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: This presentation is a panel discussion, session number 34PD, from the 2002 Valuation Actuary Symposium, held September 19-20 in Lake Buena Vista, FL. A fundamental step in stochastic asset/liability modeling is to choose an appropriate underlying economic scenario generator. In this session, panelists discuss various scenario generation techniques and theories, assumptions underlying interest and equity scenario generators, and choosing suitable economic scenario generators for different applications, the two most common being pricing models [for assets and liabilities], and risk analysis models, used for asset/liability management, investment strategy, regulatory solvency, and capital adequacy. Discussion from participants is included.

Description: This presentation is a panel discussion, session number 9PD, from the 2000 Valuation Actuary Symposium, held September 14-15 in Washington, DC. A fundamental assumption in stochastic asset/liability modeling is the underlying economic scenario generator. In this session the panelists discuss various scenario generation techniques, assumptions underlying bond and equity scenario generators, and choosing suitable economic scenario generators for different applications. Discussion from participants is included.

Description: Analyze financial risk and explore the foundation for pricing, valuation and other functions served by actuaries in the modeling profession during this webcast. Expect a focus on the importance of understanding and preventing bias. Observe the different types of bias, how it can enter into models, how to identify it in models and best avoidance practices. Join our presenter who is pursuing a Masters in Economic Analytics at Clemson University as he incorporates his recent economic research into the webcast material.

Description: This article discusses techniques for modeling credit risk, including discussion of default assumptions and recovery rates.