Description: In this essay, we focus on the “Prospective Solvency Assessment” aspect of the NAIC’s ORSA. This places a spotlight on an insurer’s strategic decision making from a risk and capital management perspective. It requires those in senior management to describe actions they would take to address possible adverse changes in their risk and solvency position, i.e., what they would do to reduce risk, increase capital, and/or adjust the business strategy. We contend that by applying a slightly broader scope than the specific requirements of the NAIC’s ORSA, insurers can develop this into a valuable process to support risk-based decision making. In this essay, we initially consider how to determine which metrics to include in such a process and then discuss some important business requirements and practical challenges for implementing a calculation approach to support it. Part of the essay collection "Risk Metrics for Decision Making and ORSA"

Description: This article discusses a good way for insurance companies to calibrate economic capital (tail risk level) that is consistent with the market opinion on its risk. It also establishes a bridge between a risk neutral evaluation and a real world evaluation.

Description: This paper develops a conceptually rigorous formulation of the cost of capital method for estimating margins for mortality, lapse, expense and other forms of underwriting risk.

Description: View the complete issue for the August 2014 Reinsurance News newsletter.

Description: Feature article describing how the Society of Actuaries (SOA) partnered with the Association of Home Office Underwriters (AHOU) and the Canadian Institute of Underwriters to conduct research focused on new medical tests and markers that may have significance and relevance to the life insurance markets to get a sense of where underwriting practices are going in the future.

Description: A call for papers on health insurance topics to enhance the program for a 1979 special topic meeting of the Society of Actuaries.

Description: A few years ago, I had the opportunity to go from managing a team of 5 to almost losing my job to going back to an individual contributor role. I went through a rough period mentally, emotionally, and physically. In the midst of that experience, I got the opportunity to read "The 15 Invaluable Laws of Growth" by John C. Maxwell. I credit this book to changing my life and setting me on the path to become a destroyer of self-limiting beliefs.

Description: The article provides information about my personal story of phased retirement and resources to help people plan their own.

Description: Update on recent and in-process activities of the SOA Board of Directors

Description: Author's 4 personal heroes inspiration for readers to identify their own noble purpose, & create a 5-year plan for personal growth (Competency Framework).