Description: Feature article discussing assumption committee development and their role.

Description: ASU 2018-12 introduced a new concept called “market risk benefits” (MRBs). MRBs are a new accounting classification for benefits within deposit contracts, offering protection from “other than nominal market risk.” This applies to products with account values, including variable and indexed annuities with guaranteed living or death benefits attached (aka GMxBs). ASU 2018-12 Section 944-40-30-19D mentions both a non-option and an option-based valuation approach to account for MRBs. This article considers the option-based approach. The purpose is to highlight weaknesses in the current application of the option approach to MRBs, propose an alternative method, and consider the benefits of the new approach. The intent of this article is to persuade practictioners / actuaries / accountants that this is a better approach for applying the fair value option method to market risk benefits.

Description: Interplay of §807(f) and the stat cap in §807(d) as there continues to be uncertainty as to whether a change to the stat reserve could be subject to §807(f).

Description: This article is to outline the new requirements for valuation rates in VM-22, highlighting key differences and example calculations to enhance understanding.

Description: This article discusses how new and current industry tax topcs can educate the Taxation Section membership.

Description: The current drafts of the principle-based reserves PBR model law and accompanying regulations appear to include credit life insurance within the scope. It is expected that once the scope of PBR is expanded to include accident and health insurance, credit disability will fall within its scope as well. This article describes how will this affect credit actuaries.

Description: This article is a follow-up article on the principles-based reserves PBR movement in the life and health insurance industry. It discusses more in depth the possibility of principles-based reserves determined stochastically and changes proposed in the SVL for preferred mortality.

Description: On March 25, 2010, the Treasury and IRS issued Notice 2010-29. The new Notice follows-up Notice 2008-18, in which the Treasury Department Treasury and the Internal Revenue Service IRS identified concerns regarding proposed Actuarial Guideline VACARVM and suggested approaches that might be taken to address those issues. Actuarial Guideline VACARVM was effective, as AG43, beginning on Dec. 31, 2009. This discussion is the fourth in a continuing series of interdisciplinary dialogues in TAXING TIMES on selected tax issues related to proposals regarding principle-based reserves.

Description: Embedded Risk in Settlement Options on Older Life and Annuity Contracts

Description: The article describes how the Smaller Insurance Company Section's Principle-Based Reserves Team is planning to provide information and guidance about principle-based reserves.