Actuarial function

1. In coordinating the calculation of the technical provisions, the actuarial function shall include all of the following tasks:

(a) apply methodologies and procedures to assess the sufficiency of technical provisions and to ensure that their calculation is consistent with the requirements set out in Articles 75 to 86 of Directive 2009/138/EC;

(b) assess the uncertainty associated with the estimates made in the calculation of technical provisions;

(c) ensure that any limitations of data used to calculate technical provisions are properly dealt with;

(d) ensure that the most appropriate approximations for the purposes of calculating the best estimate are used in cases referred to in Article 82 of Directive 2009/138/EC;

(e) ensure that homogeneous risk groups of insurance and reinsurance obligations are identified for an appropriate assessment of the underlying risks;

(f) consider relevant information provided by financial markets and generally available data on underwriting risks and ensure that it is integrated into the assessment of technical provisions;

(g) compare and justify any material differences in the calculation of technical provisions from year to year;

(h) ensure that an appropriate assessment is provided of options and guarantees included in insurance and reinsurance contracts.

2. The actuarial function shall assess whether the methodologies and assumptions used in the calculation of the technical provisions are appropriate for the specific lines of business of the undertaking and for the way the business is managed, having regard to the available data.

3. The actuarial function shall assess whether the information technology systems used in the calculation of technical provisions sufficiently support the actuarial and statistical procedures.

4. The actuarial function shall, when comparing best estimates against experience, review the quality of past best estimates and use the insights gained from this assessment to improve the quality of current calculations. The comparison of best estimates against experience shall include comparisons between observed values and the estimates underlying the calculation of the best estimate, in order to draw conclusions on the appropriateness, accuracy and completeness of the data and assumptions used as well as on the methodologies applied in their calculation.

5. Information submitted to the administrative, management or supervisory body on the calculation of the technical provisions shall include at least a reasoned analysis on the reliability and adequacy of their calculation and on the sources and the degree of uncertainty of the estimate of the technical provisions. That reasoned analysis shall be supported by a sensitivity analysis that includes an investigation of the sensitivity of the technical provisions to each of the major risks underlying the obligations which are covered in the technical provisions. The actuarial function shall clearly estate and explain any concerns it may have concerning the adequacy of technical provisions.

6. Regarding the underwriting policy, the opinion to be expressed by the actuarial function in accordance with Article 48(1)(g) of Directive 2009/138/EC shall at least include conclusions regarding the following considerations:

(a) sufficiency of the premiums to be earned to cover future claims and expenses, notably taking into consideration the underlying risks (including underwriting risks), and the impact of options and guarantees included in insurance and reinsurance contracts on the sufficiency of premiums;

(b) the effect of inflation, legal risk, change in the composition of the undertaking's portfolio, and of systems which adjust the premiums policy-holders pay upwards or downwards depending on their claims history (bonus-malus systems) or similar systems, implemented in specific homogeneous risk groups;

(c) the progressive tendency of a portfolio of insurance contracts to attract or retain insured persons with a higher risk profile (anti-selection).

7. Regarding the overall reinsurance arrangements, the opinion to be expressed by the actuarial function in accordance with Article 48(1)(h) of Directive 2009/138/EC shall include analysis on the adequacy of the following:

(a) the undertaking's risk profile and underwriting policy;

(b) reinsurance providers taking into account their credit standing;

(c) the expected cover under stress scenarios in relation to the underwriting policy;

(d) the calculation of the amounts recoverable from reinsurance contracts and special purpose vehicles.

8. The actuarial function shall produce a written report to be submitted to the administrative, management or supervisory body, at least annually. The report shall document all tasks that have been undertaken by the actuarial function and their results, and shall clearly identify any deficiencies and give recommendations as to how such deficiencies should be remedied.