Description:

Description: Z-factor analysis under a principles-based approach for U.S. life insurance products. Under PBA, the Z-Factor is a measure of margin in excess of the best estimate assumptions embedded in the statutory reserves of a life insurance product or block of business. Specifically, our assignment was to explore the applicability of the Z-Factor calculation when considering the risk margins and minimum required capital under PBA.

Description: Feature article discussing how activity with respect to Solvency II is increasing in the United States.

Description: This article discusses how actuaries can determine whether they are qualified to do various kinds of actuarial work. The article refers to the code of professional conduct, the qualification standards, and the "look in the mirror" test. The article describes five case studies that provide examples of how to determine whether an actuary should accept a work assignment. A key conclusion is that actuaries are best protected if they use good professional judgment and do quality work.

Description: Update to the SOA's longitudinal analysis of contributions among state-based and large-city pension plans in the U.S.

Description: A chart analyzing the SOA membership ourside Canada and the United States.

Description: This is the second of three articles. The first April issue told how the 1973 Experience Table was constructed. Outlined here are two steps: i projecting the values in the 1973 Experience Table to produce the 1983 Basic Table, and ii reducing the 1983 Basic Table q's to arrive at the recommended annuity valuation table called the 1983 Table a.

Description: This article reflects on the discipline agreement signed by the CIA and the U.S.-based actuarial organizations, intended to avoid multiple disciplinary investigations arising out of a single complaint, inquiry or incident involving an alleged breach of the professional standards of the CIA and/or the U.S.-based organizations.

Description: This paper highlights how the estimation procedure works in regards to annuities, including immediate life annuities.

Description: This table shows the results of an attribution of the major contributing factors to the rate of mortality improvement in cardiovascular disease between 1980 and 2000.