While many insurance risks are generally predictable, asset and other business risks have traditionally been subject to greater uncertainty. However, recent events suggest that identification and analysis of even the least predictable risks have improved.

Several shifts are underway that will result in significant changes in the way that insurance companies use actuarial resources. An increase in qualified actuarial resources, and a need to move company actuaries into more strategic activities will offer opportunities that have previously been unavailable. The exact timing and pace of this change is uncertain, but the economics are so compelling that the author thinks it is not a question of if, but when, a new model will prevail.

From Gen Re’s “Risk Insights.” See page 10.

The slides from Jean-Marc Fix’s presentation at the 2010 AHOU.

From ALUCA’s “Risk-e-business.” Article starts on p.10.

According to Swiss Re’s latest “World insurance in 2009” sigma study, world insurance premium volume fell 1.1% on an inflation-adjusted basis. Life premiums fell 2% while non-life stagnated. Premium growth in the emerging markets slowed but remained positive. The industry’s profitability and capital recovered significantly, but have not yet reached pre-crisis levels.

In most countries, insurance premiums grew faster than GDP in 2009, which shows the robustness of the industry. As credit and stock markets recovered, the industry’s profitability and capital improved. For 2010, overall premium growth is expected to turn positive. Profitability and capital will in all likelihood continue to improve.

Cancer and complications from pregnancy were the top causes of long term disability claims filed with Unum Group Corp. in 2009.