Description: Letter from the editor, outlining the theme and providing a brief description of each article within this edition of NewsDirect.

Description: To some degree, we all operate in an environment influenced by regulation and accounting standards. This session builds on the first session in this series by considering how regulators are reacting to the biometric influencers, then delving into the impact of changing accounting standards on how firms assess, value and report on their business. Consideration will be given to uncertainties around pending regulation, including those uncovered in the process of firms implementing Principles Based Reserving and those yet to come with modifications to GAAP. This session is for anyone interested in better understanding the impact and influence that regulatory and reporting uncertainty has on their work.

Description: As companies implement PBR, this article outlines challenges regarding the treatment of accelerated underwriting under VM-20 and in light of future innovation.

Description: Over the last decade, the actuarial career has gained significant attention of entry level job-seekers as it continues to be one of the consistently top rated jobs in the market. There are different avenues to break into the profession, but one of the most common is through an Actuarial Student Program, where a company formally supports the exam progress of individuals through paid study materials, exam fees, and time off to study. Most programs also include an emphasis on development of leadership and communication skills. As the recruiter for MassMutual’s Actuarial Student Program, I get the opportunity to regularly share with candidates why I believe a student program is such a powerful springboard for a successful actuarial career. Profiled in the article is two actuarial students and one recent actuarial student program “graduate” to highlight the value a student program can bring to one’s professional development.