Description: An overview of how the VM-31 requirements for documenting PBR approaches and assumptions can/should reflect the Actuarial Standard of Practice on Modeling, ASOP No. 56

Description: In this article, a numerical comparison of two commonly used FIA valuation methodologies is conducted to help insurers decide on the best methodology to use under GAAP LDTI and VM-22. We compared two modeling approaches to project the future index credits with the annual point-to-point crediting formula: Tthe stochastic equity crediting model and the deterministic option budget crediting model. The analysis is then extended to different levels of option budgets and the monthly average crediting formula. The advantages and disadvantages of the two equity return projecting approaches are also highlighted and will be discussed later in the report.

Description: Session 9B: Actuaries and Technology: Perspectives on Actuarial Workflow Automation The life insurance industry has experienced unprecedented growth in modernization efforts, with special attention paid to automating actuarial workflows. Companies are creating processes that are more scalable and maintainable, helping actuaries meet strict deadlines and deliver meaningful information to stakeholders. Discuss practical examples of automation, potential compositions of the modern actuarial toolkit, and different ways actuaries and technology teams interact during implementation and production states. Examine how automation can help actuarial teams shift from a quarterly to a monthly valuation process by overcoming challenges in traditional actuarial processes-long run times, the need for highly specialized legacy software skills, and inadequate control. Shifting to a monthly schedule can increase alignment on company objectives, deepen insurers' understanding of their business, and improve strategic decision-making. Leave with new ways of thinking about technology, from day-to-day best practices to full-scale actuarial transformation. By attending the session, you will: - Explain and understand the benefits of automating actuarial workflows with the purpose of operating on a monthly, rather than quarterly basis. - Describe the categories and purposes of several kinds of automation and supporting tools that might be used to accomplish this. - Understand different actuarial IT operating models and consider the application of such strategies at your organization. - Identify best practices for implementing automation based on the presented case studies.

Description: S&P Global released its initial version of proposed changes regarding its Insurer Risk-Based Capital Adequacy methodology and assumptions on Dec. 6th, 2021. Unlike prior guidance notes or criteria releases, the proposed changes comprehensively updated the current S&P rating criteria released in 2010. These updates would directly impact many insurers. S&P Global anticipates that 10 percent of existing ratings in the insurance sector would be impacted and the change would lead to more positive rating implications than negative impact. This article focuses on the proposed changes on the S&P risk-based capital (RBC) vs. the current model, then simulate impacts to a representative U.S. life insurer through an illustrative case study.

Description: In the time since the original proposal to move healthwriting companies from the blue blank to the orange blank, there have been several incremental updates to the blue blank by the NAIC Blanks Working Group to integrate portions of the orange blank into the blue blank. Meanwhile, the NAIC RBC Working Group has issued their proposal to change the health test for comment and appear to be moving forward with the proposal to revise the health test. This would obligate companies that write predominantly health business onto the orange blank rather than the blue blank, which they have historically used for reporting. Discover background of the revised health test, the incremental updates to the blue blank that have been implemented recently, additional incremental updates proposed for upcoming blue blanks, and the current status of the Health RBC Working Group proposal to revise the health test. Hear observations about companies that have opted to 'take the plunge' and move to the orange blank ahead of the revised health test as well as companies that have opted to remain on the blue blank and incrementally update as new requirements are integrated into the Blue blank. By attending the session, you will be able to: • Understand the context of the initiative to revise the NAIC health test. • Summarize the recent changes to the blue blank implemented by the Blanks Working Group that integrate portions of the orange blank into the blue blank. • Summarize the upcoming proposed changes to the blue blank by the Blanks Working Group that integrate additional portions of the orange blank into the blue blank. • Summarize the current status of the Health RBC Working Group proposal to revise the health test. • Provide industry perspective on companies that have opted to move to the orange blank ahead of the revised health test and companies that have opted to remain on the blue blank until the NAIC requires it.

Description: Learn how modernization of data, models, and technology are influencing workflows. This webcast will address how workflows are changing in response to new regulatory requirements and the impacts the changes have on modeling and end-to-end future state operating models. Industry leading actuaries will discuss: How team collaboration can increase quality and speed of reporting to internal and external stakeholders How to strengthen controls and compliance frameworks across finance and actuarial departments How to modernize actuarial input/output for strategic analysis and insights How to attract and retain top talent by improving opportunities for actuaries There will also be dedicated time to ask questions of those who have made the transition.

Description: The COVID-19 pandemic will have a lasting impression on all forms of life, annuity, and A&H insurance. Individual and group disability insurance are no exception. Examine how U.S. group and individual disability insurers have been impacted by the pandemic and how they are preparing for an uncertain future. Oliver Wyman will team up with experts from the insurance industry to discuss insights on the impact of COVID-19 on disability insurance, including results from Oliver Wyman’s 2022 industry survey. Learn about the past, current, and future expected impacts of COVID-19 on: - Claim experience (including mortality, incidence, recovery and SSDI offsets) - Reserving - Scenario testing - Insurer operations (e.g., claims adjudication, recertification) - Sales and persistency By attending this session, you will be able to: - Understand how disability insurers have been impacted by the pandemic across multiple facets. - Identify where and how U.S. disability insurance carriers are adapting to the new and evolving environment. - Discover how carriers see disability insurance evolving as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

Description: In the United States, there has been much industry discussion of the challenges associated with a sustained low interest rate environment, which impacts both the asset and liability sides of the balance sheet in unfavorable ways. The intent of this article is not to focus on these strategic issues. Rather, we attempt to shine a spotlight on some of the modeling challenges that practicing actuaries may experience when incorporating negative interest rates into their models.

Description: Provides an update, as of September 2022, on Financial Reporting Section sponsored research projects in process and those recently completed.

Description: Column from the chairperson of the SOA's Financial Reporting Section describing the research and webcasts available to section members.