Description: This paper considers the problem of actuaries acting as advisers to individuals. This activity is covered by regulations, discussed in the paper, that currently recognize other professions but not actuaries. The paper recommends that actuarial organizations lobby the relevant legislative and regulatory bodies to provide actuaries pursuing an investment-focused career path with the same exemption status as other professionals.

Description: Report on 2013 committee activities and a cumulative summary of key findings of the research. There ae many consistent themes. Description of major ongoing work project.

Description: Feature article discussing the impact of the crisis that started in 2008 on pension plans and pension policies in a variety of countries.

Description: This panel discussion session focuses on the impact of a changing environment on personal security programs. Some of the issues addressed include regulations, taxes, consumerism, Social Security, inflation, and age/sex composition of work force.

Description: Paper on the impact of investment advice regulations on personal actuaries.

Description: This paper analyzes climate change's impact on corn yield and insurance claims in Southern Minnesota through an analysis of how temperature and precipitation are expected to change over the next 30 years.

Description: The Society of Actuaries Research Institute’s Aging and Retirement Strategic Research Program is pleased to release a collection of essays addressing the impact of inflation on retirement and retirement-related issues.

Description: Discusses the section 6694 tax return preparer penalty regime and examines how it might potentially apply to other professionals, such as actuaries, who assist those traditionally considered to be tax professionals.

Description: The current 50% reversion tax on the recovery of excess assets from a terminated defined benefit pension plan results in an asymmetric risk borne by pension plan sponsors. They are responsible for funding shortfalls but any surplus remaining at the termination of the plan is subject to punitive taxes. Pension reform will increase minimum funding levels to reduce the number of underfunded plans, which will increase the likelihood of surpluses that would be subject to punitive taxes. The Society of Actuaries’ Pension Section Research Team commissioned this study to quantify the impact of reversion taxes on pension plan funding.

Description: The association between disclosed financial accounting data and firm value is examined, while incorporating the effect of managerial discretion in reporting those data. Assumptions used to compute a firm's pension liability are addressed. These findings suggest that analysts recognize managers' use of unjustified assumptions and the disclosed accounting numbers are appropriately discounted.