Description: This article gives details of the demutualization process of The Equitable Life Assurance Society, highlighting the decision process, actuarial issues and regulatory challenges.

Description: A summary of a preliminary report from the Committee on Valuation and Related Problems, on guidelines for quantifying balance sheet items in an insurance enterprise.

Description: This article discusses value at risk, VaR, and VaR modeling of the bank's portfolios that would recognize diversity and hedging. This article also covers the differences between classical VaR and the longer horizons required by the insurance industry and the feasibility of extending VaR to the insurance industry.

Description: This article discusses international proposals for accounting reform that would establish a global common measurement approach for the large majority of life insurance and annuity products.

Description: Article from The Actuary, November 1985 – Volume No. 19, Issue No. 9 that discusses the changing role of the valuation actuary.

Description: Insurance accounting is in the midst of significant changes, many of which were proposed during a time of severe economic uncertainty. Given the concern about these regulations by many insurance finance executives, it is time for a re-examination of the capabilities of the financial reporting function. For insurers, actuarial components are a critical part of the financial reports, and so actuaries can be expected to play a critical role in moving the overall financial and regulatory reporting function forward. In fact, the financial and regulatory reporting function in an insurance company cannot advance significantly without actuarial expertise. This article explains how actuaries are therefore in the position of being able to help drive the evolution of a company’s finance function.

Description: A summary of the October 31 meeting of the Board of Governors, where topics included education and examination requirements, SOA organization, pension terminology, publications, didivend philosophy, subcommittee operations, financial statement certifications, the Executive Director position, and consolidation of North American actuarial organizations.

Description: This article describes the shortcomings of a rules–based valuation system and the benefits of a principles–based valuation system. It discusses the concerns that have arisen since the introduction of Canadian GAAP and Canada's current direction toward a principles-based valuation of insurance liabilities.

Description: Canada has been proactive in establishing governance frameworks for reinsurance transactions. Initiatives from individuals, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions OSFI and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries CIA have addressed concerns about and scrutiny of reinsurance transactions from worldwide securities and insurance regulators, rating agencies and the media. It is important to note that actuaries have played a vital role in identifying and developing these initiatives and will continue to have a major influence in further development of governance standards and in providing education. From The Actuary Magazine June 2007

Description: Highlights parts of the exposure draft and concludes that it contains suggestions that actuaries may find useful in internal control design and in documentation for themselves, other management, and auditors.