Description: This is an addendum to the Modern Deterministic Scenarios for Interest Rate Paper.

Description: Modeling Approaches and Challenges focuses on approaches to real world simulation and the challenges and considerations in real world simulation. Topics include: A frequency domain approach to build realistic multi-horizon scenarios. (Ortec approach) Cascade models structure linking models for major asset classes and economic variables. (Moody’s approach) Overview of models, calibrations & approaches within the context of different use cases. Deterministic & stochastic approaches. Importance of model re-calibration flexibility. We will also discuss specific insights into considerations and challenges in real world simulation, which include topics like: Setting capital market assumptions and/or calibration targets. Assumptions about correlation and causality. Calibrating the model to capital markets assumptions. Validating the model against capital market assumptions. Role of history, market data and stylized facts. Importance of back testing. Calibrating the model to multiple investment horizons. Inclusion of alterative asset classes such as private equity, infrastructure, and direct real estate. Associated issues of limited data, illiquidity and greater uncertainty about calibration targets.

Description: Actuaries can leverage cluster modeling to reduce model runtime and cloud compute costs, which can be a real concern as companies transition from an on-premise grid to a scalable cloud solution. We consider practical considerations associated with clustering, through both US statutory and US GAAP lenses. Lastly, the results from a variable annuity liability clustering case study are presented.

Description: This paper outlines how derivation of many balance sheet items can be improved both at the year end and at interim shipment dates by a company which utilizes data processing equipment. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1958, Vol. 10, No. 28.

Description: This is a discussion of the paper, A Practical Method of Forecasting a Life Insurance Company's Gross Operating Earnings for the Current Year by J. Barrett Walker. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1955, Vol. 7, No. 19.

Description: 1994 SOA Spring Meeting, San Francisco. This session addressed some of the unanswered questions with respect to Appointed Actuary issues. Questions addressed: • Should stockholder dividends be included in the appointed actuary's reserve/asset adequacy analysis? • How are appointed actuaries handling Section 7 Opinions in states that have not yet adopted the model regulations? • How are appointed actuaries addressing the aggregate requirement in the state of filing? • What about retroactive/extraterritorial reserve requirements? • Are appointed actuaries addressing the going-concern issues for undercapitalized companies? Should they?

Description: This article discusses facts and issues related to the selection of a stock’s price distribution.

Description: This is an invitation to comment and an announcement on the IAA’s Exposure Draft of the Educational Monograph on Issues Associated with the Determination of Discount Rates for Financial Reporting Purposes. The SOA’s Financial Reporting Section is one of the cosponsors of this effort.

Description: Like it or not, variable annuity (VA) liabilities are inextricably linked with the equity markets. Generally, up markets reduce the excess benefit liability and increase fee income, while down markets increase the excess benefit liability and reduce fee income. Given the volatility, most VA writers will hedge to meet their needs. In this session, the presenters will discuss the need for hedging, regulatory requirements and how companies ultimately determine their hedging strategies.

Description: 1997 Valuation Actuary Symposium, Session 3 looks at considerations in strengthening reserves as a result of cash flow testing results.