Description: This article summarizes key aspects of the Economic Balance Sheet (EBS) framework with respect to valuation of long-term liabilities. It highlights key implications of the EBS framework for life insurers and actuaries.

Description: Under non-Aristotelian logic, there are multiple values, or shades of gray. Indeed, there may even be unexpected results from logical combinations, like “both” and “neither.” This article discusses how this insight should be applied to the current debate between formula-driven reserves with limited assumption flexibility and the reserve principles approach. For reserve standards, we do need both actuarial judgment grounded in reserving principles and restrictive formula methods or safe harbors.