Description: As actuaries, we're trained to see patterns in numbers and to design solutions that mitigate risk. While quantitative analysis and modeling are critical actuarial tools, looking at the numbers alone can lead to insurance products that don't succeed in the real world the way math says they should. With new digital technologies surfacing in the insurance space, we have more data at our fingertips than ever before, leading to a higher focus on doing quantitative research within insurance product design. Take back a step from quantitative research and discover qualitative research methodologies into your product development process to design solutions that meet real needs in the market. In a nutshell, qualitative research can surface issues early and help you answer questions such as: Can we really sell this product in the market? Why would someone buy this? How widespread is the need? How could your product be a solution you didn't intend?

Description: Insurance covering long-term care insurance is an insurance market with unmet needs. Long tailed liabilities and historical pricing challenges have left relatively few carriers selling into the market. Hybrid products, combining LTC benefits with familiar chassis offer an opportunity to merge and mitigate morbidity risks with conventional product risk life insurers already manage. Combination products have a long market history, but continue to evolve. Key recent developments to be discussed include: - Market participating (indexed or variable) products to replace flat inflation guarantees - Worksite/group markets with portable products to augment and shield retirement savings against catastrophic LTC events. - Renewed focus on joint products with appropriate features to balance risk and LTC benefits per premium dollar. Public and private cooperation to manage the risk pool and extend public funding to cover key coverage gaps. By attending the session, you will: - Be caught up with current trends in Life/LTC and Annuity/LTC product innovation. - Will hear where product experts think existing products can be improved, and possible ways to meet the needs of all stakeholders.

Description: You've written the position papers, updated the models, and designed the required disclosures, but you may be wondering how to explain the results during interim financial reporting periods to company management as well as other stakeholders. Explore ways to adapt existing management reporting and offer ideas for new metrics. Discover various methods for analyzing DAC amortization patterns, market risk benefit reserve patterns, and liability for future benefits (LFPB) movements. Investigate ways to integrate changes in LDTI with business planning and other broader business issues such as product pricing considerations and reinsurance strategy. By attending the session, you will: - Create effective management reports to explain movements in LDTI results, e.g., LFPB, DAC, and MRB changes. - Leverage management reports in other areas of the business, including Financial Planning & Analysis, Pricing/New Product Development, and reinsurance strategy. - Understand the implications of the LDTI results and how they impact their business decision.

Description: The Individual Life Experience Committee has numerous research projects underway. Take a look at three current areas of research: the analysis of the interaction of lapse and mortality experience using data from mandatory submissions; a deep dive into old age mortality; and an update on the committee's work to establish a predictive analytics framework that will be open for all actuaries and data scientists to use. By attending the session, you will: - Better understand the research conducted by the Individual Life Experience Committee. - Better understand the link between lapse and mortality experience, appreciate some of the nuances of older age mortality, and gain knowledge about a predictive analytics framework that will be released in the future.

Description: As the insurance industry continues to rapidly evolve through influences of InsurTech, it is increasingly important for actuaries to be informed regarding InsurTech. According to a recent study, approximately 16 percent of all InsurTech companies are in the life insurance business. Major areas of focus have included pricing, policy administration as well as marketing, distribution and sales. The changes coming about through InsurTech impact actuaries directly. I Keep current by being informed regarding InsurTech activity. By attending the session, you will: - Learn about the latest developments in life insurance and annuities in InsurTech.

Description: The universal life with secondary guarantee market (ULSG) has taken its lumps from changes in the macroeconomic environment. Continued downward pressure on interest rates has produced efficient policyholder behavior, and the combination has forced life insurers to choose between affordability and profitability. Explore impact of the current environment on ULSG new business, inforce management tools that are and are not available to manage it, and consider new perspectives to addressing ULSG inforce and new business going forward. By attending the session, you will: Understand the current state of ULSG, why it exists and discuss ways to manage and emerge from a difficult marketplace successfully.

Description: Electronic Health Records are here to stay. Take a deep dive into the world of electronic health records and how the industry is poised to utilize this new form of digital medical data to transform the way policies are underwritten and ultimately, transforming the client experience. Listen to industry experts speak about what they are doing to use this data most effectively and how this ultimately develops into ground-breaking solutions for the industry.

Description: Life insurance has no shortage of issues and innovations impacting the day-to-day life of products, a product actuary and the life insurance process. Listen to a group of experts discuss the key topics faced when issuing and managing life products, including innovations, regulations, growth, opportunity and cautions pertaining to Term, whole life, and UL products. By attending the session, you will: Be able to identify trends in life products and processes, avoid pitfalls of product development through increased awareness of innovations and issues, and identify key developments that could impact life products.

Description: The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) is in the middle of a project to change the real-world economic scenario generator (RW ESG) prescribed for principle-based reserve and capital calculations. Explore a brief summary of the NAIC's RW ESG project and gain a general overview of RW ESGs. Learn how RW ESGs impact principle-based reserve and capital levels, their potential impact on life insurance companies and consider differences between the currently prescribed RW ESG and the proposed RW ESG.

Description: With the persistent low interest rate environment, fast pace of regulatory changes and the size of insurers' back-books relative to new business, it is no surprise that insurers have become increasingly focused on their management of non-guaranteed elements ('NGE') for life and annuity business. Come explore the opportunities and challenges offered by NGE management, with consideration for market trends, regulation, the new ASOP 2 and emerging case law.