Description: The article described two methods for calculating the benefit ratio described in AICPA Standard of Practice SOP 03-1. Method 1 calculates the benefit ratio as the quotient of the expectation of A and the expectation of B where A is benefits and B is assessments. Method 2 calculates the benefit ratio as the expectation of the quotient of A and B.

Description: Feature article discussing the synergies between Principle Based Reserves and the NAIC’s Own Risk and Solvency Assessment (ORSA).

Description: ASU 2018-12 introduced a new concept called “market risk benefits” (MRBs). MRBs are a new accounting classification for benefits within deposit contracts, offering protection from “other than nominal market risk.” This applies to products with account values, including variable and indexed annuities with guaranteed living or death benefits attached (aka GMxBs). ASU 2018-12 Section 944-40-30-19D mentions both a non-option and an option-based valuation approach to account for MRBs. This article considers the option-based approach. The purpose is to highlight weaknesses in the current application of the option approach to MRBs, propose an alternative method, and consider the benefits of the new approach. The intent of this article is to persuade practictioners / actuaries / accountants that this is a better approach for applying the fair value option method to market risk benefits.

Description: Summary of Part II of the survey of Appointed Actuaries, sponsored by the American Academy of Actuaries Committee on Life Insurance Financia1 Reporting and the Society of Actuaries Financial Reporting Section, which asked appointed actuary various questions on methodology and assumptions employed for asset adequacy testing.

Description: This article is to outline the new requirements for valuation rates in VM-22, highlighting key differences and example calculations to enhance understanding.

Description: This article discusses how new and current industry tax topcs can educate the Taxation Section membership.

Description: Interplay of §807(f) and the stat cap in §807(d) as there continues to be uncertainty as to whether a change to the stat reserve could be subject to §807(f).

Description: This report, prepared by Advisory Subgroup I, was included as Appendix 3 of the 1987 Valuation Actuary Handbook. This advisory subgroup, or committee, was appointed by the New York Insurance Department and chaired by Donna Claire. This committee was charged with developing suggested regulations to deal with the concept of the Qualified Actuary and Actuarial Opinion and memorandum in accordance with New York’s recently amended reserve and nonforfeiture laws for guaranteed interest contracts and annuities with and without life contingencies. The actual regulation, New York Regulation 126, combines the work of the committee with Subgroup II, which focused on minimum reserve standards.

Description: Embedded Risk in Settlement Options on Older Life and Annuity Contracts

Description: Results of an industry survey on life insurance companies' efforts to implement the recently adopted Life Risk-Based Capital Phase II Instructions, which include new requirements for variable annuity contracts. Adopted by the NAIC on October 14, 2005, the new requirements are effective for year-end 2005. Also discusses a summary of the requirements set forth in the instructions.