Description: ASU 2018-12 introduced a new concept called “market risk benefits” (MRBs). MRBs are a new accounting classification for benefits within deposit contracts, offering protection from “other than nominal market risk.” This applies to products with account values, including variable and indexed annuities with guaranteed living or death benefits attached (aka GMxBs). ASU 2018-12 Section 944-40-30-19D mentions both a non-option and an option-based valuation approach to account for MRBs. This article considers the option-based approach. The purpose is to highlight weaknesses in the current application of the option approach to MRBs, propose an alternative method, and consider the benefits of the new approach. The intent of this article is to persuade practictioners / actuaries / accountants that this is a better approach for applying the fair value option method to market risk benefits.

Description: This discussion at the 1968 Annual Meeting covers equity-oriented product issues including deciding to sell variable annuities, sales methods, the effect of SEC regulations, and new equity product ideas.

Description: 2004 SOA Annual Meeting and Exhibit, New York. This session is about pricing life and VA products with untested new features in an uncertain environment.

Description: 1994 SOA Spring Meeting, San Francisco. In this session about annuities, topics discussed included product design, regulatory, marketplace, compensation, and pricing issues.

Description: An overview of the evolution of equity-based guarantees (e.g. VA, FIA, etc.) over the last few years and discussion the current lay of the land as it relates to the regulatory, issues, capital markets environment in which these products are offered.

Description: This is a report on the PBITT Working Group's fourth survey to gather the assumptions actuaries use in pricing, reserving, and risk management of minimum guarantees on Variable Annuity products, such as death benefits, income benefits, withdrawal benefits and maturity benefits.

Description: In this session from the 1995 Spring Meeting, panelists will discuss the structure, cost, and reserving practices of variable annuity guaranteed minimum death benefits. They also identify and meaure the risks associated with GMDBs. It From Record of Society of Actuaries Vol. 21, No. 1.

Description: 1999 SOA Annual Meeting, San Francisco. The panelists provided a brief description of the guaranteed benefits offered on Variable Annuities in both the U.S. and Canada, followed by an in-depth comparison of current issues, including risk assessment, reserving, and cash-flow testing.

Description: 1994 SOA Meeting, San Francisco. This interactive presentation on variable products addressed life and annuity product design, pricing, distribution, and reserving issues.

Description: This session from the 2003 SOA Orlando Meeting discusses the new risk-based capital RBC requirements for variable annuities with guranteed benefits such as guaranteed minimum death benefits - GMDBs and guaranteed minimum income benefits - GMIBs. From the Society of Actuaries Record, Volume 29, No. 3.