Description: Product complexity, the services provided by distributors, their method of obtaining clients, and their relationship to insurers all affect the characteristics of in force membership. Selecting the distribution channel(s) for a product can have a significant effect on overall profitability. Total sales, acquisition costs, anti-selection/quality of business, persistency, control over market targeting, etc., will vary based on the initial strategy decisions and future adjustments. Gaining a high-level understanding of distribution channels will help develop an appreciation for the importance of these decisions.

Description: Read this essay, which addresses the actuarial impact of mental health issues in retirement.

Description: A recap of the SOA Research Institute's participation in the Spring 2024 NAIC National Meeting.

Description: This report updates the Canadian Mortality Data through 2021 in the Human Mortality Database and Canadian Human Mortality Database, including methodology, data sources, and internal consistency checks.

Description: Article presents the basic terminology and theory of attribution theory, the theory explaining the causes that people attribute their successes and failures to. The article reviews i) typical attributions(e.g. effort, luck), ii) dimensions of attribution (controllability, stability), iii) useful and non-useful attributions, and iv) attribution retraining and v) other aspects of the theory (such as accompanying emotions)

Description: This article takes a look at how defined benefit (DB) pension plan financials ended the third quarter of 2023 on a solid footing, improving the capacity to take meaningful de-risking actions; as DB plans look to de-risk at reasonable costs, they may find it beneficial to consider a broad range of investment options; and completing a core bond allocation with private credit and income-oriented alternative strategies can help achieve important savings over other frequently pursued de-risking approaches, without materially increasing the funded status volatility or downside risk

Description: This webcast will explore the shifting landscape of healthcare costs. It will cover healthcare trend basics, recent developments, and what’s ahead. Drawing from comprehensive data analysis and industry insights, this presentation promises to equip attendees with actionable knowledge to navigate the complex terrain of healthcare expenses effectively.

Description: In this real life case study, an actuarial candidate tried to get the hiring manager to increase the level of the position for which she was interviewing. Did that raise red flags about her candidacy? A compilation of reader responses is presented, along with what actually happened.

Description: Download and read this report, which analyzes Takaful as a Shari’ah-compliant financial service and its potential in international markets.

Description: The document is about the post-wildfire drinking water crisis and its implications for the insurance industry. It discusses the contamination of drinking water systems by wildfires, remediation strategies, financial considerations for the insurance industry, and potential contributions from the actuarial community.