Description: Decomposes guaranteed minimum maturity benefit option into a basket of components, and values each component with both a Black-Scholes model and a regime-switching GARCH model. Performs sensitivity analysis on dynamic lapse assumption.

Description: The article summarizes and comments on a recent IRS Chief Counsel Advice that addressed how the proration formula works for purposes of the separate account dividends received deduction in the context of a partnership structure. The article explains the historical background of the proration formula as it appeared in the 1959 Act and the differences between how the applies and affects the dividends received deduction in the partnership structure versus the more tradition RIC structure.

Description: This article provides an update on Department of Labor's fiduciary regulation for retirement plans/investors focusing on a July 2017 request for information.

Description: A review of product and sales trends for variable, indexed and fixed annuities against the current backdrop of low interest rates and record equity market valuations

Description: The article summarizes several recent private letter rulings from the IRS addressing the "investor control" doctrine in the context of funds of funds.