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Allowing for asset, liability and business risk in the valuation of a life office

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 April 2012

S. J. B. Mehta
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Abstract

The theme of this paper is that life office valuation can be based on an analysis of the characteristics of the individual cash flows which form the net cash flow of an office. These cash flows may be compared with the income and gains derived from traded securities such as equities and gilts in order to assess their values. Standard asset pricing models of modern portfolio theory enable one to allow for lapse, mortality and other risks.

The methodology outlined in the paper is illustrated by reference to the very different types of revenue generated by non-profit, unit-linked and with-profits products. It is also used, in the valuation of future new business, to allow for the risks that expected sales volumes and profitability levels will not be achieved.

The paper provides a rationale for the choice of discount rates used in the valuation of a life office and facilitates the comparison of life office and alternative investment opportunities.

Keywords

Appraisal ValueLife OfficeModern Portfolio TheoryValuation
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of the Institute of Actuaries , Volume 119 , Issue 3 , 1992 , pp. 385 - 455
Copyright
Copyright © Institute and Faculty of Actuaries 1992

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