Description: Article from The Actuary, June 1999 – volume 33 - Issue 6: Independent brokerage agencies have been the alternative distribution system of choice by life insurers using methods other than the career agency system to bring products to market.

Description: Panel discussion session on universal life examining marketing strategy, product line management, replacement programs, federal income taxes from three different viewpoints, mutual company, stock company, and Canadian company

Description: The purpose of this paper is not to present a revolutionary new concept, instead, it is to reexamine a familiar concept in the light of new market circumstances and, to consider the consequences to the life insurance industry if the concept were adopted.

Description: This paper outlines the limitations inherent in current actuarial pricing techniques and describes a product development process that can produce optimal decisions in competitive environments. From Product Development Section Monograph, M-AS99-3.

Description: Survey form

Description: The Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA) and the Society of Actuaries (SOA) engaged RGA Reinsurance Company (RGA) to undertake a research project on Canadian level premium term life insurance products with a particular focus on the magnitude and impact of the “shock lapse” at the end of the level premium period. This project is similar to the SOA-sponsored research completed by RGA for U.S. term plans in 2010 and updated September 2013 and May 2014.

Description: As results emerged showing the influence of COVID-19 on recent mortality, the Society of Actuaries Research Institute’s Mortality and Longevity Strategic Research Program Steering Committee (MLPSC) began to ponder what it means for the future. Was the coronavirus pandemic just a temporary shock to U.S. mortality with mortality quickly returning to prepandemic levels upon its conclusion or a lingering factor in future U.S. mortality from the potential occurrence of new coronavirus variants, post-COVID-19 conditions (“long COVID”), deferral of needed health care treatment, a fatigued health care system and other elements? Only time will provide the answers to these questions.

Description: A literature review was performed on mortality improvement, socioeconomic differences in mortality and their links to specific causes of death, and methods for analysis. It highlighted the fact that socioeconomic status (e.g., income and education) is closely linked to differences in mortality and that the longevity gap between socioeconomic groups is growing over time. It also informed the selection of key variables and the need to view mortality improvement as a complex interaction between specific causes of death.

Description: Discusses how companies must ensure that significant and necessary product development, and administrative and compliance system changes, have been completed and tested in time to accommodate new requirements.

Description: This article is a general discussion about earnings rates and toll charges and how to compute them.