Description: One of the most fundamental concepts in actuarial practice is the time value of money. For any work in which future cash flows are allowed for, such as reserving or pricing, it is natural to discount to present values so that an appropriate amount of money can be set aside today, allowing for future investment returns. This article discusses yield curve extrapolation methods along with the benefits and drawbacks of these methods.

Description: Join us for an exciting session as Actuarial Innovation & Technology Strategic Research from the SOA's Research Institute unveils two recently published research reports: ""Unveiling the Life Insurers' Actuarial Transformation Journey and the Impact of Analytics"" and ""Exploring Revolutionary Advances in Underwriting: An Initial Assessment of Epigenetics, Medical Tests, and Wearables"". In the first report, we delve into the evolving landscape of life insurers' Actuarial Transformation efforts, shedding light on their future prospects and emphasizing emerging Advanced Analytics techniques. The second report serves as the inaugural installment of a series dedicated to identifying promising innovations for underwriters and actuaries, and it promises to alert the SOA to the latest developments. During this session, our presenters will provide an insightful overview of the key findings and key takeaways from both research reports. By the end of the session, attendees will gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for the invaluable research conducted in these areas.

Description: This is a panel discussion session on recommended guidelines and practices for determining dividends and illustrations for individual life insurance products, focused on the SOA's Committee on Dividend Philosophy's proposed recommendations. The differences between mutual company and stock company views are explored.

Description: This general discussion looks at problems or solutions developed in the field of agents' compensation, considerations leading companies to recent reductions in individual annuity rates, trend to offer first year cash values, increasing demand for the issuance of insurance at ages up to 70 and beyond, and if the SOA should give consideration to elective subjects in the Fellowship exam.

Description: Situated at the intersection of psychology, neuroscience, sociology, and economics, behavioral economics (BE) centers on applying an honest understanding of human behavior to practical problems. This report is designed to provide general familiarity to the reader interested in the subject of BE and motivate additional research on the topic.

Description: Inaugural article in a series to share resources with other actuaries at smaller companies. This article will introduce the reader to the Academy's Life and Health Valuation Law Manual, an annual publication containing numerous references, notes and guidelines to help valuation actuaries complete their statutory regulatory work.

Description: Part I of a four-part series on insurance product regulations around the world. Provides a good high-level summary of the regulations as of 2002.

Description: Actuarial governance has become a standard industry practice over the past decade due to its strategic benefits; however, the quality of governance frameworks varies greatly throughout the industry due to different resource prioritization and risk cultures among insurers. Enterprises that invest in a strong actuarial governance framework can experience significant benefits, such as increased confidence in results, earlier indication of potential issues, better insights for management decision-making, and process efficiencies that can save insurers millions each year. They can also reduce the risk of costly material weaknesses.Governance frameworks come at a cost, however, as their design and implementation require enterprise-wide efforts and, frequently, external support. How should insurers balance the cost of actuarial governance with the benefits of increased efficiency and reduced risk?Explore the world of actuarial governance with a focus on model, assumption, and data governance. Learn more about case studies to quantify the potential costs and savings associated with actuarial governance. By attending this session, you will:•Be able to describe key aspects of actuarial governance frameworks. •Understand the costs of implementing actuarial governance as well as some of the risks associated with poor governance.

Description: A review of Life Insurance Accounting, a reference work by twenty three authors under the direction of the Insurance Accounting and Statistical Association, IASA.