Description: Asset cash flow modeling and asset assumptions are growing in importance with PBR especially considering the low interest rate environment. The Academy’s Life Practice Council and Life Valuation Committee have formed a Low Interest Rate Asset Adequacy Testing Task Force which has conducted an industry survey to raise awareness and summarize the actuarial best practices for financial reporting actuaries practicing in today’s very low interest rate environment. As the scrutiny on the asset side ratchets up, actuaries must consider how best to develop the asset assumptions as well as model the reinvestment and disinvestment strategies. Coherent assumptions and modeling practices across modeling exercises are expected while respecting the purpose of each calculation.

Description: As the Federal Reserve's recent interest rate hikes increase potential asset yields, an expected rate increase to products offered by insurance companies of all sizes, including annuities, can be seen in the current economic landscape. The increased market volatility and high inflation create insurance company performance complications, which can lead to a disproportionate impact for smaller insurance companies. Discover the current status of the market environment and explore suggestions and possible solutions for smaller insurance companies as they deals with complications like a lack of access to higher-yielding investment strategies and limits made by risk management policies from owning unrated asset claims. There will also be a discussion on the recently adopted Actuarial Guideline on Asset Adequacy Testing and the implications for insurance companies.