Description: In the June 2014 issue of Product Matters, Doug Robbins of Pacific Life authored a fascinating article entitled “Velocity of Diversification.” Therein, he proposed a pricing measure that describes the “…speed at which confidence in profitability is attained”. How can stochastic modeling of mortality be applied to analyze the velocity of diversification, and how would that measure be affected by volatility in the underlying assumptions?

Description: Update on statutory Valuation reserves and required surplus for variable annuities with living benefit guarantees

Description: Perspectives on the Valuation Manual.

Description: A discussion of the development, key elements, applications, and implementation process of the 2001 CSO Tables for individual life insurance policies for computing minimum reserves, nonforfeiture benefits and tax reserves.

Description: This article is about the Course 8 series. Course 8 provides candidates with essential advanced specialized education in one of seven practice areas: individual insurance, group life and health, managed care, U.S. pensions, Canadian pensions, finance, and investments.

Description: Panelists discuss the ongoing influence and long-term implications of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act on the health insurance market in the U.S. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Vol. 24, No. 3.

Description: The next evolution of actuarial systems in the U.S. will likely be a move toward a single system solution. This article defines a single system solution and illustrates how models can be shared across actuarial functions, the potential benefits of a single system solution, and describes potential mitigation strategies to address typical actuarial concerns.

Description: This is the first year for appointed actuaries in the United States ot review X factors and evaluate actual morality experience that is emerging. This article atempts to provide a simpified explanation of how Monte Carlo simulation can be used by a small company to evaluate its mortality experience.

Description: New Zealand is about to launch its first variable annuity with guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits. The product design is mindful of the lessons from the financial crisis in the United States, Europe and Japan.

Description: This article addresses the growing need for critical illness insurance in the U.S. and the opportunities for insurance companies in this market. The article discusses product design both as stand-alone health insurance and accelerated benefits on life insurance policies, managing the risk through contract wording, and underwriting.