Description: The October/November 2015 edition of The Actuary magazine—the Society of Actuaries’ flagship publication.

Description: The April/May 2016 edition of The Actuary magazine—the Society of Actuaries’ flagship publication.

Description: This essay explores the role that the emerging defined contribution retirement system may be playing in the growth of wealth inequality in the United States. The current system leaves many Americans with little or no retirement savings. Those with higher accumulation levels appear to invest proportionally more in equities, which may have an exponential effect of balances over long time periods. The author hypothesizes that willingness to take investment risk involves the relationship between the amount an investor has accumulated and what she/he needs in order to cover basic costs of living. This is one reason that investors with greater accumulation levels may be able to earn higher rates of return. The essay concludes by suggesting that the U.S. defined contribution system should include all workers and provide additional fiduciary guidance. Examples reforms, both in the U.S. and other countries, are provided.

Description: The February/March 2014 edition of The Actuary magazine—the Society of Actuaries’ flagship publication.

Description: This Open Forum took place as Session 7B at the 1987 Valuation Actuary Symposium. The panelists discuss the conflicting demands between the actuarial profession and company management which face the Valuation Actuary in Canada. Topics of discussion include demands on the actuary from the profession, those in place and those being proposed, and demands from management being placed on the actuary, and how the profession and Canadian Institute of Actuaries may be of assistance.

Description: This presentation is a panel discussion, session number 26PD, from the 2002 Valuation Actuary Symposium, held September 19-20 in Lake Buena Vista, FL. The Enron scandal is likely to result in a more transparent disclosure of balance sheet liabilities. The panelists provide a professional/legislative update and offer pragmatic tips to valuation actuaries about how to respond effectively to increased scrutiny. They discuss the Corporate Accountability Act and the increased oversight of the accounting profession that will result, and the implications for actuaries working in accounting firms. They emphasize the importance for actuaries to be aware of the higher standards of independence and the need to follow actuarial standards of practice. Discussion from participants is included.

Description: A preview of the contents of the latest issue, including essays & interviews related to health care reform, provider reimbursements, rate filing review, and medical errors.

Description: 1993 SOA Spring Meeting, Boston. This session addresed life and annuity sales illustrations. Topics included: • Current initiatives from various task forces including those of the AAA, NAIC, ACLI, NALU, and ASCLU. • Have illustrations taken on a life of their own? • What should be done about illustrations, especially by actuaries?