Description: The editor introduces the articles in this issue. Articles that include topics on systemic risk, economic capital, variable annuties, etc.

Description: This article contains the statistics of the equity premium or market risk premium [MRP] uses in 2011 for 56 countries. The paper also contains the references used to justify the MRP and comments from persons that both use and do not use MRP.

Description: An exploration of risk management challenges in the Middle East, including historical overcapitalization, inadequate data and governance issues.

Description: Recent events and commentary from a member of the JRMS council.

Description: Recurring column that lists recent publications in risk management of note to readers.

Description: Recurring column that lists recent publications in risk management of note to readers.

Description: This article presents a hypothesis that the market cycles are primarily created by human actions, behavior and assumptions rather than by random variables. An analysis of main financial events over the last decade reveals that: a Every one of these events has had a human touch b The current financial crisis is an aftermath of the excessive economic boom during this period and c A new economy must emerge from human ingenuity and innovation.

Description: On behalf of the Society of Actuaries, the Casualty Actuarial Society and the Canadian Institute of Actuaries, we are pleased to provide a series of essays on Risk Management: The Current Financial Crisis, Lessons Learned and Future Implications. This e-book is the result of a call for essays on the subject coordinated by a variety of actuarial groups. This is the introduction to the book of Essays. See the SOA web site for the full series of essays.

Description: Interest rates rose from 2004 through 2007, so adjustable mortgage rates increased and many borrowers fell behind. After home prices topped out in 2006, speculators and some buyers who had overstretched found it impossible to refinance. This caused mortgage insurance claims. Insurers may want to study others’ missteps.

Description: In the current financial markets turmoil, it is tempting to ask whether things might have turned out differently. I think the pain in our financial markets would have been less if more actuaries had been involved. 10 reason are offered.