Justin Owens, CFA, FSA, EA

Director, Investment Strategy & Solutions

B.S., Actuarial Science, Brigham Young University
Fellow, Society of Actuaries
Fellow, Conference of Consulting Actuaries
CFA Charterholder, CFA Institute
Enrolled Actuary, JBEA


Justin Owens is a director in Russell Investments’ Investment Strategy & Solutions team and is based in Seattle. As a subject matter expert on defined benefit plans, Justin regularly publishes research covering a variety of topics related to risk management and investment strategy for DB plan sponsors. Justin is also responsible for the completion and presentation of strategic reviews (asset / liability studies) and risk-budgeting exercises for clients and prospects.

Justin ensures that strategic reviews are completed in compliance with current actuarial funding laws and accounting standards, performed using industry best practices. As part of the strategic review process, Justin educates clients on the impact of current pension industry regulations and trends, including best practices for both funding and investment strategies.

Prior to joining Russell in 2012, Justin worked as a consulting actuary for a large actuarial firm. There he consulted with clients on a range of retirement issues. Specific areas of expertise included funding and accounting valuations on corporate and multiemployer defined benefit and retiree medical plans; asset / liability forecasting; actuarial assumption reviews; and benefits administration. Justin also held training and recruiting responsibilities.

Justin currently sits on the Investment Section Council for the Society of Actuaries and volunteers as an exam writer for the Investment Risk Management exam for fellowship-level actuarial candidates.

Published works include:


2022 Prudent pension funding report

November, 2022
Our 2022 Prudent Pension Funding Report reveals that even in a volatile market environment, most (86%) corporate pension plans can achieve full funding without a significant draw on corporate free cash flow, based on 2021 disclosures and market and interest rate movement so far in 2022.