Description: Performance measurement is not the primary purpose of either GAAP or statutory accounting. This article discusses alternative methods of reporting used by life insurance companies to better measure financial performance.

Description: Scenario generators used in financial models to quantify risk are sometimes described as being as either “real-world” or “risk-neutral”. The difference is in the treatment of the market price of risk. This report explores the relationship between real-world and risk-neutral scenarios and when it is appropriate to use each type.

Description: Much of the push for ERM has come from regulators and rating agencies, but it is being applied in internal company decision-making as well. This paper reviews the progress made and the needs still outstanding in two key areas of application: optimal capital level for an insurer and risk-adjusted profitability of business units. The basic conclusion is that progress has been made in these areas, but more is needed. Building models is not emphasized—it will be assumed that a state-of-the art model is available. The emphasis is on using such models in decision-making.

Description: This paper discusses gain and loss analysis for group insurance under the following headings: Nomenclature and General Principles, Sources of Gain and Loss under Theoretical Conditions, Gains and Losses Arising in Practice, Comparison with Annual Statement Results and Effects of Changes in the Company's Dividend Formula. Discussions of this paper are included.

Description: This Task Force was charged to develop and understanding and quantification of risks of loss from the combination of C-1, C-2, C-3 and C-4 risks and the implications for insurer financial management. The Task Force concluded that analysis of cash flows would be the key to addressing these matters. This report is a series of papers prepared by various individuals on cash-flow analysis approaches to addressing these issues.

Description: This case study is intended to educate insurance professionals on historical insurer impairments and insolvencies and possible future prevention indicators.

Description: This article summarizes key aspects of the Economic Balance Sheet (EBS) framework with respect to valuation of long-term liabilities. It highlights key implications of the EBS framework for life insurers and actuaries.

Description: This presentation was made at the SOA 1975 New York Spring Meeting. It discusses new variables and uncertainties determining future reserve and surplus levels and operating expenses and profits, and how these issues should be addressed. 1975 Record, Vol. 1, No. 2.

Description: The author discusses how China is poised for dramatic changes in its life insurance industry that will raise both opportunities and challenges. The author notes that China has particularly spectacular growth prospects, and given the nature of the business, the industry will have an almost insatiable appetite for capital. However, In order to accomplish this, China's insurance industry needs to advance its financial management and improve its ability to produce transparent financial information, in a timely and reliable manner. The author compares China’s current position in the life insurance compared to other Asian countries, and describes the steps needed to improve its financial management.

Description: As equity markets decline and become more volatile, the likelihood of significant guaranteed benefit claims increases, while increases from mortality and expense fees declines. The article illustrates how to use a derivative contract, a properly structured total return swap, to turn a company's uncertain M&E revenue patterns into predictable revenue.