Description: We compare two predictive analytics methods - GLM and GBM in terms of predictiveness vs. interpretability.

Description: This article lays conceptual foundations associated with projecting investment-related discretionary elements of various life insurance and annuity products. It outlines potential implementation approaches that may be appropriate when calculations are performed in a risk-neutral setting. The article concludes that crediting rates in risk-neutral models can be projected as in real-world models, except that the modeled provision for expected credit losses should be modified to equal real-world expected losses initially, but over the projection reflect management’s evolving expectation, moving ultimately to risk neutral expected losses.

Description: Update on Affordable Care Act topics, including Section 1332 waivers, Association Health Plans, silver loading and cost sharing reductions.

Description: Feature article discussing the ways artificial intelligence will influence the actuarial field.

Description: Chairperson's column for the May 2019 issue of Predictive Analytics & Futurism.

Description: Summary of the SOA research project on PBR Simplified Methods. Describes the multi-risk scenario generator, central estimate assumptions, assumption objectivity measures, and regulatory demonstrations per VM-20.

Description: A summary and analysis of REG-103163-18, the proposed regulations providing guidance for property-casualty loss reserve discounting (LRD) under IRC Section 846.

Description: This article provides an overview of the Regs and highlights important open issues regarding determination of a U.S. shareholder’s GILTI amounts.

Description: This article, another in the popular series devoted to tax basics, provides an overview of how the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA), the law governing employment-based retirement and health plans, impacts the use of annuities in pension and 401(k) plans. The article explains which types of plans are subject to ERISA, and which are not; why the concept of "plan assets" is critical; what duties an insurance company or distributor might take on when an annuity is placed with a retirement plan; and finally what disclosures may be required. The article also includes a brief introduction to terminal funding annuities. This article is intended for those with no prior experience in ERISA. Because the vast majority of retirement assets are saved originally in employment based plans like pension and 401(k) plans, understanding the basics of ERISA is important for anyone who will have a career in annuities and life insurance.

Description: Many executives travel now with only a single mobile device. These tools generally do not replace your desktop or even your laptop look at them as extending the reach of your physical office. Tips for using these mobile devises are given in this article.