Description: Feature article discussing comparison of physical inactivity and smoking.

Description: Mandatory implementation of life principle-based reserves (PBR) is just around the corner and there is no shortage of work to do, as most products have yet to be moved to PBR. Oliver Wyman recently completed its 2019 PBR survey, with more than 40 participants covering 85 percent of the individual life market, including 23 of the top 25 life writers and five reinsurers. This article will expand on the key survey findings, including implementation trends, analysis to date and recent discussions and decisions on the treatment of non-guaranteed reinsurance.

Description: Note from newsletter editor re abandonment of special 9/11 edition.

Description: Munich American’s annual survey, which is conducted on behalf of the Statistical Research Committee of the Reinsurance Section, covers Canadian and U.S. ordinary and group life reinsurance new business production and in force.

Description: If you have an interest in the latest developments in state laws affecting reinsurance, or are concerned about federal activity with regard to terrorism or asbestos or need timely and reliable data on the U.S. reinsurance market you should know about the work of the Reinsurance Association of America RAA.

Description: The Financial Accounting Standards Board FASB and the International Accounting Standards Board IASB issued “The Norwalk Agreement” in October 2002, a memorandum of understanding that reaffirmed their commitment to develop a single set of high quality accounting standards. At that meeting the two standard setters agreed to place a high priority on three steps toward achieving that goal.

Description: The ideal business situations for securitization would be those where a company faces significant risks or has significant growth opportunities and where conventional sources of risk hedging or financing are not available or are too expensive. Ultimately, securitization should be able to provide hedging and/or financing that is more effective and less expensive than the alternatives.

Description: There has been significant growth and activity in the VA reinsurance market in 2007. As we begins 2008, the outlook for the market is very strong. This article reviews the history and future trends

Description: This article discusses the magnitude and impact of the subprime crisis.

Description: Feature article discussing reinsurance administration issues.