Description: Understanding the Deferred Acquisition Cost (DAC) asset balance movements from one reporting period to the next can be a challenge when reportinged under FAS 97. The mechanics of FAS 97 call for an amortization ratio (i.e., k factor) that forces the amortization of the DAC asset to be matched to the earnings received over the life of the product. However, the fact that the k factor is dynamically set results in “unlocking” components of the DAC rollforward. This article shows how the basic equation for the amortization ratio can be used to derive equations that provide insights into what the DAC balance represents. Furthermore, partial derivatives of these equations are used to show how unexpected changes in the Estimated Gross Profit (EGP) stream impact the amortization and unlocking components of the DAC rollforward.

Description: FASB decisions made regarding potential changes to US GAAP accounting that differ from corresponding IASB decisions, causing the potential accounting changes.

Description: This article describes a simple but powerful tool for use by valuation actuaries and auditors when evaluating current assumptions for use in GAAP net premium reserve methods that require retrospective updating for actual experience and assumption changes. As a supplement, this tool can fill some holes left by existing tools. It produces results that can be compared to materiality thresholds at any level of aggregation, from a single reserve cohort up to the combination of all cohorts for all products subject to retrospective net premium reserve requirements. It can also serve as a benchmarking tool for estimated the possible effects of an assumption change or to help in explaining the effects of an actual assumption change.

Description: This article discusses GAAP and IFRS changing standards, their differences and similarities. Issues included are fair value accounting for assets and financial liabilities, hedge accounting, financial instrument discosures and revenue recognition for contracts that do not qualify as insurance contracts.

Description: How actuarial practices have benefited from lessons learned from accountants

Description: This article examines the impact of FAS 97 on the emergence of earnings for the most recent versions of UL products, those with interest rate and return of load kickers.

Description: The purpose of this session is to review and discuss the principles and guidelines published and/or under consideration within the accounting and the actuarial professions regarding the restatement of GAAP financial of a life company acquired in a transaction to be accounted for as a purchase transaction under SPB 016. Our purpose is also to review with you some of the specific approaches that have been taken, and the problems that have developed, in implementing purchase-GAAP in practice. From Record of the Society of Actuaries 1979, Volume 5, No. 1.