Description: The author explores the implications of the International Financial Reporting Standard (IFRS), both for companies that will need to report under this standard and for companies that will not need to report but will still be affected by its implementation.

Description: The Brazilian market is presently the largest life market in Latin America, so the recent news regarding the abolishment of the reinsurance monopoly there will certainly place Brazil on the radar screens of all major life reinsurers. The article describes the impact on the Brazilian lfe insurance market and the international reinsurance market.

Description: This article is about the cost-benefit relationship of advances in longevity and taking personal responsibility for one's own wellness.

Description: Tom Terry, FSA, FCA, MAAA, EA, who founded Chicago Consulting Actuaries in 1991, is interviewed by Sam Phillips in this article. The discussion explores how and why Terry started his own business, the opportunities and risks involved, innovations his firm has come up with, and the future of pension consulting. The article includes advice for those interested in starting their own business.

Description: The United States has received severe negative press the last several years regarding its massive U.S. federal government debt, currently estimated as of April 2007 at about $8.9 trillion. This article looks at the U.S. debt relative to other countries and also explores the impact on U.S. investments.

Description: This is a synopsis of a report that actuaries have been participating in regarding insurer risk assessment for solvency purposes.

Description: Discusses some basic issues for women to consider in planning for the possibility of being alone.

Description: The article summarizes a survey conducted by the Pension Section's Research Team. Nearly 2,400 actuaries responded with answers that ranged from abolishing the system to expanding the program to include all workers. The question, What changes, if any, should be made to the current system? is recapped.

Description: Column discussing the SOA’s addition of the Decision Making and Communication Module to its exam process.

Description: Feature article discussing how ERM needs to expand to cover the many different attitudes toward risk.