Description: Volatility managed funds, which focus the measurement of an investor’s risk appetite on the volatility of the portfolio, have grown popular in the Asian markets recently, particularly in Japan. This article discusses a typical volatility managed strategy and presents performance comparisons between volatility managed funds and other comparable market strategies. The advantages of target volatility managed funds to investors and insurers are also included.

Description: Discussion of a survey inquiring into the use of Embedded, or Shareholder, Value by U.S. and European Insurance Companies

Description: Review of changes made to life insurance taxation in Australia.

Description: Comparison of S&P’s published ratings standards in the United States and Europe with regards to capital adequacy ratios.

Description: Excellent big picture view for planning a social insurance system with pay-as-you-go, required self-funded, and voluntary plans.

Description: In this article, the author recaps his experience at The 2009 Berkshire Hathaway annual shareholders meeting.

Description: Starting in 2003, the Society of Actuaries International Experience Study Working Group has been conducting surveys of published embedded value financial assumptions. This article updates the survey with 2007 data.

Description: The World Bank visited Argentina with the objective of starting technical assistance to the insurance regulatory body Superintendencia de Seguros de la Nación (SSN).

Description: This article presents the results of a survey of financial assumptions contained in 2003 embedded value reports. The purpose of the survey was to provide international actuaries with benchmark assumption data and to enhance the knowledge of actuaries about current international market conditions and practices.

Description: New Zealand is about to launch its first variable annuity with guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefits. The product design is mindful of the lessons from the financial crisis in the United States, Europe and Japan.