Description: This article attempts to dispel some of the “myths” around the perceived unique nature of Asian markets. Part I addresses the nature of the markets, the business drivers and the issues and challenges being encountered. Then, in Part II, from a risk management perspective, the current situation is reviewed, issues identified concerning the future development of appropriate skills to tackle the inevitable rapid growth in customers under management and the anticipated diversification in terms of product coverage and distribution approaches.

Description: Recently, there has been an increase in the product development of simplified issue products in the United States. In the past two years, Gen Re LifeHealth has reviewed over 40 such products, ranging from vanilla direct-marketed products to high-end single premium immediate annuity SPIA paid universal life products. From Small Talk Newsletter, June 2005, Issue No. 24.

Description: This article discusses the characteristics of companies dedicated to being leaders in the Term market and the role that reinsurers play.

Description: This article highlights the interaction between pricing and corporate. There is a move toward principle-based reserving standards in the United States.

Description: In actuarial work, we are frequently confronted with problems with more than one apparently reasonable answer. This article deals with one of these, where the Federal DAC cost can be applied in an apparently reasonable, but incorrect, manner.

Description: This article focuses on the motivation and trends, rather than mechanics, in Life Insurance Securitization.

Description: This article describes some of the traditional profit measurement standards for direct marketing and then presents a more comprehensive and up-to-date foundation for insurance direct marketers and actuaries to use when reviewing individual direct marketing campaigns or total marketing programs.

Description: This article presents the mathematics for evaluating direct marketing test programs.

Description: This article discusses new tax reporting requirements for transfers for value under section 6050Y. It also discusses changes to the transfer for value rule of section 101(a)(2) and (3), including the definition of a reportable policy sale.

Description: Update on IFRS 17 including news, how IFRS 17 is impacting companies financials, comparisons to LDTI, and KPIs.