Description: The introduction and effective application of US GAAP LDTI have increased the scrutiny of those reviewing the updated financial results. That is because LDTI has resulted in significant changes in actuarial reserving and deferred acquisition cost (DAC) models for long-duration contracts, including significant changes to data, assumptions and required disclosures. In light of the changes, greater reliance has been put on companies’ model risk management (MRM) teams and model validations to assess the conceptual soundness and accuracy of their companies’ actuarial models and to assess that the underlying data and process utilized are suitable and appropriate. This article covers a brief background on model validation, walk through a sample LDTI-focused model validation framework/test plan, then provide insights on common LDTI-related validation observations based on the authors' prior validation experience.

Description: RBC Developments Include New C-3 Approach by Bob Brown from The Financial Reporter, February 2000, Issue No. 41.

Description: Adopting U.S. GAAP for Pre-Need Plans in the Philippines by Frank J. Buck from The Financial Reporter, December 2002, Issue No. 51.

Description: Provides a comparison of methodologies between Actuarial Guideline 43 and C-3 Phase II RBC to help the practitioner calculate both RBC and reserves in an accurate but efficient manner.

Description: Article examines some of the shortcomings of Market Consistent Embedded Value reporting as it is currently constructed—particularly in periods of heightened volatility—and recommends some possible improvements that the CFO Forum is likely to consider.

Description: Discusses the top concerns of U.S. insurers regarding the recent IASB Exposure Draft entitled Insurance Contracts and the FASB Exposure Draft entitled Preliminary Views on Insurance Contracts.

Description: The NAIC is working with state insurance departments to replace the existing rules-based valuation laws with principle-based valuation laws. On the GAAP front, both the International Accounting Standards Board, which sets GAAP accounting guidance for many countries outside the United States, and the Financial Accounting Standards Board, which promulgates GAAP guidance in the United States, are moving toward a “current estimate” standard of valuation, which often results in a fair value or similar measurement basis. This article reviews the IASB’s discussion paper on insurance valuation and the American Academy of Actuaries’ response to it.

Description: Article discussing the International Actuarial Association's meeting in November 2008.

Description: In light of the recent financial crisis, this article discusses whether Fair Value Accounting is a trouble maker or life saver.

Description: Article discussing insurance accounting developments from October - December2008.