Description: This article provides an update, as of October 2023, on Financial Reporting Section research projects in process and those recently completed.

Description: Download the most current issue, as well as back issues, of Product Matters! newsletter.

Description: View the 2019 Board Member Candidate page for Sharon Giffen for the 2019 SOA Elections.

Description: This article is a book review of Deaths of Despair and the Future of Capitalism written by Anne Case and Angus Deaton. The book highlights factors that have attributed to the decline in life expectancy in the U.S. over the past two decades. Overall, there has been a significant increase in deaths of despair from drug overdoses, suicides, and alcoholic liver disease that has impacted life expectancy. The review of this book highlights key points and factors in this increase in deaths of despair based on the research of the authors. From an actuarial perspective, this book identifies areas within the U.S. society and economy that would continue this trend and impact future mortality rates and improvement scales.

Description: A literature review was performed on mortality improvement, socioeconomic differences in mortality and their links to specific causes of death, and methods for analysis. It highlighted the fact that socioeconomic status (e.g., income and education) is closely linked to differences in mortality and that the longevity gap between socioeconomic groups is growing over time. It also informed the selection of key variables and the need to view mortality improvement as a complex interaction between specific causes of death.

Description: This research report examines the ban of the use of genetic testing information in life insurance mortality.

Description: Get access to a wide array of retirement research.

Description: Quarterly list of trending experience studies and research.

Description: Discussion of the challenges actuaries face in selecting an interest rate for the purpose of calculating Withdrawal Liability for a Multiemployer pension fund in the US. Recent court cases are referenced.

Description: Initiated by the Product Development Section, this report examines global product development (PD) practices of life insurance and annuity companies.