Description: Clarification of the tax treatment of non-qualified deferred annuities that are “partially annuitized” is discussed in detail in this article.

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: Life reinsurance activity in Bermuda has experienced rapid growth in recent years. This article explores the key drivers of this growth.

Description: This article presents the idea that a New Product Notebook, which contains all of the aspects of a product's development and is accessible to all involved, can make the product development process more efficient.

Description: Updates on partial annuitization and exhanges, prevailing CSO valuation mortality tables, disclosure of offshore accounts through FATCA.

Description: How to set asset assumption, at the cycle or through the cycle and other considerations

Description: Metadata for entire issue

Description: A discussion of substantially equal periodic payments, SEPPs, and the penalty tax that is associated with SEPPs, the Recapture Rule. Computation methods are also discussed.

Description: New chairperson’s column discussing his goals for the Product Development Section.

Description: In this article, the author talks about the Brazilian life insurance and annuity markets.