Description: Commentary on practical observations resulting from constructing and running Economic Capital models. Possible standardization of assumptions and result interpretation are morphing even though use of E.C. models has now been around for years.

Description: This article is the first installment of a three-part series that aims to provide an overview of ESGs and will focus on the general motivation for stochastic modeling, its advantages and its limitations. Future articles will further break down the key factors of ESGs and the application of these factors to better understand the Academy Interest Rate Generator (AIRG).

Description: In this article, the interviewers will discuss the pros and cons of centralized modeling function vs a business unit based modeling function. Their experience will help us in identifying factors in contributing to a successful centralized model function and understand how to set expectation with modeling stakeholders.

Description: Cautions against putting too much faith in financial models - such as the IASB's proposal to accrue future expected profits on the day a policy is issued.

Description: Discusses how 'insignificant' changes in assumptions can have very significant affects.

Description: This paper gives an overview of fuzzy optimization, presents applications of fuzzy optimization and investigates ways to extend the methodology to risk assessment.

Description: This publication presents an exploratory framework that applies volatility signals—specifically the VIX and MOVE indices—to asset allocation decisions. Rather than prescribing a definitive model, the work highlights a potential pathway for linking equity and bond market risk expectations to portfolio construction. The analysis demonstrates how relative volatility between asset classes can inform dynamic weighting, opening the door to more adaptive strategies in shifting market environments. Importantly, this is not intended as a finished methodology, but as a foundation on which more experienced professionals can build. Readers with advanced backgrounds in finance, risk management, or quantitative analysis are encouraged to refine, stress-test, and extend the framework to suit their own investment contexts. By positioning the concept as a starting point rather than a conclusion, the publication invites collaboration and deeper exploration into how volatility-based metrics may enhance long-term allocation models.

Description: The United States Geological Surv ey USGS released the latest version of its National Seismic Hazard Maps NSHM in April 2008. The maps, which were last updated in 2002, define the latest scientific view of earthquake hazard at varying probability levels across the United States.

Description: Announcement that learning objectives for Exam MLC, MODELS FOR LIFE CONTINGENCIES, are being revised and will be in place for the spring 2012 administration of this examination.

Description: This article discusses techniques for modeling credit risk, including discussion of default assumptions and recovery rates.