Description: ASU 2018-12 introduced a new concept called “market risk benefits” (MRBs). MRBs are a new accounting classification for benefits within deposit contracts, offering protection from “other than nominal market risk.” This applies to products with account values, including variable and indexed annuities with guaranteed living or death benefits attached (aka GMxBs). ASU 2018-12 Section 944-40-30-19D mentions both a non-option and an option-based valuation approach to account for MRBs. This article considers the option-based approach. The purpose is to highlight weaknesses in the current application of the option approach to MRBs, propose an alternative method, and consider the benefits of the new approach. The intent of this article is to persuade practictioners / actuaries / accountants that this is a better approach for applying the fair value option method to market risk benefits.

Description: Excel spreadsheet showing a FAS 133 numeric example from this session of the 2010 U.S. GAAP & IFRS conference held in New YorkProduct.

Description: US GAAP for Life Insurers chapter 7 spreadsheets. Spreadsheets demonstrate cashflows for single premium deferred annuity under SFAS91. Please see the book US GAAP for Life Insurers for full detail on US GAAP.

Description: US GAAP for Life Insurers chapter 4 spreadsheet. This spreadsheet shows the development of GAAP Profit/Loss statements along with benefit reserves and DAC and assumptions for several life insurance products such as 10 year endowment and 20 year term. Please see the book US GAAP for Life Insurers for full detail on US GAAP accounting.

Description: Accounting Standards Update No. 2018-12, Financial Services – Insurance (Topic 944): Targeted Improvements to the Accounting for Long-Duration Contracts (LDTI) has been effective for most large, public business entities since 2023 and will be effective for other insurers in 2025. While the guidance clarifies the need for incorporating claim liabilities and premium accrual balances in the liability for future policy benefits (LFPB) under LDTI, companies may still have questions given there are limited details available around the techniques used in practice. In this article, we demonstrate the need for incorporating claim liabilities and premium accrual balances in the LFPB under LDTI. We also look at two potential approaches of incorporating these accrual balances.

Description: Embedded Risk in Settlement Options on Older Life and Annuity Contracts

Description: Variable Annuity DAC: A Survey of Current Practice by Laura J. Hay and Elizabeth Rogalin from The Financial Reporter, December 2002, Issue No. 51. Examines the DAC calculation for Variable Annuities and the possible write down of DAC under revised assumptions.

Description: Update on research projects sponsored by the Financial Reporting Section.

Description: Provides an overview of SFAS 60, 91, 97, and 120 and the importance of U.S. GAAP for Asian insurance companies with a country by country analysis.

Description: Baseline and "what if"/stressed projections of cash flows, financial statements and capital requirements are critical inputs for a range of business purposes: forecasts, risk management, liquidity management, strategic decision making, etc. Forward-looking projections have historically been inefficient and were performed in silos, making it difficult to scale the process as CFOs and CROs ask for more. The presenters discuss challenges of the forecast process and opportunities to meet desired future capabilities. They will also discuss "what if" analysis and ways to support production of forward-looking projections for "what if" analysis in an efficient way.