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: The author discusses an interpretation of the surrender charge limitations specified in New York’s Regulation 77 which increases the maximum allowable surrender charges for renewal years. This interpretation was presented to and accepted by the New York State Insurance Department.

Description: This article discusses the characteristics of companies dedicated to being leaders in the Term market and the role that reinsurers play.

Description: This article highlights the interaction between pricing and corporate. There is a move toward principle-based reserving standards in the United States.

Description: In actuarial work, we are frequently confronted with problems with more than one apparently reasonable answer. This article deals with one of these, where the Federal DAC cost can be applied in an apparently reasonable, but incorrect, manner.

Description: Essay of using microeconomics and Embedded Value concepts to evaluate direct marketing programs.

Description: This article reports on a presentation given at the SOA Annual Meeting in October 2014 (Session #43). The presentation, entitled the “Current State of the COLI/BOLI Market”, addressed current developments and issued related to the Corporate-Owned Life Insurance (COLI) and Bank-Owned Life Insurance (BOLI) markets. The Greg Brandner from Munich Re served as moderator, and he along with Julie Decker from RGA and Kelly Rabin from Milliman were the speakers.

Description: The embattled life insurance industry in Australia needs to come to terms with a new environment of heightened claims volumes, unprecedented losses, changing distribution models and even reduced benefits. Like the mythological phoenix that spectacularly regenerates from its ashes every century, Australia’s life insurance industry needs something special to rise from its ashes. Claims management innovation promises to give the necessary impetus for a market that is desperate for some good news, whilst laying the foundation for a claims revolution worldwide.

Description: In this article, the author discusses Universal Life and product mix strategy for Latin America.

Description: This article provides a summary of the key findings from Milliman's 8th annual survey of lading UL carriers. The survey covers issues and challenges of UL/IUL products and allows companies to benchmark their practices against the competition.