Description: Z-factor analysis under a principles-based approach for U.S. life insurance products. Under PBA, the Z-Factor is a measure of margin in excess of the best estimate assumptions embedded in the statutory reserves of a life insurance product or block of business. Specifically, our assignment was to explore the applicability of the Z-Factor calculation when considering the risk margins and minimum required capital under PBA.

Description: Twelve companies field tested the proposed principle-based valuation manual for four different product lines: term life, universal life, whole life and deferred annuity. This report compares the reserves and C3 capital amounts under PBA versus current formulaic standard and discusses practical aspects in applying the proposed methodology.

Description: Survey results for 2009 produced by the Policyholder Behavior in the Tail Risk Management Section Working Group in which insurers were asked about assumptions used with respect to policyholder behavior in universal life policies with secondary guarantees.

Description: This research report, sponsored by the Society of Actuaries' Health Section, measures the annual frequency of medical errors in the United States and the total measurable cost to the United States economy of these errors.

Description: This report, with linked reference material, provides information on the needs and opportunities of the older age market, and the implications of the public's perceptions of their retirement risks, to be used in the development and distribution of products that will protect future retirees from financial risk.

Description: The purpose of this paper is to examine the underlying issues of replacement rates for the benefit of retirement security stakeholders, particularly public policy makers, pension plan sponsors, advisors, financial product providers, and individuals planning for retirement. Additionally, guidance is provided on building replacement rate measures. From the Society of Actuaries - 2011.

Description: This paper explores areas where fuzzy logic models may be applied to improve risk assessment and risk decision-making. It discusses the methodology, framework and process of using fuzzy logic systems for risk management. With the help of practical examples, it is hoped that it will encourage wise application of fuzzy logic models to risk modeling.

Description: The PBITT working group issued a survey that gathered the range of assumptions actuaries use in pricing, reserving, and risk management of UL with Secondary Guarantees. The result of the survey can be accessed using the link to the right.

Description: Research project that reviewed and inventoried the range of quality and efficiency measures currently available.

Description: This project shows how to use agent-based models to simulate the behaviors of agents in complex health systems.