Description: In this session, the panelists discuss several common cognitive biases that can adversely impact the capital allocation decision process, introducing the notions of time, accounting convention, positivity, hierarchy, and social proof in describing them. Historical case examples of sub-optimal capital allocation are then explored, identifying the contributing behavioral factors including the simultaneous confluence of multiple factors. The panelists will close the session with several suggestions for attendees to consider for incorporation into their decision-making processes. At the conclusion of the session, attendees will be able to: - Learn common cognitive biases that impact capital allocation decisions - Differentiate which biases impact different aspects of the capital allocation process - Build awareness of biases affecting capital allocation decision models - Mitigate cognitive biases present in decision making processes

Description: The U.S. life insurance industry has been increasing its exposure to complex assets, either directly as investors or via offshore reinsurance (e.g., Bermuda). In order to address regulatory concerns about such investments and reinsurance arrangements, the NAIC has begun multiple initiatives to improve disclosure and strengthen regulatory requirements, and the Bermuda Monetary Authority is also strengthening its requirements. Hear a summary of these initiatives, and get an update on the latest developments at the NAIC and at the Academy on these topics.

Description: Learn about prevalence-induced concept change and other cognitive biases. And find out how such biases can be linked to common actuarial practices (e.g., the application of the bias to stringency of enterprise risk management frameworks, in the case of prevalence-induced concept change). You should leave the session with the ability to understand how these biases could affect your work.

Description: This research report summarizes methodologies used for yield curve extrapolation to value liability cash flows that extend beyond the maximum observavble portion of the yield curve.

Description: This research report examines readers to Insurance-linked securities (ILSs) emphasizing catastrophe bonds (CAT) and industry loss warranties (ILWs).

Description: An introductory article describing how Bayesian statistics has evolved over the past 20 years and why it offers the actuarial discipline powerful tools to better understand and manage risk. Compared with traditional (frequentist) and black-box (machine learning) approaches, Bayesian analysis provides explainable models focused on distributions of estimates instad of simply point estimates.

Description: The Federal funds rate increased by 4.25% in 2022 with further increases in 2023, which have already resulted in a liquidity crisis for a few banks. As the rapid increase of the interest rates pushed the new money rates above the yields of many life insurers’ investment portfolios, insurance companies are facing a dilemma between compressed margins from peer pressure and the concern with liquidity shortfalls and realized capital losses should mass surrenders happen. This paper discussed main emerging risks under rising interest rate environment, and several ways to mitigate these risks.

Description: Joint Risk Management Section chairperson's corner, June 2023

Description: By attending the session, you will learn: - Different perspectives around what FP&A is used for (e.g., strategic planning, performance measurement, management compensation, liquidity management, etc.) and why - Challenges leaders have faced and how they are being addressing - How recent regulatory, accounting, and technological change has impacted the FP&A function - Objectives for various organizations around both new analytics for business management, efficient production of forecast results, and potential for faster 'top down' forecasting

Description: Observe how design thinking can be used to address emerging uncertainty in insurance. (Design thinking is a non-linear, iterative process teams use to understand users, challenge assumptions, redefine problems and create innovative solutions to prototype and test.) According to Fostering Innovation: A Guide for the Actuarial Profession, there is a need for more innovation in the actuarial profession. “A benefit of working in large, well-established organizations is that these workplaces have many problems to solve, but offer many resources, as well as a network of people for collaboration. However, it is interesting to note that the stability and predictability of cyclic work may also be seen as a negative by workplace employees, especially concerning creativity and innovation.