Description: This paper expands the calculation of a group's credibility factor from a traditional univariate one-dimensional single layer model to: 1. a univariate one dimensional two layer model, 2. a multivariate one dimensional single layer model, and 3. a univariate two dimensional single layer models.

Description: This paper contains personal reflections by Cecil Nesbitt of his 60 years as an actuarial student, teacher, practitioner and researcher to highlight actuarial highlights in North America since 1900. This article is not intended to be a definitive history of actuarial science developments in North America since the beginning of the century. Instead, readers should turn first to 'Actuarial Mathematics' [Proc. Symp. Appl. Math. 35, 1986] and peruse it alongside this article to gain detailed, introductory overviews of the diverse actuarial models that will be mentioned in this paper. The non-exhaustive list of references at the end of this paper is selected to aid such review by pointing the way to other more complete lists in regard to various topics mentioned herein. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1990, Vol.1.

Description: This paper is on the ownership considerations in a new legal structure of a life insurance company.

Description: This study provides statistical indications of trends in mortality at ages 10 through 34 for both males and females in Canada. Causes of death, with emphasis on suicide and accidental death rates, are explored.

Description: The NAIC's 'Life Insurance Illustrations Model Regulation,' which goes into effect on January 1, 1997, is largely a response to the perceived misrepresentations in life insurance illustrations, of which vanishing premiums is a notorious example. From an actuarial perspective, this state of affairs presents an interesting challenge. Rather than disallowing illustrations of risky contracts, why not develop an illustration for potential policyholders which adequately conveys the essence of these contracts and their probabilistic nature. The purpose of this paper is to discuss some preliminary observations related to the development of such illustrations.

Description: Private defined benefit pension plans must, by law, pre-fund the retirement benefits. This requires the periodic valuation of liabilities and calculation of contributions. Because valuation assumptions are seldom borne out by reality, a surplus [or deficit] ensues and varies over time. When the surplus becomes sizable, there often arises a desire to distribute part of it so as to bring it down to a more reasonable level. This paper provides a brief overview of cooperative game theory and, in particular, sharing rules. Then, using certain sharing rules, it determines how to split the surplus or deficit among the plan participants and sponsor. In general, the participant's share in the surplus depends on the total of his contributions. Other considerations, such as the actual investment income received on his contributions or the years of service, may influence the distribution of the surplus. It may even appear desirable to take account of the accrued liability. From Actuarial Research Clearing House 1998, Vol. 1.

Description: The purpose of this paper is to explore the capital holdings of Canadian property/casualty insurers, taking regulatory requirements as given. In particular, it addresses the following issues: 1. Are firms in fact over capitalized with respect to mandated capital adequacy thresholds? 2. Do higher capital holdings translate into lower returns on equity [ROEs] for firms? 3. Is there a relationship between Best’s Ratings and a firm’s capital holdings, as shown to be in the United States? 4. Which firm characteristics are important in determining capital holdings?

Description: This article discusses some 'standard' methods of foreign expansions. Strategic decisions for expansion in foreign countries require more than qualitative discussions about foreign expansion. It requires hard numbers on the benefits of such strategic expansion plans and is illustrated here with the example of MetLife's 2002 purchase of Ahisa [Aseguradora Hidalgo]. With that purchase, more than 70% of the Mexican insurance market is in the hand of foreign companies.