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Issue Brief Examines PBGC Single-Employer Premium Structure
 A new Pension Committee issue brief discusses options for modifying the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation’s premium structure. Aligning the PBGC’s Single-Employer Premium Structure With Its Objectives discusses ways to better align premiums for the single-employer defined benefit insurance program, while preserving a strong level of retirement security.
“PBGC’s single-employer program plays a vital role in protecting pension benefits in private-sector defined benefit plans,” said Pension Committee Vice Chairperson Grace Lattyak. “While premiums have improved program funding, there are other ways in which the current premium structure is not supporting the PBGC’s mission as effectively as it could.” Read the Academy news release.
State of the Union—Academy Provides Actuarial Perspective on Key Issues
Social Security and retirement, health care and equity, and climate change were among the high-profile issues benefiting from actuarial expertise that were highlighted in President Biden’s State of the Union address on Thursday night. As these and other issues continue to be discussed and debated in Congress and by candidates throughout this presidential election year, be sure to visit actuary.org regularly for a nonpartisan and objective actuarial perspective on these key issues.
Early Registration Open for June PBR Bootcamp
Early registration rates are available for the Academy’s popular PBR Bootcamp, back in person this year and set for June 11–13 in Philadelphia. Offering a comprehensive look at hot topics in principle-based reserving (PBR), attendees will gain valuable insights on applying PBR and meeting implementation challenges, and will have the opportunity to pose questions directly to experts. Secure your early registration discount and save $300—register today.
 New COPR Discussion Paper Examines Peer Review
The Committee on Professional Responsibility (COPR) released a new paper, The Actuary’s Toolbox: Peer Review—How Can It Help? Many actuaries or employers of actuaries have developed policies and best practices for peer review to support actuarial professionalism in the performance of actuarial services. This discussion paper provides some ways for actuaries to consider peer review in the context of professionalism. Visit the Academy website to see full list of COPR discussion papers.
Academy Club and Student Outreach ‘Springs’ Into High Gear
With spring offering a busy schedule of professional and student actuarial club meetings around the country, the Academy’s strategic professionalism and student outreach swung into full gear this week with speakers presenting at three events:
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Committee on Education Chairperson Nancy Behrens provided a virtual look at “The Bountiful Actuarial Toolbox” of professionalism resources to a virtual meeting of the Iowa Actuaries Club on Wednesday. In addition to discussing Academy professionalism resources, Behrens also polled attendees on their knowledge of the Code of Professional Conduct and reviewed the professionalism infrastructure housed within the Academy.
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In “The Aspiring Actuary,” Actuarial Standards Board Immediate Past Chairperson Rob Damler provided actuarial and other students at DePauw University in Indiana on Thursday with a deeper understanding of the actuarial profession, including the variety of careers and roles. Highlighting Academy student resources, he discussed why actuaries find satisfaction and meaning in their career, and how they’re contributing to positive change on societal issues and challenges through the Academy.
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Past President Tom Wildsmith presented “Professionalism: A Foundation That Will Serve You Well” at the Actuaries Club of Philadelphia’s professionalism session on Thursday. Wildsmith’s deep dive discussed central questions such as what it means to be a professional, and how actuaries work through ethical dilemmas they may encounter during their careers.
Academy Speakers Bureau—The Academy provides qualified speakers to actuarial clubs and organizations to help members fulfill their professionalism continuing education requirements and be more informed on public policy issues. For more information and to request a speaker, visit the Academy website.
March/April Contingencies Covers Rising Auto Insurance Costs & Climate
 The March/April Contingencies cover story, “Driving Costs Higher,” looks at why automobiles are becoming both safer and more expensive to insure. In “Writing Long-Term Care in a Short-Term World,” a life insurance veteran sees a shift in mentality to “short-termism,” and signs of hope for standalone LTC insurance; and Lisa Slotznick’s President’s Message “Shining a Light on Climate,” on climate-related issues and the important work of the Academy’s public policy teams. Also, a Job Seeker supplement and how the new Career Center is poised to transform matchmaking between top actuarial talent and employers, and why ignoring employee satisfaction is done at your organization’s peril.
Webinar Examines Bias in P/C Insurance
Tuesday’s webinar, Bias in P/C Insurance: Updates from the Committee on Equity and Fairness, featured members of the P/C Committee on Equity and Fairness who presented on the committee’s latest initiatives and gave updates on their current activities including the regulatory outlook in Colorado and Washington, D.C. They also previewed upcoming papers on fraud, governance, and marketing and underwriting. Slides and audio are available free as a member benefit.
Actuary Voices Features a Conversation With Patrick Collins
 The latest Actuary Voices features Academy member and industry executive Patrick Collins, who discusses his unique path into the profession, the challenges actuaries face in a changing landscape, and the profession’s ability to adapt to emerging technologies.
If you are interested in participating in an Actuary Voices podcast, please email podcast@actuary.org. Listen to Actuary Voices wherever you get your favorite podcasts.
Save the Dates—Volunteer Webinars Coming Soon
Academy volunteers should save the dates for two upcoming webinars. A March 26 webinar will be for volunteer leaders, including committee chairpersons and vice-chairpersons, and will cover various governance-related topics. On April 25, a similar webinar for all committee members will cover broader topics including the Academy’s role, governance and operational structures, and policies.
COI/CE Reminder—It’s also time for volunteers and interested parties to submit acknowledgment of the Academy’s Conflict of Interest (COI) policy; members who are volunteers must further attest that they meet the continuing education (CE) requirements of the U.S. Qualification Standards. See the email sent on Feb. 28, or log into the Academy website and follow the link under “Volunteer Acknowledgments.” For more information, visit the Professional Objectivity at the Academy webpage.
Public Policy in Focus
Visit the Public Policy webpage to stay on top of the latest news and activity.
In the News
 Events Calendar Highlights
Visit the Events Calendar for a complete listing of Academy events, including links to post-webinar slides and recordings.
Coming Next Week—the Academy at NAIC
 Academy staff and volunteers will attend and present at the NAIC Spring National Meeting next week in Phoenix. Look for an email with the link to the pre-recorded webinar report, “Post-NAIC Spring Conference Recap: Hot Topics from Phoenix.” It will feature Academy policy analysts sharing key highlights from NAIC presentations, updates on priority projects, and identifying ongoing opportunities to provide an actuarial perspective with state insurance commissioners, other regulators and stakeholders, industry professionals, and more. This is the first in what will be an ongoing series of Post-NAIC recorded webinar updates.
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