Description: This article discusses adjusting IRC 415 limits for prior distributions. The proposed IRC 415 regulations issued last May contained guidance regarding how to adjust the benefit limits for prior distributions. This is commendable on the part of the IRS. How to adjust the IRC 415 limits for prior distributions has long been a source of confusion even for experienced pension actuaries. The best methodology is not immediately clear, and some methods have become common practice even if they can lead to inconsistent or unreasonable results. From Pension Section News, January 2006, No. 60.

Description: After research involving auto insurance is retracted due to fraud, I revisit my own book review and unskeptical quoting of that now-debunked research. A lesson in ASOP 23, on Data Quality, ensues, as it seems data in the research was falsified. There is also a lesson in ASOP 56, Modeling, which includes aspects of relying on outside experts for model input. At the end of it all, the value of our actuarial professional standards, in light of other professions seemingly having no standards (or no serious repercussions for breaching said standards), shines through. Also, be skeptical of 'one simple trick' approaches to transform the insurance industry.

Description: This article discusses pension plans in North America as compared to pension plans in Japan from the perspective of the author, who has lived in both places, currently residing in Japan. From Pension Section News, January 2006, No. 60.

Description: This article is a summary of the Morris Review, a public inquiry, of the actuarial profession in the United Kingdom. The report was published in 2004.

Description: The October/November 2012 edition of The Actuary magazine—the Society of Actuaries’ flagship publication.

Description: First of a 2 part series: The Actuarial Science Program at the University of Nebraska includes a course on Actuarial Roles and Ethics. In 1978 the students in this class sent a questionnaire to 265 persons, mostly alumni of the Program, aimed at finding out how actuaries see themselves, and to what extent ethical questions have impinged upon them. This article gives answers by 61 Fellows 60 F.S.A.'s and one F.C.A.S.

Description: This article discusses the need for more participation by members in the direction of the profession, particularly in the Society of Actuaries.

Description: This article is written in response to the article that appeared in the February/March issue of The Actuary entitled Better Standards for Setting Standards written by Dave Kass. It discusses the process itself, the time it takes to develop or change standards and how quickly new ideas should be incorporated in the standards.

Description: In this article, the author reflects on the discipline process used by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries and offers suggestions for improvement.

Description: The April/May 2016 edition of The Actuary magazine—the Society of Actuaries’ flagship publication.