Description: This newsletter column by the Modeling Section Chair reflects on his attendance at the 2015 Actuarial Research Conference in Toronto and the relationships between practicing actuaries in industry and those in academia, and specifically those involved in research. How can we help promote academics research that is effective and relevant for practical use? Hopefully the Modeling Section might facilitate that effort.

Description: Actuaries understand the technical benefits of converting their models to a modern actuarial system, such as new capabilities and upgraded technology. This article highlights additional, non-technical benefits that also come with model conversion. These benefits include advancements in attitudes and capacities among the team and across the company.

Description: Historical and actuarial perspectives on the coronavirus events of 2020.

Description: On July 17, FASB announced a deferral of the compliance deadline for the new Long Duration Targeted Improvements (LDTI) guidance: “a one year deferral for larger SEC filers and a two or three year deferral for all other entities.” This article highlights the opportunity for companies striving to comply to modernize in light of this deferral, and it provides a few specific suggestions to companies who pursue this path.

Description: This article discusses important implications of the upcoming Long-Duration Targeted Improvements (LDTI) accounting change for the modeling actuary. We discuss the modeling implications of new GAAP standards for Market Risk Benefit (MRB), including identification of MRBs, implementation of fair valuation in actuarial systems and retroactive determination of at-issue valuation inputs for transition. We also examine the modeling implications of the other aspects of the accounting change, including Liability for Future Policy Benefit (LFPB), Deferred Acquisition Cost (DAC), and other transition and disclosure requirements

Description: As of September 2021, there are 8 recorded webinars available for free to Modeling Section members. Each of the 8 are described, as well as how to access them. There are other Modeling Section-related materials also pointed out (podcasts & newsletter)

Description: An observation is made regarding the impact interest rate scenarios have on VM-20 stochastic reserves.

Description: Chairperson's thoughts on the evolving nature of actuarial modeling, and results of a survey.

Description: Overview of newsletter contents.