Description: This paper identifies several implicit assumptions underlying the use of the lognormal distribution for modeling the periodic change in the interest rate of a given maturity, tests those assumptions against historical interest rates, and presents additional information from those tests. A discussion of the paper follows. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1991, Vol. 43.

Description: Full version of Risks and Rewards Newsletter, August 1999, Issue No. 33.

Description: Discussion of a direct writer survey and a reinsurer survey conducted in the fall of 2002 by the Society of Actuaries. The surveys asked a number of questions about underwriting criteria needed to qualify for preferred risk. They also asked questions about the percentage of issues in each underwriting category and the mortality assumptions for the different categories.

Description: This presentation is a Teaching Session, number 3, from the 1987 Valuation Actuary Symposium. The first instructor discusses three methods of valuation [and methods of studying C-3 risk]: Gross Premium Valuation [the actuary’s traditional approach], Cash Flow Analysis, and Market Value Analysis, also known as ‘Modern Financial Analysis,’ with a focus on the third. Then the second instructor provides an update on C-2 risk [claims, expenses], and combinations of risk, noting that C-2 risk has not had much attention paid to it. He goes on to describe three types of C-2 risk: stochastic deviations, unpredictable single events, and ‘judgment errors, such as poor underwriting. The third instructor focuses on the C-1 [default] risk. Case studies are included.

Description: Panelists discuss the Interim Actuarial Standards Board [IASB] recommendations, ratified by the Board of Directors of the American Academy of Actuaries and effective January 1987, concerning the determination or re-determination of non-guaranteed charges and/or benefits for life insurance and annuity contracts. From the 1987 Record of Society of Actuaries, Vol. 13, No. 4B.

Description: 1997 Valuation Actuary Symposium, Session 36 talks with experts of their field.

Description: Panelists illustrate the accounting outcomes of proposed revisions to accounting requirements for insurance and annuity products and discuss potential ramifications. Also discussed are potential implementation issues. From the 2002 Record of Society of Actuaries, Volume 28, No. 3. Session 126CS of the Boston Annual Meeting.

Description: Presented at June 1985 Spring Meeting. The session discussion is about markets, methods of distribution, product design, actuarial cost factors, regulation and administration.

Description: 1988 Valuation Actuary Symposium. The speakers in this session addressed the relative volatility of participating whole life versus universal life and the annual-premium versus single- premium basis.

Description: Panelists discuss the profitability of single-premium deferred annuities [SPDAs], variable annuities [VAs], and equity-indexed annuities [EIAs] over the last few years. From the 1997 Record of Society of Actuaries, Vol. 23, No. 3.