Description: An analysis of the revamped state sponsored retirement income pension gives insight into design and funding elements that might figure in reforming social security in the United States.

Description: The SOA Research Institute tasked the Workforce Science Institute to investigate how retirement benefit plans can affect a plan sponsor’s workforce and business results. The following is an interview with Rick Guzzo and Haig Nalbantian co-founders of the Workforce Science Institute who are the researchers on this project. The interview gives a helicopter view of the project as well as provides some “food for thought” on how retirement plans can be designed to produce an effective workforce.

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: The SOA textbook related to US GAAP for insurers has been updated. It incorporates the recent GAAP changes, including Long Duration Targeted Improvements, and now covers both life and non-life insurers. This is an essential updated for anyone working with US GAAP financial statements, whether you are an actuary or other finance professional.

Description: An overview of the state old age pension systems in four European countries that is intended to provide additional international context for a discussion of possible design and financing reforms for US social security.

Description: The article discusses ACLI's comment letters submitted to Treasury and the IRS in response to the proposed regulations on the Corporate Alternative Minimum Tax and Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR)'s discussion draft of the Protecting Proper Life Insurance From Abuse Act, that would impact the taxation of some to private placement life insurance.

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: Whole life insurance nonforfeiture options may be actuarially equivalent at the time premium payments end. When the entire remaining lifetime of the policy is fully considered; however, significant differences emerge in expenses between paying the cash surrender value, converting to reduced paid-up, or converting to extended term insurance. This article explores how a company might manage its existing nonforfeiture options and consider what to continue to offer after a product refiling with that entire lifetime in mind.

Description: This article suggests actuaries evolve from technical experts to strategic influencers by strengthening their communication skills. It highlights why data alone isn’t enough—actuaries must clearly convey insights, make recommendations, and tailor messages to business audiences. With practical tips and communication shifts, the piece helps actuaries present their work with greater impact. Written by an experienced actuarial leader, it offers real-world relevance for professionals aiming to drive decisions and add strategic value in healthcare and insurance settings.

Description: The big event of 2023 is the launch of multiple Humira biosimilars, which began in January with the arrival of Amgen’s Amjevita on the market. The launch of Amjevita kicks off the process of changing the specialty drug marketplace in the United States. The expectation of the full impact of this big event is very hopeful, but there is still uncertainty several months after its beginning. Humira is the highest-selling drug in the world and has been since 2013 (Figure 1)—except for when COVID-19 projects temporarily surpassed it. The world is eagerly awaiting the launch of multiple biosimilar drugs to compete with Humira and hopefully bring more competitive pricing to the benefit of payers and patients everywhere.