Description: A critical step in valuing a company for the purpose of financial reporting is the computation of the market value of economic surplus (MVES). This article provides a novel approach to the valuation of MVES that is stable and reasonably immune to “market noise.” Current approaches to the calculation of economic surplus of an insurance company generally define such surplus as the market value of the assets (MVA) supporting the liabilities less the market value of liabilities (MVL). While MVA is observable in the market, MVL is typically computed directly, without regard to the underlying supporting assets. Subtracting MVL from any value of assets that changes with market movements results in an unstable surplus. Consequently, a surplus that is not fully reflective of market sentiment has been rejected by many. This same approach is further used in the calculation of market consistent embedded value (MCEV) when a balance sheet approach is used .

Description: One of the most fundamental concepts in actuarial practice is the time value of money. For any work in which future cash flows are allowed for, such as reserving or pricing, it is natural to discount to present values so that an appropriate amount of money can be set aside today, allowing for future investment returns. This article discusses yield curve extrapolation methods along with the benefits and drawbacks of these methods.

Description: This article discussed modeling the P&C reinsurance market using an Agent Based Model to provide insights into the market. The characteristics of this marketplace provide credibility to this type of modeling. Specifically, the P&C reinsurance market has few major players, very little product differentiation, and low barriers to entry. In addition established competitors are volume-constrained due to prior business and capacity decisions made based on estimated product costs and prices.

Description: Article from Risk Management Newsletter, March 2006, No. 7 is the Chairperson's Corner and highlights the past, present and future activities of the Risk Management Section, who recently turned two years old.

Description: This article discusses the pending book entitled 'Dynamic Risk Modeling Handbook.' The proposed scope and outline of the book is reviewed. This is a revision of the 'DFA Handbook' which was published in 1995.

Description: This article discusses that several ERM characteristics mitigate the effects of bad corporate culture, including: • The whole firm is considered the system in view holistic characteristic. • Peers are empowered to lead in positive ways intensive management characteristic. • Risk taking should be separated from risk management objective assessment characteristic. • Risk management is a key corporate value, second only to profit maximization postmodern characteristic.

Description: In this article, the author compiles a list of books that might interest risk managers.

Description: The Chairperson of the section talks about how members can participate and make a difference in the section.

Description: In this article, the author discusses the need to create a systemic risk regulator.

Description: In this article, the author discusses the capital shortfall an insurer faces because of the longevity risk on immediate annuities.