Description: The article summarizes implications of rising interest rates on U.S. GAAP and statutory financial reporting for life insurers, highlighting potential tailwinds from steady increases and headwinds from sharp increases. We further provide insights into how insurers can leverage ALM programs and interest rate risk hedging practices to favorably position themselves in a rising rate environment

Description: This article highlights the key implications and insights as a result of the change to the determination of reserves under GAAP accounting guidance for insurers with long-duration liabilities due to Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2018-12 (“LDTI”) for IDI and LTC products.

Description: This second session in the series examines responses to the changing workplace landscape from outside the insurance industry. Using a question-and-answer approach with our panelists, this session focuses on practical approaches to identifying new opportunities, and ways in which traditional products and sales channels are changing to meet emerging needs. Compared with other vertical financial services, the life insurance industry has a very low level of 'touch' with its customers. Communication with customers is often limited to the annual mailing of premium invoices. Wellness platforms offer life insurers a means to increase customer engagement, building stronger brand affinity and improving persistency. Life insurers can also leverage customer data collected through the wellness platform to streamline the underwriting process for cross-sales, increasing volume and efficiency.

Description: Implementation of GAAP Targeted Improvements will impact data, reporting, resourcing and governance. This provides an ideal opportunity to rethink some of the data and reporting processes currently in place and how they can be improved to create effective and scalable solutions for the future. With the transition date already behind us for public companies and preparation in motion, we will share insights into how organizations have started to tackle implementing the GAAP Targeted Improvements. The presenters will share insights on data and process challenges and possible solutions, as well as a 'smart compliance' approach to comply with the most valuable aspects of compliance. Resourcing strategies for successful implementation will also be discussed.

Description: The arrival of ASU 2018-12 (a.k.a Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts or GAAP Targeted Improvements) presents insurers with augmented financial reporting risk across all areas of the valuation process. Naturally, the internal control frameworks that serve to mitigate these risks must evolve and expand. Valuation actuaries should view this transformative event as an opportunity to take an active role in developing new and improved controls that are both effective and sustainable.