Description: Since the last installment of the biennial WTW North America Life Insurance Pricing Methodology Survey in 2018, the market has been coming to terms with the prospect of “lower for even longer” interest rates and been confronted with the economic and social impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. This article examines what effects these and market-specific factors have had on profit targets and pricing and reserving strategy. The survey looked at the profit objectives and assumptions used in pricing 2020 new issues of individual life and annuity products, with a focus on past practices, not future plans.

Description: We discuss a teaching program for new actuarial science and risk management & insurance educators at Georgia State University that includes the following topics: - Introducing insurance - Syllabus construction - Creating content and actively engaging students - Student motivation and career paths - Assessment and grading rubrics - Professional ethics and other

Description: The Risks Analytics Symposium 2022: Actuarial Perspectives on Climate Change was a hybrid half-day event where university students, as well as academics and industry professionals, had the opportunity to network and view live discussion panels in-person at UIUC or virtually through Zoom.

Description: Latin America offers significant opportunities for insurers due to its emerging middle class, low insurance penetration, and potential partnerships. The region's insurance market has seen substantial growth, with gross written life insurance premiums increasing by 212% from 2011 to 2022. However, challenges such as low digital adoption and distribution limitations exist. A hybrid approach combining digital platforms with traditional agent support is recommended to address these issues. Strategic alliances with local financial institutions can also facilitate market entry. Despite these challenges, the Latin American insurance market remains highly profitable and resilient, making it an attractive area for expansion

Description: In this article, the author provides an update, as of April 2023, on the Reinsurance Section’s sponsored research in process and studies recently completed.

Description: Comparison of domestic and international PFML programs

Description: Geoeconomic fragmentation is reshaping the global risk landscape in profound ways, with significant implications for the insurance industry and actuarial professionals. The disruption of traditional models of risk diversification, the growing demand for specialized insurance products, and the increased volatility of financial markets all require actuaries to reassess their approaches to risk management, pricing, and capital allocation. By embracing scenario planning, enhancing geopolitical intelligence, and adapting their models to reflect the new realities of a fragmented world economy, actuaries can help insurers navigate this uncertainty and continue to provide essential protection to businesses and individuals in an increasingly unpredictable global environment.

Description: This month, Expanding Horizons had the opportunity to interview Tim Boonen, the winner of the Society of Actuaries’ (SOA’s) second Actuarial Science Early Career Award.

Description: This article details the medical stop-loss coverages purchased by HMOs, small insurers and providers taking delegated financial risk in payor agreements. Along the way we will identify strategies purchasers often use to save money on medical stop-loss.

Description: This article provides a general introduction to JRI, including details about the types of research areas it highlights, an explanation of its prior review policy, current calls for papers, and its social media efforts.