Capitol Hill Briefing: Pension Risk and Your Retirement

The economic downturn in these past few years has changed the way we think about retirement security; it has sharpened the focus of the national policy debate on retirement security as one of the next, immediate critical economic issues facing the nation. Retirement savings in the form of defined contribution plans have taken a deep, and for some, irreparable hit. The affordability of public sector defined benefit plans is being challenged in jurisdictions nationwide. And the rules governing private sector plans continue to confound participants in their complexity.

The common element of risk cannot be ignored in this discussion, and needs to be better understood if these challenges are to be successfully addressed. How risk is allocated and shared has important implications for current and future generations of retirees.

This Capitol Hill briefing for policymakers and regulators is hosted by the American Academy of Actuaries. Members of the Academy and the public are welcome to attend, although seating is limited.

Make plans to join the Academy on April 4 to gain insights into the different types of risk affecting retirement plans today and ways to better manage these risks.

Find out:

• Are certain types of retirement plans riskier than others?
• Wherecan, and where should, risk be borne?
• What are the benefits of pooling risk?
• How do longevity risk and investment risk interact?
• What can public policymakers and other stakeholders do to better manage these risks?

The briefing will include a presentation of risks associated with defined benefit and defined contribution retirement plans, and discussion of retirement planning and policy implications.

Speakers

• Ethan E. Kra, FSA, MAAA, EA
  Academy Pension Practice Council Chairperson
  Senior Partner & Chief Actuary-Retirement, Mercer
• Lane B. West, FSA, FCA, MAAA, EA
  Academy Pension Committee Member
  Senior Vice President, Stanley, Hunt, DuPree & Rhine

Registration

This event is open to the public but space is limited. Registration is highly recommended. Reserve your seat today!

Resources

Hill briefing handouts.

Questions?

Please contact Justin Edwards at the Academy (edwards@actuary.org, 202-223-8196) with questions.