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

Description: Guy Thomas develops the theory of “loss coverage,” which is a measure of the extent to which potentially insurable losses are actually compensated by insurance. His main points of difference are: a) Adverse selection in insurance is usually weaker that most commentaries suggest … b) From a public, policy perspective, ‘weak’ adverse selection in insurance is a good thing. … c)… some restrictions on risk classification are a good thing in some insurance markets

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: Can we learn anything about business success, or better yet about life, from the world of politics? One would presume not, given the seeming vast gulf between these realms. Yet perhaps this personal tale of a challenge I undertook decades ago might shed some light on how independent actuaries (and entrepreneurs in other corners of business) might adopt a refreshing perspective that advances, or even transforms, their current actuarial practice’s trajectory.

Description: Investigate the importance of collaboration with accounting, underwriting, sales, marketing and other professions as an actuary when you attend this webcast. Cross-functional positions can cause unique challenges to arise, like various experts attempting to balance growth and profitability. Discover an opportunity to learn about relevant ASOPs and dive deeper into contemporary examples that highlight specific professionalism issues that can develop.

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

Description: Help consumers understand their rights in health care and understand how technology is embedded into the health care industry. On top of that, you will also hear about topics related to professionalism. During this webcast, you will learn about: ▪ An overview of the health insurance market ▪ Health care provider billing and contracting ▪ Recent trends with insurers and health care providers ▪ Identify areas of excessive billing and fraud ▪ The impacts of technology on billing practices ▪ An understanding pharmacy benefits, including discounts and rebates