Description: The rapid economic development of Asia has ushered in profound lifestyle changes, particularly in urban centers. Increased disposable income, urbanization, and the proliferation of convenient food services have contributed to dietary habits associated with elevated health risks. Among these, insulin resistance (IR)—a metabolic condition linked to diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases—has emerged as a critical yet underrecognized threat. IR is also strongly associated with an increased risk of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia. For life and health insurers operating in markets such as Greater China and Southeast Asia, traditional underwriting methods face significant challenges in accurately assessing these evolving risks. This article investigates the limitations of conventional approaches and explores the potential of continuous underwriting methodologies to better align risk assessment with dynamic lifestyle factors.

Description: Chairperson's welcome to the RS and thoughts about our future.

Description: The Supplemental Health, DI & LTC Conference provides a unique opportunity to consider a cross-functional view of supplemental health products, individual disability insurance, and long-term care standalone and combination products.

Description: This is the second installment of a two-part series. Part I was published in the July 2023 issue of The Stepping Stone and provided guidance on how a new (re)insurance company can build an attractive work environment for actuarial talent. In part II we will focus on how to encourage those actuaries to remain with the company in the long run.

Description: With IFRS 17 effective this year, come learn about the performance management capabilities provided by IFRS 17 with traditional analysis under IFRS4, and with LDTI under USGAAP. You will begin with an introduction to the IFRS 17 landscape post implementation, followed by a comparison of profit measurement and earning analysis key performance indicators (KPIs) pre- and post-IFRS 17, and ends with an exploration of the common philosophy of earning recognition between LDTI and IFRS 17 beyond the calculation differences.

Description: The SOA Board considered the report of the Accreditation Implementation Task Force, approved the Task Force's two recommendations and initiated an Alternate Route study task force.

Description: A preview of the articles in the May 2009 issue of Long Term Care News, with a theme of focusing on the pure fundamentals of actuarial work.

Description: This essay explores the role that the emerging defined contribution retirement system may be playing in the growth of wealth inequality in the United States. The current system leaves many Americans with little or no retirement savings. Those with higher accumulation levels appear to invest proportionally more in equities, which may have an exponential effect of balances over long time periods. The author hypothesizes that willingness to take investment risk involves the relationship between the amount an investor has accumulated and what she/he needs in order to cover basic costs of living. This is one reason that investors with greater accumulation levels may be able to earn higher rates of return. The essay concludes by suggesting that the U.S. defined contribution system should include all workers and provide additional fiduciary guidance. Examples reforms, both in the U.S. and other countries, are provided.

Description: Book review of the latest edition (4th) of Life, Health, and Annuity Reinsurance by John Tiller, Jr and Denise Fagerberg Tiller

Description: A discussion of the work of the Low Interest Environment Team of the Smaller Insurance Company Section including a blog, presentations, and public literature.