Benefits Overview And Provider Of Benefits Flashcards

1
Q

Why not set withdrawal reserves

A

Pressures on reserves
Increase the risk of selective withdrawals
Increase withdrawals, reduces profitability
Premiums would need to increase, reducing the competitivity

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2
Q

Why might a company lose market shares

A

Uncompetitive premiums
More effective marketing by other companies
Competitors may offer loyalty programs
Paid lower commission than others
May be focusing on other products
Bad reputation
Stricter underwriting
May not have sufficient capital to expand new business

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3
Q

What can we do to grab market shares

A

Reduce premiums
Expense savings
Reduce the profit required per policy
Consider selling policies at a loss
Offer attractive risk premiums
Reduce the level of underwriting
Introduce loyalty programs
Increase commission rates
Increase advertising budget
Improve after sales service

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4
Q

How could we reduce the outgo of our business (pension)

A

Increase retirement benefit age
Reduce the level of increases in benefits
Reduce the starting level of benefits
Toughening eligibility requirements
excluding certain population
introduce means-testing

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5
Q

why would the contribution rate for a DB scheme increase

A

increasing longevity

poor investment returns

default of some investments

salary growth higher than expected

higher expense inflation than expected

more stringent regulation

reduction of tax incentives

option costs greater than expected

pension increases greater than expected

benefit improvements required by regulation

increasing maturity of membership

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6
Q

merits of means-testing for pensions

A

reduce cost of benefit provision

how many people affected depend upon the streingency of means-testing

such a change may be viewed as fair but some members would be aggrieved if they paid contributions

people who have been setting aside private pensions would be penalised

discourage people from making their own provision

means-testing invovles complicated administration and increases costs

lead to inconsistent treatment across generations

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7
Q

state the interests and needs of the sponsor/members/trustees in a DB fund

A

'’sponsor’’
provide benefits that meet the needs of the members and their dependants
manage the cost of providing benefits
control the pace of funding of scheme
meet legislative requirements

members
provision of benefits on events such as death/retirement/withdrawal
flexible benefits
flexible contributions
security of benefits

trustees
manage the assets of the scheme
ensure efficient administration of scheme
ensure security of benefits for members
maintain solvency in the scheme
ensure fair treatment of members

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8
Q

list ways in which state regulation could impact retirement provision by employer/sponsors of DC funds (besides investments)

A

min or max contribution rates

tax deduction allowances

limit commissions associated with insured benefits

require certain benefits to be insured

require minimum benefits to be offered

required qualifications or education of trustees

allowing for contracting out of state schemes

maximum on admin/investment charges and fees

min/max retirement age

prescribe the form of purchase at retirement

prescribe method and assumptions for benefit projections

require a minimum fund size or pooling of funds

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