Description: There is no “industry standard” approach to managing the vega (volatility) risk inherent in Variable Annuity Guarantees, Fixed Indexed Annuities and other equity-linked obligations. In this session, we will introduce and analyze a range of reinsurance solutions, including full vega risk retention, full vega risk transfer and more sophisticated or custom structures that split the vega risk between the insurer and the reinsurer in various ways. We will also explore other approaches in bespoke risk coverage and show the impact of different assumptions on a generic “VA Guarantee Cost Estimate” that has been developed by Munich Re.

Description: In this session, a company will share its experience on managing risks underlying the equity-linked insurance guarantees and what lessons were learned over these years as it adapted its strategies to suit the current market environment.

Description: Representing a large indexed annuity writer, the speakers will discuss the growth and evolution of the market for index annuity products. Moreover, the challenges that growth has introduced and how those challenges are being met. While much of the market consists of simple, accumulation-oriented S&P 500 based strategies with 0% return floors, a significant portion of industry sales come from more complex products with highly customized index strategies and other features, such as living benefit guarantees. Attendees will gain a broad understanding of the indexed annuity market, product and features, operational difficulties in risk management arising from product design, and how actuarial and hedge professionals are managing these issues.

Description: Why Write Variable Products When You Can Put the Money Directly into the Stock Market?

Description: This paper discusses the actuarial aspects of state regulation of individual variable annuities. Focus is on regulation of interest rates, expense and mortality guarantees, grace period and nonforfeiture provisions, and transfers of surplus to and from separate accounts. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1968, Vol. 20, Pt. 1, No. 58.

Description: Reinsurance has been available for VA Guarantees for over 20 years. During that time, the reinsurance market for VA Guarantees has undergone frequent and sometimes violent transformations. Where does the market stand today? What forms and structures of reinsurance are available? Which VA Guarantee designs and features are easier to reinsure? Is reinsurance offered on both newly issued policies as well as in force/legacy books, and which vintages are difficult to reinsure? In an age of sophisticated hedging programs, what role does a reinsurer play in helping a VA writer manage this highly volatile risk? In this session, we will hear from a reinsurer that is actively writing new VA Guarantee reinsurance treaties in the U.S. and around the world, and from a VA writer that has successfully partnered with a reinsurer to enhance its VA product offering

Description: This paper discusses alternatives open to an actuary in the writing of a variable annuity contract. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1969, Vol. 21, Pt. 1, No. 61.

Description: This session at the 1997 Valuation Actuary Symposium focuses on modeling issues for variable annuities from both a statutory and GAAP standpoint. Valuation actuary issues with respect to variable annuity modeling is also discussed.

Description: This article provides the reader with some insights regarding tax planning under the new required methodology.

Description: A discussion of the effective dates and statutory reserves cap for variable annuities under Actuarial Guideline 43.