Description: This article discusses the causes of the 1918 influenza pandemic, the reasons it occurred and the likelihood that it could happen again. In addition, the author discussed ways, in general, to model and manage risks that occur infrequently, yet have a significant impact.

Description: This article is about defining risks at the proper level. To do so one must distinguish between risks and the outcome of other risks. The so-called reputation risk is an example of something that is not a source of risk, but rather an outcome of other risks. In addition to defining risks at the source, is also important to categorize risks with consistent levels of granularity.

Description: This article addresses the concern that while risk assessment models are supposed to help identify and reduce risk, they can be a source of risk themselves. A new report released by the Canadian Institute of Actuaries in August 2008 helps address that potential problem by providing useful guidance to actuaries who are charged with designing, implementing and using advanced models.

Description: This article talks about replicating portfolios, a basket of financial instruments designed to replicate, as closely as possible, the value and market sensitivity of a target portfolio of liabilities in different economic scenarios.

Description: A brief introduction to a new SOA research on liability-driven investment benchmark model.

Description: Summary of recent surveys to life actuaries regarding assumptions surrounding policyholder behavior in the tail for universal life with secondary guarantees and minimum guarantees on variable annuities. This information is intended to examine and ultimately give guidance to actuaries on how to set policyholder assumptions in extreme scenarios.

Description: Risk management techniques do not include system science. System science requires that the uncertainty of the world is incorporated into the results. The articles explains the difference between risk and uncertainty. Learn how risk practices create an overoptimistic view of future outcomes.

Description: To address non-parallel movement in the interest rates the concept of key-rate duration was introduced in mid-'80s by Tom Ho. I will define certain key rate metrics, their variation used in the industry, how to calculate them, and an existing industry issue with how they are used. Additionally, I propose a novel technique to calculate key rates to mitigate the problem faced in the industry

Description: To address non-parallel movement in the interest rates the concept of key-rate duration was introduced in mid-'80s by Tom Ho. I will define certain key rate metrics, their variation used in the industry, how to calculate them, and an existing industry issue with how they are used. Additionally, I propose a novel technique to calculate key rates to mitigate the problem faced in the industry

Description: This article discusses the Insurer Solvency Assessment – Towards a Global Framework report prepared by the IAA Insurer Solvency Assessment Working Party WP. The conclusions of the report are consistent with the three pillar approach to the regulation of financial service entities that is reflected in the Basel Accord for the regulation of banks internationally. The pillars are: Pillar I: Minimum financial requirements. Pillar II: Supervisory review process. Pillar III: Measures to foster market discipline.