Description: This is the first article in a four-part series. In this series of articles, analysis of the U.S. life insurance industry's customers, products, distribution system and regulatory and tax environment will be given. This first part of the series focuses on the customer and the changing product mix of the life insurance industry.

Description: The article analyzes Private Letter Ruling 202031008, which considers how Internal Revenue Code sections 72(q) and (u) apply to an annuity contract issued to a trust. In particular, the Ruling interprets the terms “taxpayer,” “holder” and “held by” in those Code sections in situations where a non-qualified deferred annuity contract is issued to a grantor trust or a non-grantor trust. The Ruling’s analysis and conclusions differ in some respects depending on which of these types of trusts is involved. In addition, although the Ruling does not address sections 72(s) or 72(e)(4)(C), the Ruling has potential implications under those provisions because they also use the term “holder” and “holds,” respectively.

Description: This is a table from an article in The Actuary Magazine entitled A Strategic Analysis of the US Life Insurance Industry Part II: Products.

Description: Discussion of combination long-term care insurance and annuity products.

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: This article discusses the changes in the marketing and distribution of lindividual life and annuity products. It highlights new distribution channels including banks, broker dealers, wirehouses and the Internet as well as fee-for-service financial planning.

Description: A review of product and sales trends for variable, indexed and fixed annuities against the current backdrop of low interest rates and record equity market valuations

Description: This article discusses various ways that insurance companies are using the internet to market their products.

Description: This article looks at the question, Should the direct mail marketer sell products until the point at which the cost of the NEXT sale exceeds the marketing allowance for the product or until the point at which the AVERAGE cost of all sales exceeds the marketing allowance for the product?

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.