Description: This e-book contains topical essays that express the opinions and thoughts of a number of authors on the subject. It should be understood that the thoughts and insights shared herein are the opinion of the authors and not necessarily those of the Society of Actuaries, the Casualty Actuarial Society, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, or corresponding employers of the essayists.

Description: In this essay, we focus on the “Prospective Solvency Assessment” aspect of the NAIC’s ORSA. This places a spotlight on an insurer’s strategic decision making from a risk and capital management perspective. It requires those in senior management to describe actions they would take to address possible adverse changes in their risk and solvency position, i.e., what they would do to reduce risk, increase capital, and/or adjust the business strategy. We contend that by applying a slightly broader scope than the specific requirements of the NAIC’s ORSA, insurers can develop this into a valuable process to support risk-based decision making. In this essay, we initially consider how to determine which metrics to include in such a process and then discuss some important business requirements and practical challenges for implementing a calculation approach to support it. Part of the essay collection "Risk Metrics for Decision Making and ORSA"

Description: Latest installment in series that applies Buddhist philosophy to the actuary's daily activities. This installment discusses the challenges for actuaries in dealing with the ongoing ups and downs of the COVID-19 pandemic and discusses mindfulness tools to cope with the resulting stresses in a peaceful and effective way.

Description: there is virtually no possibility of true balance in our lives because to chase “balance” between your work and family is unachievable and therefore futile. That’s because we are all actually living seven different lives, or “slices,” not just two

Description: This article addresses the importance of remembering to respect ourselves and others during times of uncertainty and stress, and offers practical tips on how to do so

Description: This article discusses the need for more coordination and consistency in assumption setting between the pricing actuary, illustration actuary, appointed actuary, and financial reporting actuary.

Description: Presentation at June 1980 SOA meeting. Discussed the responsibility of the actuary on self-funded group insurance plans and how this might differ for consultants as opposed to insurer staff, and provides specific case studies.

Description: From the Valuation Actuary Symposium Proceedings January 1986 Discussion of the development of the valuation actuary concept, various aspects of current regulation, and major features of the valuation actuary concept. Also discussion of the nature of professional liability and the specific legal liability of the valuation actuary. Finally an overview of some methods of limiting that liability.

Description: This session from the 1993 Valuation Actuary Symposium introduces the Basic Issues and Principles Health Practice Note and provides some background information including cash flow testing, Section 7 opinions and an update on solvency issues.