Description: After a summary of FASB decisions in their GAAP Targeted Improvements project, this article describes several issues that will need to be resolved either by the board or in actuarial practice and argues for seeking solutions that provide meaningful results without overly complicating valuation processes.

Description: Summary of the book "Thinking, Fast and Slow" by Daniel Kahneman.

Description: Impact of low and negative interest rates on various aspects of insurer operations including product management, investment management and capital management.

Description: We look in this article at the challenges which life insurance companies operating in a low interest environment have to face.

Description: An overall analysis and attribution analysis of the impacts of the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act for certain life insurance contracts.

Description: Provides an overview of India's insurance market and the important role of the actuary.

Description: This article is the second in a two part series that summarizes a longer paper that can be downloaded from the website of the Social Insurance and Public Finance Section. Both articles take the form of a point-counterpoint dialogue addressing important aspects of social insurance programs. The first part discussed their nature, desirability and advantages, as well as whether they can form a framework to achieve sustainable inter-generational equity. This article focuses on whether pre-funding of a social insurance program can occur and can contribute to the financial security of the participants. Fundamental differences of opinion exist regarding these programs, not only due to different personal and political values, but also as a result of the viewpoint taken (for example, assessment of the program in isolation, consideration of the sponsoring government's financial situation, or the overall national economy).

Description: Interview with Peter Schaefer, CEO of Hannover Life Reassurance Company of America.

Description: Many top-performing businesses aren’t just risk aware, but rather risk intelligent. Such a posture helps prepare companies for a major event and can demonstrate to a regulator or auditor that an appropriately strong control framework is in place. Better still, companies gain real strategic value from a “risk adjusted” understanding not only of their threats and vulnerabilities, but also the upside opportunities associated with various risks. It starts with having both qualitative and quantitative information to identify, assess and manage risks. Strategic risk management, at its core, is about creating value by increasing transparency and accountability, and quality of information. More than a mere compliance exercise, effective risk management enables more informed strategic decision making, increased accountability and transparency, a greater likelihood of organizational success, and – ultimately – competitive advantage, as borne out by many studies that correlate risk management and financial results.

Description: Focuses on these key China market questions: • How quickly is the market developing? • What is the market potential? • How are the existing foreign companies performing? • What are the main implications of China’s accession to the WTO? • How do different market entry options compare? • Which are the key issues to consider in establishing a joint venture? • What is the future outlook for new entrants?