Description: This session will include a brief outline of the origin of the tontine from when it was first introduced by the government of England in the 17th century through its disappearance in the early 20th century. As we explore the history of tontines, we will discuss their multiple references throughout English (and French) literature, often vilified by most authors using them as their subject, and how they bear little resemblance to the insurance product that many contemporary financial scholars advocate as a viable annuity concept for today and the future. The presenters will cover the practicality of reintroducing a modernized version of these longevity pooling arrangements (i.e., where aggregate longevity risk is shared among a group and not incurred by the issuer) as a retirement savings vehicle. They will also touch upon different aspects of tontines, such as risk management and regulatory issues.

Description: There is no silver bullet to improving retirement income outcomes for retirees. However, a combination of changes can be of significant value in addressing this overlooked issue. Although QLACs on the surface have potential value, they are not nearly as efficient as they could be. So far, employer plans have provided limited options for retirement income solutions. IRAs may not cost effectively serve the best interest of retirees. Employer plans should be encouraged to become retirement income providers and alternative approaches should be considered. The current prohibition on allowing plans to modify benefit payouts based on mortality experience should be reconsidered to allow for innovative plan income designs. Improvements to the deaccumulation stage of the retiree nest egg are challenging yet necessary.

Description: Defined benefit plans have been disappearing from the private sector retirement program landscape. 401k Plans that have taken their place are not designed to provide retiree lifetime income. Individuals seldom work for a single employer and thus have many retirement accounts spread about. This commentary discusses an alternative approach to providing retirement income a voluntary basis in a vehicle that is decoupled from employers.