Description: 2002 Valuation Actuary Symposium, Lake Buena Vista, FL. In this teaching session the instructor explained how to scrutinize model results and use models to make strategic decisions. Specific topics included validation of asset models, modeling considerations for derivatives and assets with embedded options, using models to assist with portfolio management, and using models to improve portfolio yields and realized product spreads.

Description: From a session at a meeting of the Society of Actuaries held in San Diego, CA, June 22-23, 2000 The panel discussion covered: · The basic concepts underlying fuzzy logic · Current applications to risk classification and pricing · Possible future uses of fuzzy logic · The basic concepts underlying neural networks · Current applications of neural networks in life insurance · Possible future uses of neural networks

Description: In Medicaid rate development, actuaries have not historically shared models that developed the margin (i.e., underwriting gain) assumption. This is unfortunate, given the margin assumption is one of the most critical components of the rate development in ensuring financial solvency of the Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs). In this session, we will discuss the primary components of the this assumption and will share working models that help actuaries quantify these components—including the cost of capital and risk (or contingency) margin. We expect a lively discussion as we “open the black box” and discuss these actuarial assumptions in the public for the first time.

Description: This session from the 1995 SOA Boston Meeting covers a general overview of basic interest rate models, the meaning of an arbitrage free model, the considerations in choosing an appropriate interest rate scenario generator, the uses, alternative approaches, the double mean reverting process model - DMRP, and how good the results are in terms of historical rates. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Vol. 21, No. 4b.

Description: Presented at October 1996 Annual Meeting. An update on Futurism Section activities followed by an introduction to common techniques of futurism. Examples are given how actuaries can use these techniques in their day-to-day work.

Description: Panelists at this session at the SOA 1998 Maui I Spring Meeting present methods and models for determining policyholder behavior with respect to lapses and interest rates in order to value liabilities and embedded options in life and annuity products.

Description: This discussion at the SOA 1968 Philadelphia and Los Angeles Regional Meetings is about corporate planning and the actuary's role in the process.

Description: Techniques that have gained some traction in general (property/casualty) insurance will be highlighted with a particular focus on the linear mixed model. This model adds random effects to the more commonly seen fixed effects (for example, as used in GLMs).

Description: 2003 Valuation Actuary Symposium, San Diego, CA. This session addressed the emerging practice where management is developing new ways to examine financial risks holistically in an integrated model.

Description: Panelists discuss prevailing business models adopted by valuation departments to meet business needs. Two case studies are discussed as a means of illustrating how to optimize business processes and models for valuation purposes.