Description: This paper considers the problem of parametric estimation of loss distributions in a very general context. It uses the minimum distance method with the Cramér-von Mises statistic as the particular choice of distance. The authors show how to compute the influence function for the estimator. They also use the influence function to obtain more information about the variance and the robustness of the estimator. They demonstrate, with an example, how much more resistant to contamination this estimator is compared with the more classical maximum likelihood estimator.

Description: This paper addresses the evaluation of long-term returns when the short interest rate is modeled by a general diffusion process. By deriving the long-term return dynamics and invoking the Feyman-Kac formula, the long-term return is represented as the solution of a partial differential equation. A finite difference method is derived for the valuation of the long-term return. The method could be used for hedging interest rate risk, pricing and managing interest rate derivatives and interest rate sensitive insurance products. Numerical examples are included.

Description: This is a study note that supplements material contained in the book, 'Actuarial Mathematics,' 2nd edition, by N. L. Bowers, Jr., H.U. Gerber, J.C. Hickman, D.A. Jones and C.J. Nesbitt. The topics covered include integer functions, uniform distribution of deaths throughout each year of age, and annuity coefficients.

Description: Genetic algorithms [GAs] and neural networks [NNs] are currently being used in actuarial and financial modeling. Nonetheless, while there is a general awareness of the nature of these techniques, there is often only vague familiarity with the details of how they are implemented. This paper is intended to help alleviate this situation. Its purpose is to present an overview of GAs and NNs, which includes an explanation of what they are, how they work, and an example of how they are implemented.

Description: This section contains book reviews and a select bibliography. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1973, Vol. 25, Pt. 1, No. 73. Book topics include statistics, quantitative methods for determining IBNR, and Investing for a Financial Institution. Other books on actuarial and insurance topics are briefly discussed.

Description: The subject of this paper is a mathematical model for insurance company risks formed by a linear combination of four stochastic processes recognizing claim patterns, investment performance assumptions, operating expenses and lapse expenses. A discussion of the paper follows. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1978, Vol. 30.

Description: This paper sets forth a method of estimating the present value of the cost of future nonvested commissions. It also provides a method of producing an agents' survival table. Followed by several discussion papers submitted

Description: Announcement that learning objectives for Exam MLC, MODELS FOR LIFE CONTINGENCIES, are being revised and will be in place for the spring 2012 administration of this examination.

Description: Update on Total Asset Requirements for statutory reporting of reserves and surplus for Variable annuity products with guarantees

Description: Feature article describing the latest developments with the International Accounting Standards Board and the Financial Accounting Standards Board.