Description: While the major market crash subsequent to the widespread contagion of the COVID-19 virus was readily predictable, the rapid recovery and ongoing growth subsequent to it was not. Market dynamics around the recovery resist characterization by most traditional analytical approaches. In examining the circumstances around the emergence of a large retail class of investors, one sees that ingrained human tendencies, particularly optimism bias, have fueled much investor behavior responsible for the recovery. Understanding this makes it possible to predict potential future crashes and develop behavioral interventions for subsequent market recoveries.

Description: An overview of the basic tooling and packages available for the Julia programming language, with a focus on why this is of interest to the actuarial profession. It covers some of the built-in language features as well parts of the Julia package ecosystem that make Julia ideal for modeling and data analysis. This is the second installment in a series of article aimed at actuaries. The first installment, Julia for Actuaries, was published in the October 2020 edition of Actuarial Technology Today, and covered the base language itself, its high-level, math-friendly syntax, and why the actuary of the future should consider its adoption.

Description: This paper applies the research in Prospect Theory of Kahneman and Tversky to explain why sales of annuities lag sales of life insurance products. The author theorizes that life insurance is easier to sell because customers perceive themselves to be in the domain of losses, while potential annuity customers perceive themselves to be in the domain of gains. Kahneman and Tversky showed us that people are mostly risk averse in the domain of gains and risk seeking in the domain of losses. Purchase of an annuity or life product is a risky investment. Customers will find it easier to take the risk in the life insurance domain of losses than the annuity domain of gains. The author then proposes a hybrid life annuity product that might address both mortality and longevity risk in one product that would allow both products to be more competitive than stand-alone products.

Description: TAXING TIMES recently sat down with a group of retired tax actuaries to hear about how they got involved in actuarial tax matters and how their tax experience impacted their careers. Their insights will be useful for actuaries who are just starting out in the profession, as well as more seasoned actuaries.

Description: In PLR 202109001, the IRS ruled that a proposed assumption reinsurance transaction between related foreign parties changing the counter party obligated to a domestic corporation (“Taxpayer”) under an existing agreement did not give rise to Taxpayer being treated as making a base erosion payment (“BEP”), as Taxpayer did not receive a deduction under §832(b)(4)(A) from the amount of gross premiums written on insurance contracts during the taxable year for premiums paid for reinsurance.

Description: Are you ready to supercharge your career? Join us for an exciting webcast where industry experts will share how to leverage mentoring and networking for career success. Discover how these powerful tools can transform your professional journey, provide invaluable insights, and open doors to new opportunities. In this dynamic session, our speakers will share their personal stories and practical tips on building meaningful mentoring relationships. You’ll learn proven networking strategies to connect with influential professionals and accelerate your career growth. Don’t miss this chance to gain insider knowledge from industry leaders and receive actionable advice. Whether you’re just starting out or aiming to advance your career, this webcast will equip you with the tools and inspiration you need to succeed.

Description: In this webcast, we will speak with actuarial leaders who developed their personal brand over several years to better understand just how powerful having a personal brand can be in actuarial work.

Description: This three-part series provides an overview of the rapidly evolving and dynamic gene and cellular therapy landscape, from the clinical, historical, and risk transfer perspectives. It covers the actuarial considerations in pricing cell and gene insurance and reinsurance, the value assessment of the therapies, manufacturer pricing, and reinsurance cost.

Description: Call for essays on how actuaries can apply their financial skills to support non-profit financial management and promote societal purpose.

Description: This SOA e-course shows you how to use financial modeling to assess or mitigate risk. It covers derivatives pricing, range of outcomes and more.