Description: SFAS 157, Fair Value Measurements, defines fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands disclosures. This article briefly summarizes SFAS 157 and then turns to the computation of a fair value liability and the use of risk margins, with some expanded discussion of the cost of capital method for establishing the risk margin.

Description: Activity surrounding the principle-based approach to statutory reserves and minimum regulatory capital is gaining momentum. This article will allow those readers who are not as close to this initiative to quickly become familiar with the landscape of the movement and where it stands today.

Description: Feature article discussing the use of fair value or market consistent measurement for the valuation of insurance liabilities.

Description: This article provides a summary of the research paper and Excel-based tool that can be found on the SOA’s website at Regulatory Capital Adequacy for Life Insurance Companies: A Comparison of Four Jurisdictions | SOA.

Description: Article explores two very different approaches that are currently being considered for use in projecting credited rates on interest sensitive products and show how they can be reconciled with one another.

Description: The NAIC is working with state insurance departments to replace the existing rules-based valuation laws with principle-based valuation laws. On the GAAP front, both the International Accounting Standards Board, which sets GAAP accounting guidance for many countries outside the United States, and the Financial Accounting Standards Board, which promulgates GAAP guidance in the United States, are moving toward a “current estimate” standard of valuation, which often results in a fair value or similar measurement basis. This article reviews the IASB’s discussion paper on insurance valuation and the American Academy of Actuaries’ response to it.

Description: Article examines some of the shortcomings of Market Consistent Embedded Value reporting as it is currently constructed—particularly in periods of heightened volatility—and recommends some possible improvements that the CFO Forum is likely to consider.

Description: Article discussing the International Actuarial Association's meeting in November 2008.

Description: In light of the recent financial crisis, this article discusses whether Fair Value Accounting is a trouble maker or life saver.

Description: An update on the SOA's financial reporting research projects.