Description: Author cites examples of benefits of smaller companies.

Description: The Actuary Vol. 22, No. 3. This article discusses how the advantages of the General Agency system which existed prior to the 1970s have diminished materially. Therefore, European companies should be very cautious with any attempts to emulate the North American-type agency distribution system of the late 1980s.

Description: This session from the 1983 SOA Spring Meeting discusses distribution systems including alternative and supplementary types of distribution systems.

Description: This session at the SOA 1998 Maui I Spring Meeting examines some ways in which bancassurance has been implemented by insurers in other countries and prospects in the U.S.

Description: This presentation, session number 53PD, took place at the 2000 Annual Meeting of the Society of Actuaries, held October 15-18 in Chicago. The panelists note that “for several years only a few foreign insurers were permitted to provide life and health insurance in China. In recent years, regulators have been more receptive to the new entry of foreign insurers…” Topics include history of the development of the market, market demographics, including regionalization, types of products, distribution systems, and regulatory requirements for entry and continued operation. Discussion from participants is included. From the Record of the Society of Actuaries, Volume 26, No. 3.

Description: This session at the SOA 2003 Washington, DC Spring Meeting discusses pricing and product design for sales via the internet from the standpoint of a traditional insurance company and from a totally internet-based company.

Description: This paper uses operations research to develop the answer to a question concerning the optimal size of a debit, which is a defined geographical area for an agent to sell and service business as part of a 'combination company' operation. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1968, Vol. 20, Pt. 1, No. 57.

Description: You’ve Sent Mail by Robert E. Winawer from NewsDirect Newsletter, January 2002, Issue No. 39. A short article about direct response marketing.

Description: News Direct chairperson's column discussing recent activities, future plans, and the new officers of the Marketing and Distribution Section of the Society of Actuaries.

Description: Discussion of ways direct marketers have beaten recessions in the recent past and suggestions for beating this recession.