Description: The article looks back at the development of life protection product underwriting and pricing in UK. It describes the development in waves of change, looking at different drivers, e.g. consolidation of the life insurance industry, the role of technology as a driver for efficiency gains via electronic underwriting. Different levels of sophistication are being discussed and possible implications for the relationship between direct offices and reinsurers. This rather thought provoking article is based upon Munich research as well as market experience and ties in with a number of current topics as for example potential changes as a result of the Retail Distribution Review and the Gender Directive implementation.

Description: This article by the editor discusses responses from readers to The Actuary’s September 1981 Supplement on Universal Life, much of it critical in nature. One responder noted that Universal Life is ‘a symptom of an economy in convulsion,’ and had serious doubts that this product will successfully provided consumers with long term life insurance protection.

Description: Trends in the Marketing and Distribution of Life Insurance products.

Description: Hubert Mueller describes why unit-linked products are increasingly popular in Europe and provides his outlook for continued growth.

Description: Response to Life Insurance 2020 Foresight – A Call for Essays. An essay stating the author’s vision for the future of the life insurance sector.

Description: Discussion of the economics of a possible H5N1 pandemic, and its impact on Life, Health, and Property and Casualty insurers, in terms of areas of risk, especially underwritng risk, operations risk, and market risk.