with marked differences between countries. Year-on-year inflation in the OECD, as measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), was stable at 4.5% in November 2024 compared with October. At country level the picture was more mixed, with inflation rising in 14 of 38 OECD countries including notable increases

According to a review conducted in the UK, 10% of full-time and part-time employees missed days at work due to financial stress. In the private sector, this meant that more than 2.5 million workers took time off due to financial wellbeing, and 13 million worker days were lost. A 2022 survey conducted in Asia found that those without emergency savings are 60% more likely to have difficulty concentrating at work compared with those who had emergency funds saved. According to Lyra Wellbeing’s 2023 US survey, 48% of employees cited financial stress as the top factor impacting their mental health.

Abelica Global, a network of independent actuarial firms, announces its new Executive Director, Kulin Patel, who has taken over the role from 1 December 2024 as Carl Hansen retires. Kulin Patel brings over 28 years of global pensions and insurance consulting experience including a wealth of knowledge representing, building, and leading strong brands and alliances. Kulin’s dedication to excellence, entrepreneurial style, and innovative spirit align well with Abelica Global’s

MAXIS Global Benefits Network (MAXIS GBN) in December 2024 announced the appointment of Nicolas Denys as Chief Underwriting Officer, effective 1 February 2025. Nicolas will sit on the MAXIS GBN Executive Committee, reporting to CEO Mattieu Rouot. In his new role, Nicolas will lead a team of pricing underwriters who work closely with the MAXIS network of local insurers, the MAXIS E.U. Underwriting Hub and our multinational clients. Nicolas joins MAXIS from