Description: In this article, the author discusses an estate planning strategy that is extremely effective in an environment of low interest rates and depressed asset values, and was made more attractive by the December 17, 2010 legislation that provides extensive estate tax relief, although only for two years: the Grantor Retained Annuity Trust or GRAT. The articles discusses how a GRAT works, strategy for setting one up, income tax considerations, certain drawbacks, and the need to act quickly, given congress is considering legislation that would impose restrictions.

Description: 2021 Student Research Case Study Challenge Parametric Insurance

Description: Since the world in which actuaries work is both expanding (through 'data science' opportunities) and contracting (since 'data scientists' are doing work formerly done by actuaries), the role of education actuaries is at a tipping point. Members of the Society who are in higher education and representatives from the business community will discuss ways in which the two worlds of business and education have worked together in the past, what can be done by each group to assist the other, and what the future may hold.

Description: The actuarial profession is marching into the age of Big Data. Increasingly, employers in various actuarial fields are requiring new hires to have sophisticated knowledge in statistics and data science. To meet the new demands from the industry and the profession, one of the key additions to the SOA’s new curriculum is an exam in Statistics for Risk Modeling (SRM) which includes modern statistical and data science techniques. There is also a new proctored project on Predictive Analytics, as a capstone requirement following the completion of the SRM Exam. At the University of Toronto, we recently underwent a major actuarial science curriculum redesign, in order to stay current with new trends and demand from the profession and in line with the new professional curriculum.

Description: Chairperson's column for the October 2020 issue of Taxing Times with thoughts on the effects of COVID-19 on the Taxation Section.

Description: Read the January 2020 issue of International News published by the International Section. Newsletters provide practical information for the working actuary, articles on trends that impact sections and news about section activities.

Description: An update on the status of the Product Development Section's research projects.

Description: Feature article discussing post-level term mortality expectations.

Description: Joe Wurzburger, Staff Fellow at the SOA, shares his views and insights about the health care industry in general and the Health Section's role in particular.

Description: This article discusses the highlights of the SOA 2010 Annual Meeting, some of which included recognizing the 2010 Hickman Scholars and the Center of Actuarial Excellence CAE schools.