Description: In reaction to a spate of model conversion activity and rising acceptance of model risk management techniques, many companies have, or are in the process of centralizing their modeling function to accommodate both governance and efficiency demands. These operating model changes have produced a wide range of questions and issues, such as division of labor, roles and responsibilities, selection of tasks to keep decentralized, among others. This session will frame a series of key considerations around modeling function consideration, and share lessons learned with the audience.

Description: Interest rate modeling is discussed in this paper with special emphasis on the long and short rate model of Brennan and Schwartz. Comment is made on an unexpected aspect of the solution of the resulting partial differential equation. Also, an analysis is made of the predictive power of the term structure of interest rates. From the Actuarial Research Clearing House 1991 Vol. 1.

Description: This paper presents a model that projects withdrawal and investment returns for a hypothetical retirement account. From Retirement Needs Framework, M-RS00-1.

Description: This paper examines a differential equation model, whose solutions have yield curve shapes. The paper also examines the relevance of the model with historical monthly U. S. Treasury nominal rates. From the Actuarial Research Clearing House 1992 Vol. 1 .

Description: This paper explores some of the implications of rejecting the hypothesis that successive interest rate changes are independently, identically lognormally distributed on cash flow analysis. Discussions of this paper are included.

Description: This paper discusses extending the general nonparallel shift approach to duration analysis developed previously and explores the immunization model within the multivariate context. A discussion of the paper follows. From Transactions of Society of Actuaries 1991, Vol. 43.

Description: Case Study is used to see how effectively an approach based on combining products can reduce C-3 'interest rate' risk.

Description: As the Valuation Manual continues to evolve and PBR standards for additional products are drafted and incorporated, it will become increasingly important for companies to understand where the requirements are consistent across products, as well as how they differ. This session will scan the life (VM-20) and annuity (VM-21, VM-22) PBR standards across the Valuation Manual to compare and contrast key requirements. Attendees will understand where common methods and techniques can be used across products and platforms. Attendees will also be better positioned to consider assumption and margin setting, asset and derivative modeling, and model efficiency techniques for all types of principles-based valuations. Additionally, this session will profile specific challenges that can arise when actuaries use models to project PBR reserves at future dates for internal planning, pricing, and projections across life and annuity businesses.

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 paper studies the internal rate of return of a finite series of cash flows in terms of three natural axioms. Examples of rate of return functions are constructed and their economic significance is discussed. From the Actuarial Research Clearing House 1992 Vol. 1.