Description: Deferred bonus policyholder dividend reserves arise because “the policyholders’ share of net income … that cannot be distributed to stockholders shall be excluded from stockholders’ equity” by establishing a reserve. This article provides background on local minimum policyholder participation practices in the US and Europe, presents relevant accounting issues and discuss the two different accounting interpretations and make a recommendation as to which the authors feel is most appropriate at this point in time.

Description: This is an article discussing the update on the SOA international experience study which has expanded the topics being studied from individual life insurance mortality and persistency experience to also include agent retention and productivity.

Description: This article explores the challenges of financial reporting in the 21st century particularly on the international scene.

Description: This is the second article devoted to unique international accounting issues. The authors share their experience implementing SOP 03-1 in a number of countries.

Description: Article from International Section News. July 2006, No. 39 announces an article competition. The International Section Council announces our Country Feature Article Competition. We are inviting all ambassadors to participate by submitting a feature article. Ambassadors can work alone or with a colleague to create the submission. The PRIZE is US$2,000 for the writer and US$500 for the ambassador for the feature article deemed best by the council.

Description: The first preliminary results on international experience studies on mortality and persistency for the pilot countries of Taiwan, Mexico and South Korea are discussed and future expansion of the studies are explained.

Description: Full version of International Section News, November 2006, Issue 40.