Actuaries perform a variety of roles for clients. Many large, corporate clients have inside and outside ERISA counsel, investment advisors, and benefit administrators who they can rely on for help in interpreting plan provisions, deciding benefit entitlement in unclear situations, recommending investments, and other activities with fiduciary implications. Smaller companies may be more likely to ask their actuary for help or advice on such matters. The fiduciary landscape also differs for public and multiemployer plan actuaries.

Presenters explore the responsibilities of fiduciaries, what activities an actuary might perform that could make the actuary a fiduciary, and whether there are situations in which actuaries may want to become plan fiduciaries. In addition, they consider whether the actuary has responsibilities to plan participants, rather than simply to our clients, under the Code of Professional Conduct, the Actuarial Standards of Practice (ASOPs) and/or the Joint Board regulations, and how any such responsibilities may be similar to, or differ from, fiduciary responsibilities.

Session Category

General Sessions

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Attend this perennial favorite for a review of guidance from the past year, with a special focus on important developments that occur shortly before the meeting. The speakers may address rulings, regulations, litigation and other exciting news related to retirement plans.

Session Category

New Rulings/Development

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Determination letters are currently available in limited circumstances, including for new plans, terminating plans and for mergers of plans newly acquired from outside the controlled group with plans within the controlled group. In addition, for a temporary period ending August 31, 2020, IRS will accept determination letter requests for hybrid plans. The panelists discuss the pros and cons of filing for determination letters, what to expect when you file, and the conditions for filing for plan mergers. In addition, the panelists discuss the considerations surrounding filing for a determination letter for hybrid plans during the temporary window period.

Session Category

Compliance Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

As many private sector plan sponsors have moved to a primarily DC plan approach to providing retirement benefits, EAs need to understand the basics of DC plan design as well as some of the more advanced topics that factor in to designing an effective DC plan. The speakers cover topics such as safe harbor 401(k) plans, qualification requirements, coverage and nondiscrimination testing rules (including rules for cross-tested plans), and things for actuaries to bear in mind when assisting clients in designing or redesigning a DC plan to supplement or replace DB accruals. These design considerations include meeting company objectives for benefit levels, competitiveness, cost, employee appreciation, etc.

Note that the allocation of EA Non-Core credit depends on actual content of the session.

Session Category

DC Issues

Credits

EA Non-Core0.75

CPD1.50

Speakers

Withdrawal liability has been around since 1980 and has often been described as a double-edged sword. Withdrawal liability has re-emerged as an important issue for most plans after the financial challenges in the first decade of the millennium. The panelists discuss several emerging withdrawal liability topics, including: pending MPRA-related regulations, partial withdrawal, the evolving legal environment, and new "hybrid/two-pool" approaches.

Session Category

Multiemployer Plans

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Presenters cover code sections 404 and 430 including the interplay between the two. Which assumptions are the same and which are different for deduction purposes vs minimum funding purposes? Timing of deductions versus minimum funding is addressed in detail as are the relevant amendments.

Session Category

Small Plan Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Why do auditors ask those strange questions? The panelists explain the reasons behind questions specific to public plan issues, and present common situations where further discussions are required. For information about private plan audits see session 503 "Working With Auditors for Private Plans."

Session Category

Public Plans

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Mistakes are inevitable. What do you do when you discover compliance issues in a qualified plan? IRS representatives and experienced practitioners discuss the Employee Plans Compliance Resolution System (EPCRS) program, including the Self Correction Program (SCP), Voluntary Compliance Program (VCP), and Audit CAP. Topics covered may include the principles underlying corrections, the standard corrections prescribed for certain common errors, approaches that have been accepted by the IRS when data were imperfect or information was missing and case studies.

Session Category

Compliance Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Do you have a client considering plan termination, or one that perhaps should be? Deciding whether, when, and how to terminate requires thoughtful consideration and planning. During this session, our panel of experts share their insights on the considerations for plan sponsors in evaluating the decision of whether to terminate and what steps they should (or shouldn’t) take during the planning and preparation phase. Note: Session 502 "Nuts and Bolts of a Plan Termination" focuses on the steps in the plan termination process.

Session Category

PBGC/Plan Termination Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Panelists at this session discuss current topics that affect accounting under ASC 715, ASC 960, and IAS 19.

Session Category

Accounting Issues

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

This is an opportunity for multiemployer actuaries to hear from a panel of PBGC representatives to discuss a variety of multiemployer plans topics. Expect to hear about withdrawal liability and other pending regulations, final rules for terminated and insolvent plans, revised financial projections regarding the solvency of the multiemployer guarantee program, as well as PBGC surveys of plan provisions and benefit accrual rates. We anticipate questions from the audience.

Session Category

Multiemployer Plans

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Panelists review calculations under IRC Section 415 with an emphasis on multiple annuity starting dates (MASDs). Topics might also include limitations on lump sums, annuity starting dates below age 62 and after age 65, multiple annuity starting dates, and the impact of the interest crediting rates in cash balance plans.

Session Category

Small Plan Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Credit rating agencies continue to refine and expand their analysis of public pension financial ramifications for state and local governments. Our panelists review a recently released pension guidance from S&P Global Ratings that illuminates analytical views on key pension risk factors including the discount rate and amortization components. Presenters discuss an overview of the broader three-pronged approach S&P uses to analyze public pension budgetary pressures: funding level, funding discipline, and affordability, and some details on how the guidelines were created, what risks they address, and how they are applied to credit analysis.

Session Category

Public Plans

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

A panel of PBGC representatives provides an overview of recently published PBGC guidance, program operations, plus hints, tips and information about their various programs. Bring your questions about PBGC-related topics to this informative session.

Session Category

PBGC/Plan Termination Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Speakers provide a very high-level overview of settling pension liabilities. Among the topics covered are the different goals and target populations for annuities and lump sum settlement, their advantages and disadvantages, and when settling may make sense. They also address considerations of sponsors in implementing these risk-shifting tactics, the bid process, and what happens after an annuity is purchased.

Session Category

Investment Issues

Credits

EA Core0.75

EA Non-Core0.75

CPD1.50

Speakers

Panelists provide strategies and examples to be used by plan sponsors and actuaries that focuses on communicating the value of defined benefit plans to plan participants. Information is presented in easy-to-understand visuals and explanations that do not assume in-depth financial knowledge.

Session Category

Non-Technical Communications

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

The current capital market and the forecast of the capital market into the future greatly influences actuarial work as we rely upon the capital market outlook to develop and set key assumptions for our clients including the discount rate, expected return on assets, and salary scale. We have experienced significant volatility in both the bond and equity markets. Clients and auditors are also asking questions and looking for support for our assumptions.

In this session, the panelists discuss the current capital market outlook and how it applies to actuarial work.

Session Category

Investment Issues

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Many large companies in the U.S. sponsor non-qualified deferred compensation (NQDC) plans for executives, and these programs have grown in relative size and financial importance as qualified plan benefits have been reduced. Unlike qualified plans, these programs are generally treated as unfunded promises for financial reporting purposes, whether or not assets have been set aside in a rabbi trust or another vehicle. NQDC liabilities are complex to value, volatile and difficult to manage, and are often of longer duration than defined benefit liabilities. In addition, poor legal documentation and improper administration can result in serious tax penalties for covered executives. In this session, the presenters discuss how companies are managing the effects of these plans on corporate financial statements and cash flow, as well as other practices and legal developments affecting these programs.

Note that the allocation of EA Non-Core credit depends on actual content of the session.

Session Category

Nonqualified Plans

Credits

EA Non-Core0.75

CPD1.50

Speakers

In many situations, outside bodies place limits on our professional judgment – IRS, FASB, PBGC, etc. If you’re looking for an overview of the ASB’s standards affecting pension actuaries issued by our own profession, this session is for you! An overview of any new standards or exposure drafts issued during the year is included.

Session Category

Professionalism and Policy

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Recent mortality studies by the Society of Actuaries Retirement Plans Experience Committee (RPEC) have given pension actuaries more than 150 new tables to consider. How do the rates compare to prior studies and to each other? Presenters share insights, applications, and experiences related to all these new tables, including discussion of assumption setting, valuations, and plan administration.

Session Category

Assumptions/Methods

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Plans are continuing to experience problems with missing participants, many who may be past the Normal Retirement Date. Do you know what to do when you are trying to terminate the plan and can’t locate someone? What about when people appear after age 65 or age 70? Get some help with your questions as our panel reviews how to determine the benefits that should be provided when people reappear, and thoughts on what to do if they don’t.

Session Category

Compliance Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Over the last year the ASB has issued proposed new ASOPs and proposed changes to others. Those changes include revisions to ASOP 4, 27 and 35, and exposure drafts of ASOPs on modeling and assumptions that affect all practice areas. Come to this session to learn about the most recent developments relating to these proposed changes, and how they may change the way we practice.

Session Category

Professionalism and Policy

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

If a multiemployer plan becomes insolvent or undergoes a MPRA "partition" PBGC becomes responsible for the payment of guaranteed benefits. Panelists cover how PBGC’s financial assistance to a multiemployer plan works and the issues related to calculating benefit guarantees, timing of reductions, notifications, and mass withdrawal implications.

Session Category

Multiemployer Plans

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

PPA 2006 permits small plans to have valuation dates other than the first day of the plan year. HATFA clarified the application of the segment rates to end of year valuations. Presenters focus on the challenges posed in determining AFTAPs and maintaining carryover and prefunding balances for plans using an end of the year valuation date. Completion of certain items on Schedule SB will also be discussed.

Session Category

Small Plan Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Public plans often provide for cost of living adjustments (COLAs) and deferred retirement option programs (DROPs). Speakers use examples to address the common and emerging designs and actuarial issues for these features along with pitfalls and problems.

Session Category

Public Plans

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

In this highly interactive session, panelists and audience members debate solutions to difficult ethical situations faced by actuaries in their day-to-day practices, including conflicts of interest, disagreements among actuaries, difficult clients, and transitioning plans from one actuary to another.

Session Category

General Sessions

Credits

EA Ethics2.00

CPD2.00

Speakers

Attend this perennial favorite for a review of guidance from the past year, with a special focus on important developments that occur shortly before the meeting. The speakers may address rulings, regulations, litigation and other exciting news related to retirement plans.

Session Category

New Rulings/Development

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Plan terminations continue to be prevalent and require a process that can be cumbersome and complicated. There are tricks that can smooth the process, and traps that are worth avoiding. Panelists share their insights to help make your work with plan terminations as trouble-free as possible while meeting all the interrelated IRS and PBGC requirements and deadlines.

Session Category

PBGC/Plan Termination Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Panelists use case studies and examples of rationales for assumptions provided by the Responding Actuary and discuss how the Reviewing Actuary might respond in this informative session. For information about public plan audits see session 106 "Working With Auditors for Public Plans."

Session Category

Accounting Issues

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

The selection of actuarial demographic assumptions has always been central to the role of the actuary. Through training and experience, the actuary is well positioned to choose the demographic assumptions required to prepare actuarial present value calculations. The setting of actuarial assumptions, and the underlying rationale to support key assumptions, continues to be a point of interest for various interested parties. As a self-regulated profession, we rely upon best practices and the Actuarial Standards of Practice along with requirements from governing bodies to set appropriate assumptions for our clients.

Our presenters focus on setting demographic assumptions (non-mortality) support, thinking through “key” assumptions to a plan, and developing a rationale that supports the assumptions to be communicated to others.

Session Category

Assumptions/Methods

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Cash balance plans have become the plan of choice for professional employers and other small business owners. Panelists discuss the cash balance designs and include a discussion of different interest crediting rates including issues involved with using actual rate of return and equity based indexes as the interest crediting rate.

Session Category

Small Plan Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Actuarial Standard of Practice No. 51 (ASOP 51) outlines the actuary’s role in the assessment and disclosure of risk. ASOP 51 affects US DB plan funding valuations, pricing valuations, and risk assessments. The requirements of the new actuarial standards can be a platform for actuaries to engage with clients on a deeper discussion of risk, both demographic and economic. Actuaries must think about risks that have an impact on each plan and then explain those risks to their clients.

With one year of ASOP 51 in practice, speakers explore the practical approaches actuaries use to fulfill the requirements of the standard. The speakers also share perspectives covering corporate, public, and multiemployer plans.

Session Category

Professionalism and Policy

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

The speakers review recent court decisions, ongoing litigation and complaints filed that could impact defined benefit plans or pension actuaries.

Session Category

New Rulings/Development

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Representatives of the Joint Board for the Enrollment of Actuaries discuss current developments and other information that may be helpful to the profession. Topics discussed may include pointers for successfully preparing an application for initial enrollment, navigating an audit of continuing education, and complying with the regulations that govern enrolled actuaries. Participants are given the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns and ideas with the Joint Board representatives.

Session Category

Professionalism and Policy

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Defined Contribution plans are often the primary retirement vehicle offered by plan sponsors to help their employees achieve retirement readiness. Panelists explore what options are available to plan sponsors to help employees mitigate their longevity risk, including additional features that successful sponsors have added to their plans, myths vs. realities of retiree behavior in DC plans, and a brief update on the current legislation.

Session Category

DC Issues

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

In the wake of the failure of the 2018 Joint Select Committee on Multiemployer Solvency to issue a report, Congress continues to work on possible solutions to address the current crisis, which left untended will result in the insolvency of roughly 10% of plans and, within five years, the PBGC's Multiemployer Insurance program. Panelists discuss legislative proposals and provide a glimpse into the possible solutions that could be taken to help resolve the crisis.

Session Category

Multiemployer Plans

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Small plans can be tricky. Lawmakers and regulators create pitfalls to designs. Attending this presentation will help you navigate those gotchas before they attack your small plans. The speakers discuss issues based upon their practical experience.

Note that the allocation between EA Core and EA Non-Core credit depends on actual content of the session.

Session Category

Small Plan Issues

Credits

EA Core0.75

EA Non-Core0.75

CPD1.50

Speakers

The panelists discuss changes affecting public plans in the Exposure Drafts of ASOP Nos. 4, 27, and 35 as well as the proposed Investment Risk Defeasement Measure (IRDM) requirement.

Session Category

Public Plans

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

PBGC panelists discuss the recently proposed (finalized?) changes in their regulations for reportable events, ERISA 4010 filings, and PBGC premiums.

Session Category

PBGC/Plan Termination Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Many plan sponsors, both large and small, continue to evaluate strategies to transfer or mitigate investment risk. The demand for investment de-risking approaches have led to a wide range of techniques designed to help dampen volatility and protect improvements in funded status. The panel addresses strategies being considered by plan sponsors including dynamic asset allocation and other liability-driven investment (LDI) strategies, and techniques that provide downside equity protection and mitigate interest rate risk in a low interest rate environment.

Session Category

Investment Issues

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Panelists at this session discuss accounting considerations under ASC 960/965 and recent guidance from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) on the importance of retaining and protecting employee benefit plan records.

Session Category

Accounting Issues

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Over the past few years, the idea of employees and employers sharing risk has moved to the forefront of plan design. Increasingly, multiemployer plans are switching to variable designs that share risk between employees and employers. Panelists discuss designs that have been approved by the IRS, address issues that arise, and discuss how to resolve issues.

Session Category

Multiemployer Plans

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

In certain situations, lump sum distributions from defined benefit plans may not be fully available, either because of 436 restrictions or the top-25 limitation of Reg 1.410(a)(4)-5(b). Presenters address issues regarding 101(j) notices and calculations of the 50% lump sum rule for AFTAPs between 60% and 80%. Speakers also address how to determine top-25 restricted HCEs, the amount restricted, alternatives for payment including the use of escrow arrangements, and how to communicate these restrictions to participants.

Session Category

Small Plan Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Annual contribution rates for some public sector plans are set by state statute or funding policy. The actuary is then charged with determining the financing period (amortization schedule). The speakers at this session discuss underlying funding policies and consulting issues that arise with fixed rate plans.

Session Category

Public Plans

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

The presenters at this session provide guidance to navigate the maze of funding balance management, including how and when to make elections for quarterly payments and year-end requirements, deemed and elective waivers, and implementing (and revoking) standing use elections.

Session Category

Funding and Schedule B Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

We now have a couple of years of experience trying to apply Rev. Proc. 2017-56 (Automatic Approval for Changes in Funding Method) and Rev. Proc. 2017-57 (Requesting Approval for a Change in Funding Method). Panelists discuss the rules and open issues surrounding automatic approvals, as well as tips for filing and lessons learned.

Session Category

Assumptions/Methods

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Multiemployer plans and public plans differ significantly in funding, accounting, and regulatory regimes than those for private sector plans. Speakers at this session explain plan design features, funding requirements, and regulatory requirements that apply to multiemployer and public plans. This is a session that is intended to cover the basics of each type for actuaries who may not be familiar with one of those types of plans.

Session Category

Beyond Corporate Retirement Plans

Credits

EA Core0.75

EA Non-Core0.75

CPD1.50

Speakers

Pension actuaries are increasingly asked to project valuations results to future years. Sometimes the goal is near-term cashflow planning; other times the scope includes risk analysis and complex scenarios or strategies. Speakers discuss and present projections commonly used by governments, private employers, and multiemployer plans, addressing different levels of complexity - from roll forward to ALM - and how to decide which may be most appropriate for a given situation.

Session Category

Retirement/Consulting Issues

Credits

EA Core0.75

EA Non-Core0.75

CPD1.50

Speakers

Speakers discuss the plan administration and funding implications arising from the inclusion of life insurance and annuity products in DB plans. Discrimination testing and DB/DC combos is also addressed.

Session Category

Small Plan Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

What can we learn from public sector employers that have replaced, or considered replacing, a defined benefit plan with a DC or hybrid plan? What should actuaries consider when analyzing the potential closure of a defined benefit plan, and how does that change after the plan is actually closed? Presenters highlight a recent paper issued by the National Institute on Retirement Security on this subject.

Session Category

Public Plans

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

A panel of high-ranking officials and experienced practitioners field your questions on a number of challenging issues. This is your chance to ask what you've always wanted to know about guidance. This session is not intended to address specific client issues.

Session Category

Compliance Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Panelists review the latest developments in church plan litigation and discuss practical actuarial and administrative issues for church plans in the current environment.

Session Category

Beyond Corporate Retirement Plans

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Government contractors face a host of special challenges when managing their pension plans, some actuarial and others about which an actuary should know. Presenters address topics such as CAS, the contract procurement process, pension de-risking strategy considerations unique to government contractors, as well as recent developments and hot topics in the industry.

Session Category

Retirement/Consulting Issues

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

The Society of Actuaries (SOA) has a regular pipeline of research projects underway that have relevance to pension actuaries. These projects span a range of topics, from those that support current practice (including mortality tables) to those that cover emerging areas. Speakers provide an overview of several recently completed research projects representing the spectrum of SOA‐sponsored retirement research. Topics include: trends in maturity metrics and risk among public pension plans, a look at the SOA's research on public perceptions of longevity, and an overview of their current post-retirement risk survey research and related consumer-oriented materials.

Session Category

Retirement/Consulting Issues

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

When is a DRO just a DRO and when is it a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO)? The speakers review past and current developments regarding QDROs, including features of good and bad QDROs, DOL Guidance and ASB standards and model provisions. In addition, the panelists address how to work with one or both parties to a divorce, their attorneys and plan administrators regarding issues and problems that are confronted in the course of completing the QDRO process, issues arising in QDRO drafting and administration, such as separate interest versus shared payment, measurement date, actuarial assumptions, early retirement subsidies, pre- and post-retirement death benefits, and forms of payment for the alternate payee.

Session Category

Compliance Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Panelists cover the Academy's July 2015 Public Policy Practice Note on selecting investment return assumptions as well as considerations for both private and public plans. In addition, experts on capital markets and investment advisors discuss concepts and considerations that actuaries might consider as part of the assumptions setting process.

Session Category

Assumptions/Methods

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Many plan administrators are unaware of the interplay of section 415 limits and the non-forfeiture rules of section 411 that could result in compliance issues for plans with participants who defer commencement past Normal Retirement Age. Speakers explore the technical issues that arise in connection with deferred commencement (even if suspension notices are provided) and shows how to stay in compliance with both section 415 and 411.

Session Category

Compliance Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

The recent enactment of the SECURE Act has provided significant non-discrimination testing relief to plan sponsors with closed and/or frozen plans. The speakers discuss the details of the relief provisions and their application to various situations.

Session Category

Nondiscrimination Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Are you an in-house actuary? This workshop is for actuaries who work on retirement and other plans sponsored by their employers. Attendees have the opportunity to discuss the special problems and issues they encounter. (Note: This workshop is not designed for actuaries who provide consulting services; there will be no discussion of third-party clients issues.)

Session Category

Retirement/Consulting Issues

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

During this session, there is an opportunity for multiemployer plan actuaries to engage in a discussion of practical issues, problems or experiences encountered in their practices. It can be a more in-depth analysis of topics from other multiemployer sessions or more arcane subjects such as recent issues related to the end of a rehabilitation or funding improvement period. Come prepared for a lively discussion!

Session Category

Multiemployer Plans

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Come prepared to discuss issues specific to small plans with your peers in this open forum. Topics may include IRC 401(a)(26), 410(b), 401(a)(4), 401(a)(17), 415, 416, 401(a)(9), 430, 436 and PBGC issues for small plans.

Session Category

Small Plan Issues

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

This is an open forum on current topics of concern to public plan actuaries. Possible topics this year may include proposed revisions to Actuarial Standards of Practice, actuarial assumptions, administrative issues, GASB accounting, and legislative developments.

Session Category

Public Plans

Credits

EA Non-Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers

Recently, the SOA released PUB-10 and PRI-12 mortality tables, along with an annual update to the Mortality Improvement Scale. For most actuaries, these periodic updates are our primary focus as we adopt mortality assumptions, which are traditionally a core element of actuarial work.

But there is a lot more afoot – a panel of experts kick the tires and discuss potential answers to the following:

• What are recent US longevity patterns?
• How DO the experts project future improvement?
• Is our recent slowdown in mortality improvement reflected in other developed nations?
• Is longevity improvement cyclical?
• What are the key sources of mortality and underlying trends related to medical advances?
• Do lifestyle and geography provide better predictors for individual longevity than income - or even gender?

And what “big data” techniques might plan actuaries and annuity providers use as a better way to determine the appropriate basis for a plan-specific mortality assumption when “credibility” is a concern?

Session Category

General Sessions

Credits

EA Core1.50

CPD1.50

Speakers