Description: The traditional defined-benefit (DB) plan is a type of plan structured to provide the greatest degree of retirement income security, designed to pay out a guaranteed retirement income for the life of the retiree (and, when applicable, a beneficiary). However, over the last several decades, the number of private-sector employees covered under these traditional plans has decreased dramatically and been replaced by defined contribution (DC) plans. In contrast, public-sector retirement plans, which are exempt from ERISA, have seen a much smaller decline in DB plans. There are many differences in the private and public sector that likely contributed to this phenomenon, but ERISA and the many amendments to it has been a major factor.

Description: The presenters will discuss recent developments related to the federal qualification and taxation of life insurance and annuity contracts. Among other topics, there will be a focus on comparing and contrasting life insurance product qualification in the U.S. under IRC sections 7702 and 7702A versus qualification in Canada under the 'exempt test' of the Income Tax Act, which has been revised in recent years. Discussion will include comparisons of Canadian provisions to U.S. definition of life insurance and Modified Endowment Contract concepts.

Description: Presenters will explore how climate risks are measured scientifically, and in what ways the insurance and reinsurance industries can play a larger role in managing risk. In an accessible manner and assuming no scientific background from the audience, we will review and discuss the background of climate science, and the unique role that the insurance industry can play. Specifically, we will discuss outcomes from a recent interdisciplinary workshop, 'The Nexus of Climate Data, Insurance, and Adaptive Capacity,' held November 2018 at The Collider in Asheville, NC. The workshop facilitated a national, interdisciplinary scientific research discussion on modeling and managing climate change risks between three different, but related research communities: the climate modeling and data community, statisticians, and researchers within the insurance and reinsurance industries. Co-sponsors of the workshop include the Society of Actuaries (SOA), the Casualty Actuarial Society (CAS), the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Statistics and Applied Mathematical Sciences Institute (SAMSI)

Description: With the growth in SOA podcasts over recent years, here’s your chance to be part of the “live studio audience” for an upcoming podcast release. Inspired by The Social and The View, join us in our talk show setting as we discuss current and emerging topics in the actuarial profession, with incoming SOA President Andy Rallis as one of the many guests we’ll bring to the stage just after Tuesday’s Presidential Luncheon. This rapid-fire session will incorporate audience participation, opportunities to be part of the podcast during question-and-answer sessions and highlight new SOA section, research and education activities. Stay tuned after the meeting to listen in to the session through SOA podcast feeds.

Description: SECURE 2.0 included provisions that improve the ability of insurers to serve those who own qualified annuities. Several previously disallowed distribution methods are now allowed. These changes should increase the availability and desirability by contract owners to choose a payout annuity compared to required minimum distributions. An insurer considering enhancing qualified annuitization offerings might follow the approach outlined to potentially increase qualified annuitization sales and assist contract owners in protecting their principal more directly than previously.

Description: The article describes recently proposed regulations on the deduction of partially-worthless debts under section 166. It also provides background on the comments submitted by the insurance industry in response to the proposed regulations and additional guidance issued by Treasury and the IRS following the publication of the proposed regulations.

Description: Administration system updates and conversions. Legacy systems and their associated problems. Continued low interest rates and in-force policy management actions affecting policyholder behavior. These are but a few of the taxation challenges facing insurers managing the growing complexity of their businesses.<p> Presenters will consider these and other product taxation-related issues, highlighting ways insurers have sought to address them, their impacts, and potential mitigation strategies

Description: Discussion of recent developments in the taxation of noncoordinated benefits such as fixed indemnity, hospital indemnity, and specified disease insurance policies. Developments include a recent Chief Counsel Advice Memorandum and proposed triagency rulemaking that would impact non coordinated benefits.