This abstract relates to the following paper: IFoA/LLMA (2014) Longevity Basis Risk. A methodology for assessing basis risk by Cass Business School and Hymans Robertson LLP. Available at http://www.actuaries.org.uk/sites/all/files/IFoA%20LLMA%20Longevity%20Basis%20Risk%20Report_0.pdf

Our principal focus in this paper is on ways that a Fast Close process (or indeed any reserving process) can be structured to maximise the value added within the process given the time and resource available. This builds on the use of actual vs. expected techniques investigated in our previous paper, and also looks at forces external to the reserving function that may derail smooth progress. We highlight a number of practical ways that the balance can be restored in favour of adding value rather than crunching numbers. This paper forms the second in the TORP series.

Life insurers have historically relied upon investment markets as a key source of profit and crucially have been able to do this while embarking on relatively “vanilla” investment strategies. In the current low-yield environment, broadening their investment horizons is critical to maintaining profitability. This paper summarises some relevant external literature and the working party’s own research in understanding the potential benefits and pitfalls for insurers seeking to invest in non-traditional assets. The objective of this paper is to help educate and promote understanding by all (the many) relevant parties. In doing so, we hope to help organisations to achieve some further economic success for the ultimate benefit of society. Although this paper has primarily been written from the perspective of a life insurer, we hope it will be of interest to a much wider audience. Many of the asset classes considered here are relevant to general insurers, pension funds and the wider capital markets. It is very important to note that this paper does not contain investment advice and the analysis represents the views of the individuals and the working party and not the companies which they represent or the Profession. This paper does not make any comment as to the suitability (or otherwise) of specific investments for particular investors.

This abstract relates to the following paper: Mee, G. Non-traditional investments: key considerations for insurers. British Actuarial Journal, doi:10.1017/S135732171500015X