Financial Reporting Research Update
By Eric Chen and Ronora Stryker
The Financial Reporter, November 2022
Research is a primary mission of the Financial Reporting Section and a significant use of our section dues revenue. Here is an update, as of September 2022, on projects in process and those recently completed.
Currently In Process
“Rating Agency Perspectives on Insurance Company Capital.” This study investigates and documents the approach rating agencies take to assessing insurance companies’ capital. A request for proposal has been issued seeking a researcher to perform the study.
“2022 Update of Mortality by Socioeconomic Category.” In the past few years, the Financial Reporting Section has funded several studies that examine U.S. population socioeconomic inequalities in mortality. This project updates past studies with data through 2020 and examines the impact of COVID-19 on these mortality trends. A researcher has been secured for the study and work is beginning.
“Credit Insurance Disability Experience Study.” The project updates the existing experience study and will involve the collection of seven calendar years of issued business, 2014-21. Data is expected by the end of September.
“Mortality Improvement Trend Analysis.” Using proprietary U.S. census data, this research examines the key drivers of mortality improvement and how they vary. Work is completed and the report is being prepared for publication in September or October 2022.
Recently Completed
“15th Annual Emerging Risk Survey.” This survey tracks risk managers thoughts on emerging risks across time identifying trends and examining the evolution of risk management practices.
“Cause of Death Mortality by Socioeconomic Category in the United States.” This study seeks to identify the particular causes of death contributing to the growing disadvantage in mortality between the least and most affluent U.S. populations.
“Mortality by Socioeconomic Category in the United States.” The purpose of this study is to construct a set of life tables for groups of counties based on their relative socioeconomic position.
“Living to 100.” This research initiative focuses on aging—increases in survival rates and the resulting increase in aging populations—together with its implications to social, financial, retirement and health care systems. It involves a symposium that was held in January 2020 and generates a lasting body of research to educate and aid individuals and policymakers in addressing the potential needs and services of the future advanced-age populations. Recordings of the sessions and research papers presented at the event are available in an online monograph.
“Delphi Study of Economic Variables.” This study uses a Delphi Study framework to gather insights on the thought processes experts employ to estimate future values of economic variables.
“Simplified Methods for Principle-Based Reserve Calculations.” This project investigates a simplified approach for determining principle-based reserves.
“Macroeconomics-Based Economic Scenario Generation.” This project seeks a practical way to improve economic scenario generators by studying the causes of economic development, economic volatility and capital market volatility.
“Simplified Issue Underwriting.” This research explores the application of simplified issue underwriting in the life insurance industry. Among the areas studied are the definition, developments, characteristics, challenges, current practices, assumptions and data elements for simplified underwriting.
Request for Research Proposals
Do you have an idea for a research topic you would like to see the Financial Reporting Section consider for funding? If so, we want to hear from you! For more information, please contact Eric Chen or Ronora Stryker.
Eric Chen, FSA, FCIA, is a consulting actuary and a member of the Financial Reporting Section Council. He can be reached at ericyn.chen@gmail.com.
Ronora Stryker, ASA, MAAA, is a research actuary for the Society of Actuaries. She can be reached at rstryker@soa.org.