Description: New Zealand is about to launch its first variable annuity with guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits. The product design is mindful of the lessons from the financial crisis in the United States, Europe and Japan.

Description: From a session at the annual meeting of the Society of Actuaries held in Chicago, Illinois, October 15-18, 2000 Discussion of indexed guaranteed separate accounts, typically issued to defined-benefit pension plans. Contract terms, risks, marketing, financial reporting, reserves, and investment strategies are discussed. Risk-based capital and the National Association of Insurance Commissioners Model Regulation for Separate Accounts with Guarantees are also discussed. A hypothetical indexed separate account is analyzed for return on capital and economic risk.