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OutlineOutline
Perspectives on ProfessionsPerspectives on Professions Standards of Practice Standards of Practice Background for StandardsBackground for Standards
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Perspectives on Perspectives on ProfessionsProfessions
Essential Characteristic of a Essential Characteristic of a ProfessionProfession Expertise in area where professional Expertise in area where professional
services are performedservices are performed RequirementsRequirements
Setting selective standards for admissionSetting selective standards for admission Training for the attainment of Training for the attainment of
professional competenceprofessional competence An organization to test such competenceAn organization to test such competence
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Perspectives on Perspectives on ProfessionsProfessions
““I hold every (person) a debtor to his I hold every (person) a debtor to his profession, from which as men of profession, from which as men of course do seek to receive course do seek to receive countenance and profit, so ought countenance and profit, so ought they of duty to endeavor themselves they of duty to endeavor themselves by way of amends to be a help and by way of amends to be a help and ornament thereunto”ornament thereunto”
-- Francis Bacon-- Francis Bacon
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Perspectives on Perspectives on ProfessionsProfessions
Regardless of employment Regardless of employment status, professionals have a status, professionals have a mandate from their profession to mandate from their profession to act in the public interest.act in the public interest.
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Standards of Standards of PracticePractice
Standards of professional performance and Standards of professional performance and behaviorbehavior
Developed to meet the expectations of Developed to meet the expectations of users of the professional servicesusers of the professional services
Provide guidance forProvide guidance for dealing with commonly encountered problemsdealing with commonly encountered problems handling new problems & non-routine situationshandling new problems & non-routine situations
Ensure the high quality of professional Ensure the high quality of professional servicesservices
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Background of Background of StandardsStandards
1954: SOA update of 1954: SOA update of Guides to Guides to Professional ConductProfessional Conduct (covered only (covered only general principles & precepts)general principles & precepts)
1956: Conference of Actuaries in 1956: Conference of Actuaries in Public Practice: Public Practice: Code of Professional Code of Professional ConductConduct
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Background of Background of StandardsStandards
1965: AAA formed; issued its own “Code”:1965: AAA formed; issued its own “Code”: Professional DutyProfessional Duty Member’s responsibility to his/her principalMember’s responsibility to his/her principal Relationship with principalRelationship with principal Impartiality & independenceImpartiality & independence Advertising, publicity, & relations with other Advertising, publicity, & relations with other
membersmembers RemunerationRemuneration Use of titlesUse of titles Little direction in “standards of practice”Little direction in “standards of practice”
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Background of Background of StandardsStandards
1970’s: “Standards” start to be developed in 1970’s: “Standards” start to be developed in response to guides/laws issued by AICPA, response to guides/laws issued by AICPA, NAIC, Federal Government, et al.NAIC, Federal Government, et al.
Late 70’s: Emergence of the “Valuation Late 70’s: Emergence of the “Valuation Actuary”Actuary”
1985: IASB formed1985: IASB formed 1988: ASB formed; given sole discretion to 1988: ASB formed; given sole discretion to
promulgate actuarial standards of practicepromulgate actuarial standards of practice Charge: develop, promulgate standards; Charge: develop, promulgate standards;
continually review them for update needscontinually review them for update needs
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Focus of StandardsFocus of Standards
Indicate how fundamental concepts & Indicate how fundamental concepts & methodological principles should be methodological principles should be applied in a variety of circumstancesapplied in a variety of circumstances
Five “Areas of Practice” within ASB, each Five “Areas of Practice” within ASB, each with its own operating sub-committee, with its own operating sub-committee, charged with developing & reviewing charged with developing & reviewing appropriate ASOP’s: appropriate ASOP’s: CasualtyCasualty HealthHealth LifeLife PensionPension GeneralGeneral
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Format of StandardsFormat of Standards
PreamblePreamble Purpose, scope, effective date of Purpose, scope, effective date of
StandardStandard Definitions of special termsDefinitions of special terms Background & historical issuesBackground & historical issues Review of current & alternate practicesReview of current & alternate practices
Analysis of Issues & Recommended Analysis of Issues & Recommended PracticesPractices
Communications & DisclosuresCommunications & Disclosures
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Summary of Key Summary of Key ASOPsASOPs
ASOPs that apply to all practice areasASOPs that apply to all practice areas 19 Actuarial Appraisals19 Actuarial Appraisals 23 Data Quality23 Data Quality 41 Actuarial Communications 41 Actuarial Communications
Reserving ASOPsReserving ASOPs 20 Discounting of Loss Reserves20 Discounting of Loss Reserves 36 Statement of Actuarial Opinion36 Statement of Actuarial Opinion 43 Unpaid Claim Estimates43 Unpaid Claim Estimates
Summary of Key Summary of Key ASOPsASOPs
Ratemaking ASOPsRatemaking ASOPs 13 Trending Procedures13 Trending Procedures 29 Expense Provisions29 Expense Provisions 30 Profit & Contingency Provisions30 Profit & Contingency Provisions 39 Treatment of Catastrophe Losses39 Treatment of Catastrophe Losses
Other Key ASOPsOther Key ASOPs 12 Risk Classification12 Risk Classification 17 Expert Testimony17 Expert Testimony 25 Credibility Procedures25 Credibility Procedures 38 Models Outside Area of Expertise38 Models Outside Area of Expertise
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ASOP 19 – Actuarial ASOP 19 – Actuarial Appraisals Purpose and Appraisals Purpose and
ScopeScope Appraisals of Casualty, Health and Life Insurance Appraisals of Casualty, Health and Life Insurance
BusinessesBusinesses Provides guidance to actuaries performing Provides guidance to actuaries performing
professional services with respect to appraisals professional services with respect to appraisals of casualty, health and life businessesof casualty, health and life businesses
Applies to appraisals performed on an insurance Applies to appraisals performed on an insurance company or HMO, a collection of policies or company or HMO, a collection of policies or contracts in-force, a distribution system that sells contracts in-force, a distribution system that sells such policies or contracts.such policies or contracts.
Effective November 1, 2005 for all appraisals Effective November 1, 2005 for all appraisals initiated on or after that dateinitiated on or after that date
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ASOP 19 – Actuarial ASOP 19 – Actuarial AppraisalsAppraisals
Issues and Recommended Issues and Recommended PracticesPractices
Setting assumptions (including discount Setting assumptions (including discount rate)rate)
Applicability of AppraisalApplicability of Appraisal Treatment of assetsTreatment of assets Model validationModel validation Sensitivity testingSensitivity testing Reliance on Data and Other InformationReliance on Data and Other Information DocumentationDocumentation
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ASOP 19 – Actuarial ASOP 19 – Actuarial AppraisalsAppraisals
Communications & Communications & DisclosuresDisclosures
Scope of Assignment, principal, intended Scope of Assignment, principal, intended useuse
Description of entityDescription of entity Appraisal value and dateAppraisal value and date Methodology, model, validation techniquesMethodology, model, validation techniques Level of CapitalLevel of Capital Assumptions Assumptions TaxesTaxes Sensitivity of valueSensitivity of value Reliance on OthersReliance on Others
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ASOP 19 – Actuarial ASOP 19 – Actuarial AppraisalsAppraisals
Communications & Communications & DisclosuresDisclosures
Variation of ResultsVariation of Results Appropriate use of “Actuarial Appropriate use of “Actuarial
Appraisal”Appraisal” No obligation to communicate with No obligation to communicate with
other usersother users Deviation from standardDeviation from standard
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ASOP 23 Data QualityPurpose
Data Quality Give guidance in:
Selecting data Relying on data supplied by others Reviewing data Using Data Making disclosures with regard to
data quality
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ASOP 23 Data QualityScopeScope
Applies to all areas of practiceApplies to all areas of practice Does NOT require audit of dataDoes NOT require audit of data If standard establishes requirements If standard establishes requirements
in addition to those imposed by law, in addition to those imposed by law, satisfy bothsatisfy both
Originally effective 12/31/1993; Originally effective 12/31/1993; updated effective for work products updated effective for work products started on or after July 1, 2006started on or after July 1, 2006
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ASOP 23 Data QualitySelection of DataSelection of Data
Understand scope and intended useUnderstand scope and intended use Consider desired and possible alternative Consider desired and possible alternative
data elementsdata elements Data considerations:Data considerations:
Appropriate for intended purpose, including Appropriate for intended purpose, including whether sufficiently currentwhether sufficiently current
Reasonableness and comprehensiveness, with Reasonableness and comprehensiveness, with particular attention to internal and external particular attention to internal and external consistencyconsistency
Known, material limitationsKnown, material limitations Cost and feasibility against benefit of Cost and feasibility against benefit of
alternativesalternatives Sampling methods, if usedSampling methods, if used
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ASOP 23 Data QualityReliance on Data Supplied eliance on Data Supplied
by Othersby Others Accuracy and comprehensiveness of Accuracy and comprehensiveness of
data is responsibility of the providerdata is responsibility of the provider Actuary may rely on data supplied by Actuary may rely on data supplied by
others but should follow guidance others but should follow guidance under 3.5: review of data under 3.5: review of data firstfirst (new (new clarification) clarification)
Okay, unless material errors or Okay, unless material errors or unreliability becomes apparentunreliability becomes apparent
Disclose relianceDisclose reliance
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ASOP 23 Data Quality
Review of DataReview of Data Applies whether the actuary prepared the Applies whether the actuary prepared the
data or received data from a third partydata or received data from a third party Review for reasonableness and Review for reasonableness and
consistency, “unless review is not consistency, “unless review is not necessary or is not practical”necessary or is not practical”
Take into account the extent of checking, Take into account the extent of checking, verification, or auditing already verification, or auditing already performed, purpose and nature of performed, purpose and nature of assignment, and constraintsassignment, and constraints
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ASOP 23 Data Quality
Use of DataUse of DataProfessional judgment prior to Professional judgment prior to use:use:
Will use of imperfect data produce Will use of imperfect data produce material bias or highly uncertain material bias or highly uncertain results?results?
Is the data adequate to satisfy Is the data adequate to satisfy analysis purpose?analysis purpose?
Can data be corrected or additional Can data be corrected or additional data provided?data provided?
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ASOP 23 Data QualityDocumentation/ Documentation/
DisclosureDisclosure Refer to guidance from ASOP 41: Refer to guidance from ASOP 41: Actuarial Actuarial
CommunicationsCommunications Include in actuary’s report:Include in actuary’s report:
Source(s) of dataSource(s) of data Whether or not data reviewedWhether or not data reviewed Process to evaluate dataProcess to evaluate data Materiality of biases due to imperfect dataMateriality of biases due to imperfect data Adjustments or modifications madeAdjustments or modifications made Extent of reliance on data supplied by othersExtent of reliance on data supplied by others Limitations on use of work productLimitations on use of work product Any unresolved concern about the dataAny unresolved concern about the data Conflicts with law or regulationsConflicts with law or regulations
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ASOP 41 Actuarial ASOP 41 Actuarial CommunicationsCommunications
Purpose and ScopePurpose and Scope
Actuarial CommunicationsActuarial Communications Guidance for written, electronic or oral Guidance for written, electronic or oral
actuarial communicationsactuarial communications Applies to all actuarial Applies to all actuarial
communications, with some exceptions communications, with some exceptions e.g. testimonye.g. testimony
Effective for any actuarial Effective for any actuarial communications dated or occurring on communications dated or occurring on or after July 15, 2002 or after July 15, 2002
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ASOP 41 Actuarial ASOP 41 Actuarial CommunicationsCommunications
General RequirementsGeneral Requirements Identify Principal for whom findings are made; clearly Identify Principal for whom findings are made; clearly
state scope and any limitations or constraintsstate scope and any limitations or constraints Form and content clear and appropriate to Form and content clear and appropriate to
circumstances and audiencecircumstances and audience Issued in timely manner, identifying responsible Issued in timely manner, identifying responsible
actuaryactuary Independence and advocacy should be statedIndependence and advocacy should be stated Define extent of reliance on others including PrincipalDefine extent of reliance on others including Principal Applied to cumulative communications so that all of Applied to cumulative communications so that all of
the communications, taken together, satisfy this the communications, taken together, satisfy this standard even though individually may notstandard even though individually may not
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ASOP 41 Actuarial ASOP 41 Actuarial CommunicationsCommunications
Requirements for Specific Requirements for Specific Communication TypesCommunication Types
Oral communication should not Oral communication should not conflict with written or electronicconflict with written or electronic
Significant findings should be in Significant findings should be in writing or electronic form, actuarial writing or electronic form, actuarial report if appropriatereport if appropriate
Actuarial report should contain data, Actuarial report should contain data, assumptions and methods to enable assumptions and methods to enable another actuary to perform an another actuary to perform an objective appraisalobjective appraisal
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ASOP 41 Actuarial ASOP 41 Actuarial CommunicationsCommunications
Compliance with Other Compliance with Other StandardsStandards
Other ASOPs may supersede or give Other ASOPs may supersede or give additional clarity to this standardadditional clarity to this standard
Compliance with law, regulation, or Compliance with law, regulation, or another profession's standards may another profession's standards may be sufficient to deem compliance be sufficient to deem compliance with this standardwith this standard
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ASOP 41 Actuarial ASOP 41 Actuarial CommunicationsCommunications
Responsibility to Other Responsibility to Other UsersUsers
Use of Actuarial Communication By Use of Actuarial Communication By Others – recognize risk of Others – recognize risk of misquotation, misinterpretation. To misquotation, misinterpretation. To prevent misuse, ensure communication prevent misuse, ensure communication is clear and presented fairly, may is clear and presented fairly, may include limits on distributioninclude limits on distribution
No obligation to communicate with any No obligation to communicate with any person other than the intended person other than the intended audienceaudience
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ASOP 41 Actuarial ASOP 41 Actuarial CommunicationsCommunicationsDocumentationDocumentation
Maintain appropriate documentation Maintain appropriate documentation of work for a reasonable periods of of work for a reasonable periods of timetime
Identify data, assumptions and Identify data, assumptions and methods such that another actuary methods such that another actuary could evaluate the reasonableness of could evaluate the reasonableness of the workthe work
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ASOP 41 Actuarial ASOP 41 Actuarial CommunicationsCommunications
Deviation from Standard Deviation from Standard
Must justify any material deviation Must justify any material deviation from standardfrom standard
ASOP 43 Unpaid Claim ASOP 43 Unpaid Claim EstimatesEstimates
ScopeScope Property/Casualty Unpaid Claim EstimatesProperty/Casualty Unpaid Claim Estimates Applicable when:Applicable when:
Estimating unpaid P&C claim liabilities for all Estimating unpaid P&C claim liabilities for all classes of entitiesclasses of entities
Developing unpaid claim liabilities for events that Developing unpaid claim liabilities for events that have already occurredhave already occurred
Communicating actuarial findings in Communicating actuarial findings in written or written or electronic form electronic form
Applies only to undiscounted value estimates. See Applies only to undiscounted value estimates. See ASOP No. 20ASOP No. 20
Applies to unpaid claim estimate portion for PSAO. Applies to unpaid claim estimate portion for PSAO. See ASOP No. 36See ASOP No. 36
ASOP 43 Unpaid Claim ASOP 43 Unpaid Claim EstimatesEstimates
Scope Scope (cont’d.)(cont’d.)
Does not apply to:
Oral communicationOral communication
Ratemaking estimates (i.e. future events)Ratemaking estimates (i.e. future events)
Actions taken by the user based on results of analysisActions taken by the user based on results of analysis
Estimation of items that may be a function of unpaid Estimation of items that may be a function of unpaid claim estimates or claim outcomesclaim estimates or claim outcomes
Unpaid claims covered by ASOP No. 5 or ASOP No. 42 Unpaid claims covered by ASOP No. 5 or ASOP No. 42 standard standard doesdoes apply to health benefits associated with apply to health benefits associated with
state or federal WC statutes and liability policies.state or federal WC statutes and liability policies.
ASOP 43 Unpaid Claim ASOP 43 Unpaid Claim EstimatesEstimates
Required DisclosuresRequired Disclosures Intended Purpose or Use:Intended Purpose or Use:
External financial reporting, internal management External financial reporting, internal management reporting, appraisals, scenario analyses, etc.reporting, appraisals, scenario analyses, etc.
If multiple uses, should consider conflicts between uses If multiple uses, should consider conflicts between uses and adjustments to accommodate multiple usesand adjustments to accommodate multiple uses
Constraints/Limitations (e.g. limited data, staff, Constraints/Limitations (e.g. limited data, staff, time or other resources)time or other resources)
If a deeper analysis would produce a materially If a deeper analysis would produce a materially different result, notify Principal of risk & communicate different result, notify Principal of risk & communicate constraintsconstraints
ASOP 43 Unpaid Claim ASOP 43 Unpaid Claim EstimatesEstimates
Required Disclosures Required Disclosures (cont’d.)(cont’d.) Scope of the Unpaid Claim EstimateScope of the Unpaid Claim Estimate
Claims covered (e.g. line of business, type of loss, Claims covered (e.g. line of business, type of loss, accident year, state)accident year, state)
Intended measure of unpaid claim estimate (eg. high Intended measure of unpaid claim estimate (eg. high estimate, actuarial best estimate) and appropriateness estimate, actuarial best estimate) and appropriateness to intended purpose or useto intended purpose or use
Gross or net of specific recoverablesGross or net of specific recoverables
Collectibility risk – to what extent consideredCollectibility risk – to what extent considered
Specific types of unpaid claims adjustment expenses Specific types of unpaid claims adjustment expenses included included
Any amounts that are discountedAny amounts that are discounted
ASOP 43 Unpaid Claim ASOP 43 Unpaid Claim EstimatesEstimates
Required Disclosures Required Disclosures (contd.)(contd.) Significant events, assumptions, or reliances
Disclose those that have material impact on estimatesDisclose those that have material impact on estimates
Disclose assumptions provided by Principal or outside partyDisclose assumptions provided by Principal or outside party Additional disclosure if can actuary cannot determine Additional disclosure if can actuary cannot determine
reasonablenessreasonableness
Type of range (if applicable) ExamplesExamples
Range of estimates of the intended measure Range of estimates of the intended measure Confidence level - disclose risksConfidence level - disclose risks
Changes in assumptions, procedures, methods, or models if material Applicable if study is an update of prior analysisApplicable if study is an update of prior analysis
Discuss reasons for change (not required to quantify)Discuss reasons for change (not required to quantify)
ASOP 43 Unpaid Claim ASOP 43 Unpaid Claim EstimatesEstimates
Required Disclosures Required Disclosures (contd.)(contd.) Reliance on Single Method
Disclose and discuss when not using multiple methods or models
Does not apply when multiple methods used but single method selected
Deviation from Standard
To comply with applicable laws or for other reasonsTo comply with applicable laws or for other reasons
Other deviation is permitted, but be prepared to justifyOther deviation is permitted, but be prepared to justify
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ASOPs in AsiaASOPs in Asia
China – CIRC Regulation No. 13 on ReservingChina – CIRC Regulation No. 13 on Reserving OverviewOverview Type of Policy ProvisionsType of Policy Provisions MethodologiesMethodologies ReportingReporting
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ASOPs in AsiaASOPs in Asia
Hong Kong – Hong Kong Insurance Authority Hong Kong – Hong Kong Insurance Authority Guidance Note GN9 on Actuarial Review of Guidance Note GN9 on Actuarial Review of Insurance Liabilities in respect of Employees’ Insurance Liabilities in respect of Employees’ Compensation and Motor Insurance BusinessesCompensation and Motor Insurance Businesses Introduction, Application and ParametersIntroduction, Application and Parameters Actuarial Review ReportActuarial Review Report Certification of the Actuarial OpinionCertification of the Actuarial Opinion The Actuary – QualificationThe Actuary – Qualification Commencement of the Actuarial Review RequirementCommencement of the Actuarial Review Requirement Submission of the Actuarial Review Report and Submission of the Actuarial Review Report and
CertificateCertificate
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ASOPs in AsiaASOPs in Asia
Hong Kong – Actuarial Guidance Note GN4 on Hong Kong – Actuarial Guidance Note GN4 on Outstanding Claims in General Insurance Note Outstanding Claims in General Insurance Note on Professional Practiceon Professional Practice IntroductionIntroduction The Role of the Actuary – Advisor, must have clear The Role of the Actuary – Advisor, must have clear
agreementagreement Outstanding Claim Liability – Liabilities, Estimates, Outstanding Claim Liability – Liabilities, Estimates,
Discounting, Uncertainty, MethodologyDiscounting, Uncertainty, Methodology Outstanding Claim ProvisionOutstanding Claim Provision Reporting GuidelinesReporting Guidelines
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ASOPs in AsiaASOPs in Asia
Singapore – Singapore Actuarial Society Guidance Singapore – Singapore Actuarial Society Guidance Note G1 for Actuaries investigating Policy Liabilities Note G1 for Actuaries investigating Policy Liabilities relating to general insurance businessrelating to general insurance business Background and ScopeBackground and Scope Data and informationData and information Assumptions including analysis of experience and Assumptions including analysis of experience and
reconciliation with previous investigationreconciliation with previous investigation Methodology including description of case reserving policy, Methodology including description of case reserving policy,
practical considerations for Provisions for Adverse practical considerations for Provisions for Adverse DevelopmentDevelopment
Uncertainty – Treatment and quantificationUncertainty – Treatment and quantification Business Issues – Importance of face-to-face meetings with key Business Issues – Importance of face-to-face meetings with key
personnelpersonnel Reporting – Format, contents and supporting appendicesReporting – Format, contents and supporting appendices
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ASOPs in AsiaASOPs in Asia
Taiwan – Standard of Practices and Statement of Taiwan – Standard of Practices and Statement of Principles are combined in Taiwan. They are Principles are combined in Taiwan. They are based on CAS and AAA’s publications with based on CAS and AAA’s publications with adjustments for local issues. adjustments for local issues. Reserving Reserving RatemakingRatemaking Reinsurance – Risk Transfer TestingReinsurance – Risk Transfer Testing Expense ClassificationExpense Classification Profit and Contingency loadProfit and Contingency load