Description: The Federal funds rate increased by 4.25% in 2022 with further increases in 2023, which have already resulted in a liquidity crisis for a few banks. As the rapid increase of the interest rates pushed the new money rates above the yields of many life insurers’ investment portfolios, insurance companies are facing a dilemma between compressed margins from peer pressure and the concern with liquidity shortfalls and realized capital losses should mass surrenders happen. This paper discussed main emerging risks under rising interest rate environment, and several ways to mitigate these risks.

Description: Chairperson's column for the May 2023 issue of NewsDirect discussing the Section's strategic themes for the year.

Description: The insurance industry is undergoing a profound transformation, driven by a rapidly evolving landscape that is reshaping the way insurers market and distribute their products. This article delves into the key trends and factors shaping the industry, exploring the implications for insurance companies as they adapt to the changing environment.

Description: What are insurance companies promoting in the market? How are they framing their products and services? What is their value proposition to producers? Members of the SOA Marketing and Distribution section receive an exclusive benefit that addresses these questions.

Description: Mortality data and results for care home residents in England and Wales. Looking at numbers of death may indicate that there are fewer rate, but diving deep into various sub segments and looking at death rates, tells a different story.

Description: The 2024 Dangerous Risks survey shows respondents react to recent increases in "old favorite" risks as technology evolves and the environment moves away from the pandemic.

Description: The article is authored by the chair of the Joint Risk Management Section and provides an update of recent changes relevant to members of the council, as well as interested non-members.

Description: This article examines employee stock option ESO cost accounting, the characteristics of ESO schemes, the requirements and recommendation of FAS 123R and SAB 107. It also explains why the lattice model is probably the best approach to measuring the cost of stock option grants.

Description: Discusses the market, demographic, and macroeconomic factors that affect actuaries' choices for the assumptions they use in the pricing and valuation of many insurance products.

Description: This article is an interview with Phelim Boyle, an educator, actuary, PhD, author, financial engineer and recipient of the IAFE/ SunGard Financial Engineer of the Year Award and perhaps best known for his research into Monte Carlo methods.