The Actuaries Institute has appointed OnePath non-executive director Nicolette Rubinsztein as President, succeeding Barry Rafe.

She says issues raised by the Hayne royal commission and opportunities in data analytics are among key areas of focus this year.

She also intends to support work promoting gender diversity in the actuarial profession.

Women make up just 25% of the institute’s fully qualified actuaries, which reflects the low proportion of girls taking advanced science, technology, engineering and maths studies.

“Until we increase the percentage of girls taking advanced maths at school, we will not significantly improve the gender diversity of actuaries,” Ms Rubinsztein said in a speech last week. The institute must “look at how we can support women in their progression from associate to fellow and how we can support more women into senior actuarial roles”.

Ms Rubinsztein also holds non-executive directorships at UniSuper, SuperEd and CBHS Health Fund.