This section may apply in cases where a firm has its head office in another EEA State but is neither an incoming EEA firm nor an incoming Treaty firm; this could arise in the case of a non-directive mutual.

INSPRU 1.1 has the aim of reducing the risk that a firm may fail to meet its liabilities to its policyholders as a result of insurance risk, that is, the risk that arises from the inherent uncertainties as to the occurrence, amount and timing of insurance liabilities.

This section requires that the technical provisions that firms establish are adequate to meet their liabilities to policyholders under contracts of insurance. It also requires that firms hold assets of a value sufficient to cover their liabilities, including technical provisions, and that there is suitable matching of assets and liabilities. Technical provisions are the on-balance sheet provisions made by a firm in respect of liabilities arising under or in connection with contracts of insurance. There are different rules and guidance applicable to the calculation of technical provisions for general insurance business and for long-term insurance business.

This section implements requirements of the Insurance Directives for both general insurance business and long-term insurance business with regard to the technical provisions. The relevant articles of the Directives include:

1. (1)

   article 15 of the First Non-Life Directive, as substituted by article 17 of the Third Non-Life Directive; and

2. (2)

   article 20 of the Consolidated Life Directive (this Directive consolidates the provisions of the previous First, Second and Third Life Directives).

This section also sets out detailed rules and guidance on the calculation of the following elements of a firm'scapital resources requirement (CRR) (see GENPRU 2.1):

1. (1)

   the general insurance capital requirement; and

2. (2)

   the long-term insurance capital requirement.

These requirements are dealt with in the part of this section headed "Capital requirements for insurers" (see INSPRU 1.1.43 G to INSPRU 1.1.91 R). That part of this section also contains rules about the calculation2 of the enhanced capital requirement for firms carrying on general insurance business, including the calculation of the insurance-related capital requirement2. The calculation of the2asset-related capital requirement, which also forms part of the calculation of the ECR2 for firms carrying on general insurance business is set out in INSPRU 2.2.

For general insurance business, the technical provisions include outstanding claims provisions, unearned premiums provisions, unexpired risk provisions and equalisation provisions. These provisions take into account the expected ultimate cost of claims, including those not yet incurred, related expenses and include an allowance for smoothing claims (the equalisation provision).

Discounting (that is discounting for the time value of money) general insurance businesstechnical provisions may be carried out only in limited circumstances and on a prudent basis (see GENPRU 2.2.107 R and paragraph 48 of the insurance accounts rules). The fact that the expected liabilities are generally not discounted helps to protect against risk from inherent uncertainty in the timing, but not necessarily the amount, of claims.

For some categories of general insurance business, equalisation provisions are required. These ensure that a firm retains additional assets to provide some extra protection against uncertainty as to the amount of claims. Equalisation provisions are particularly suitable for volatile business, where claims in any future year may be subject to significant adverse deviation from recent or average expected claims experience, or where trends in claims experience may be subject to change. Such volatile claims experience arises in a number of types of business, for example, property, marine and aviation, nuclear, certain non-proportional reinsurance treaty business, and credit insurance. The equalisation provisions help to equalise fluctuations in loss ratios in future years (see INSPRU 1.4 (Equalisation provisions)).

Rules and guidance for calculating mathematical reserves are set out in INSPRU 1.2. Firms are advised by the actuarial function (see SUP 4) on the methods and assumptions to be used in calculating the mathematical reserves. The standards and guidance issued by the Board for Actuarial Standards to assist actuaries appointed to the actuarial function are important sources of evidence as to generally accepted actuarial practice, as referred to in INSPRU 1.1.16R (1).

For long-term insurance business, the technical provisions include the mathematical reserves. These are actuarial estimates of a firm's liabilities in respect of future benefits due to policyholders, including bonuses already declared. The mathematical reserves may be reduced by the actuarial value of that component of future premiums attributable to meeting future liabilities (see INSPRU 1.2 (Mathematical reserves)).

For long-term insurance business, the mathematical reserves are typically valued on a discounted basis but include valuation margins intended to provide protection against adverse deviations in experience (see INSPRU 1.2).

There are a number of ways in which a firm may be able to take credit for reinsurance under the rules in GENPRU and INSPRU. Examples include:

1. (1)

   treating the reinsurer's share of technical provisions as an admissible asset in accordance with GENPRU 2 Annex 7;

2. (2)

   reducing its solvency requirements in accordance with the deduction for reinsurance allowed in the calculation of the general insurance capital requirement or the long-term insurance capital requirement under INSPRU 1.1; and

3. (3)

   bringing into account amounts receivable under the contract when valuing cash flows for the purpose of a prospective valuation of mathematical reserves under INSPRU 1.2. In particular, a contingent loan or other analogous non-reinsurance financing agreement may then give rise to an addition to capital resources as a positive valuation difference in accordance with GENPRU 2.2.105 R.

The amount of credit taken by a firm for a risk transferred should be measured by applying the standard methods for determining the regulatory balance sheet set out in INSPRU. For example, where credit is being taken so as to reduce technical provisions, the amount of that credit should reflect the difference in technical provisions that arises from changing the assumptions used to reflect the risk transferred.

For the purposes of INSPRU 1.1.19AR (1), the transfer of risk from the firm to the third party should be effective in all circumstances in which the firm may wish to rely upon the transfer. Examples of factors which the firm should take into account in assessing whether the transaction effectively transfers risk and the extent of that transfer include:

1. (1)

   whether the documentation associated with the reinsurance reflects the economic substance of the transaction;

2. (2)

   whether the extent of the risk transfer is clearly defined and incontrovertible;

3. (3)

   whether the transaction contains any terms or conditions the fulfilment of which is outside the direct control of the firm. Such terms or conditions may include those which:

   1. (a)

      would allow the third party unilaterally to cancel the transaction, except for the non-payment of monies due from the firm to the third party under the contract; or

   2. (b)

      would increase the effective cost of the transaction to the firm in response to an increased likelihood of the third party experiencing losses under the transaction; or

   3. (c)

      would oblige the firm to alter the risk that had been transferred with the purpose of reducing the likelihood of the third party experiencing losses under the transaction; or

   4. (d)

      would allow for the termination of the transaction due to an increased likelihood of the third party experiencing losses under the transaction; or

   5. (e)

      could prevent the third party from being obliged to pay out in a timely manner any monies due under the transaction; or

   6. (f)

      could allow the maturity of the transaction to be reduced;

4. (4)

   whether the transaction is legally effective and enforceable in all relevant jurisdictions.

A firm should also take into account circumstances in which the benefit to the firm of the transfer of risk could be undermined. For instance, where the firm, with a view to reducing potential or actual losses to third parties, provides support to the transaction, including support beyond its contractual obligations (implicit support). Another example of a situation where the firm should consider whether it should take reduced credit for a transaction is where it has invested in the bonds issued by an ISPV with which it has reinsured risks.

INSPRU 1.5 (Internal-contagion risk) sets out the rules and guidance on identifying and holding in a separate fund long-term insurance assets.

When valuing assets for the purposes of INSPRU 1.1.20 R and INSPRU 1.1.21 R, a firm should bear in mind:

1. (1)

   that the technical provisions and other long-term insurance liabilities or general insurance liabilities should be covered by admissible assets (see GENPRU 2 Annex 7); and

2. (2)

   the market and counterparty limits set out in INSPRU 2.1 (Credit risk in insurance). INSPRU 2.1 requires that a firm restrict to prudent levels its exposure to reinsurer and other counterparties, and, in particular, that for the purpose of its balance sheet, a firm must not take into account any exposure which exceeds the large exposure limits.

Rules and guidance on the valuation of assets are set out in GENPRU 1.3 (Valuation), including the treatment of shares in, and debts due from, related undertakings in GENPRU 1.3.43 R to GENPRU 1.3.54 G. INSPRU 3.1 (Market risk in insurance) addresses market risk and sets out the matching requirements for linked assets and liabilities. INSPRU 3.1 also sets out rules and guidance on the matching by currency of assets and liabilities, to reduce a firm's exposure to currency market risk.

Certain debts and claims are excluded from INSPRU 1.1.20 R, INSPRU 1.1.21 R, INSPRU 1.1.27 R and INSPRU 1.1.28 R to avoid double-counting. The rules and guidance in INSPRU 1.2 (Mathematical reserves) set out how a firm may offset debts and claims against liabilities in calculating the mathematical reserves required for long-term insurance business.

INSPRU 1.1.27 R and INSPRU 1.1.28 R support the funding of policyholder benefits by requiring firms to maintain admissible assets in with-profits funds to cover the technical provisions and other long-term insurance liabilities relating to all the business in that fund and, in the case of a realistic basis life firm, realistic assets to cover the realistic liabilities of the with-profits insurance contracts written in the fund.

INSPRU 1.5 (Internal contagion risk) sets out the rules and guidance on localisation for firms other than UK firms.

INSPRU 1.1.34 R is not applied to pure reinsurers because they are subject under INSPRU 3.1.61A R to the "prudent person" investment principles from the Reinsurance Directive.

A firm should take account of the amount, currency and timing of its expected cash outflows in determining whether the assets it holds to cover its technical provisions and other long-term insurance liabilities or general insurance liabilities meet the requirements of INSPRU 1.1.34R (2).

For the purpose of INSPRU 1.1.34R (2), the relevant cash inflows are those which the firm reasonably expects to receive from the admissible assets which it holds to cover its technical provisions and other long-term insurance liabilities or general insurance liabilities. A firm may receive cash inflows as a result of:

1. (1)

   selling assets or closing out transactions;

2. (2)

   holding assets that generate dividends, interest or other income; and

3. (3)

   receiving future premiums for existing business.

Anticipated cash inflows from future new business should not be included, for example where the customer has not yet contracted to pay the premium, and where the associated liabilities and potential cash outflows should also not be included.

A firm should compare cash inflows and outflows based on current expectations of amounts and timings. Current market expectations of future asset values, interest rates and currency exchange rates should be used. Where inflows are received in a currency different from that in which outflows are to be paid, account should be taken of the cost of converting the currency received.

In considering the value and suitability of assets required to ensure that the firm's liabilities are met as they become due, a firm should take account of the risk of default on inflows from those assets, and other risks that may mean that future inflows are reduced relative to outflows.

INSPRU 1.1.20 R lays down a general requirement for a firm that carries on long-term insurance business to hold admissible assets that are of a value sufficient to cover its technical provisions and other long-term insurance liabilities. The INSPRU 1.1.34R (2) requirement to match liabilities with assets that allow cash outflows to be met with suitable inflows as the outflows become due may mean that a firm has to hold assets of a value greater than would otherwise be required by the general rule in INSPRU 1.1.20 R.

For the purposes of INSPRU 1.1.41 R, the adequacy of premiums may be assessed in the context of a firm's total portfolio of business and its other resources. It thus does not prevent a firm writing loss leaders nor writing contracts which might incur large losses, but only if the firm can meet the losses that might reasonably arise, including those that would arise from an event specifically insured against.

1. (1)

   GENPRU 2.1.13 R requires a firm to maintain capital resources equal to or in excess of its capital resources requirement (CRR). GENPRU 2.1 sets out the overall framework of the CRR; in particular, GENPRU 2.1.17 R requires that for a firm carrying on general insurance business the CRR is equal to the minimum capital requirement (MCR). GENPRU 2.1.18 R requires that for realistic basis life firms the CRR is the higher of the MCR and the ECR. GENPRU 2.1.23 R requires that for regulatory basis only life firms the CRR is equal to the MCR.

2. (2)

   For non-life firms the MCR represents the minimum capital requirement (or margin of solvency) prescribed by the Insurance Directives. GENPRU 2.1.24 R provides that, for a firm carrying on general insurance business, the MCR in respect of that business is the higher of the base capital resources requirement for general insurance business applicable to that firm and the general insurance capital requirement. GENPRU 2.1.24A R provides that, for a firm carrying on long-term insurance business which is a realistic basis life firm, the MCR in respect of that business is the higher of the base capital resources requirement for long-term insurance business applicable to that firm and the long-term insurance capital requirement.2GENPRU 2.1.25 R provides that, for a firm carrying on long-term insurance business which is a regulatory basis only life firm2, the MCR in respect of that business is the higher of the base capital resources requirement for long-term insurance business applicable to that firm and the sum of the long-term insurance capital requirement and the resilience capital requirement. As specified in GENPRU 2.1.14 R, a firm carrying on both general insurance business and long-term insurance business must apply GENPRU 2.1.13 R (referred to in paragraph (1) above) separately to its general insurance business and its long-term insurance business.

3. (3)

   The calculation of the general insurance capital requirement is set out in INSPRU 1.1.44 G to INSPRU 1.1.72 R below. INSPRU 1.1.73 to INSPRU 1.1.79 R set out the calculation of the insurance-related capital requirement for non-life firms. The calculation of the long-term insurance capital requirement is set out in INSPRU 1.1.80 G to INSPRU 1.1.91 R below.

In relation to the MCR (see INSPRU 1.1.43 G), GENPRU 2.1.34 R requires a firm to calculate its general insurance capital requirement (GICR) as the highest of the premiums amount, the claims amount, and the brought forward amount. The elements for this computation are set out in INSPRU 1.1 as follows:

1. (1)

   the premiums amount in INSPRU 1.1.45 R;

2. (2)

   the claims amount in INSPRU 1.1.47 R; and

3. (3)

   the brought forward amount in INSPRU 1.1.51 R.

Rules and guidance as to how the gross adjusted premiums amount is to be calculated are set out in INSPRU 1.1.56 R to INSPRU 1.1.59 G.

Rules and guidance as to how the gross adjusted claims amount is to be calculated are set out in INSPRU 1.1.60 R to INSPRU 1.1.65 G.

1. (1)

   Under the Insurance Directives the Euro amounts specified in INSPRU 1.1.45R (1) and INSPRU 1.1.47R (1) are subject to annual review. The relevant amounts will be increased by the percentage change in the European index of consumer prices (comprising all EU member states, as published by Eurostat) from 20 March 2002, to the relevant review date, rounded up to a multiple of 100,000, provided that where the percentage change since the last increase is less than 5%, no increase will take place.

2. (2)

   No provision for the index-linking of these amounts is made by the Reinsurance Directive. However, to ensure consistency as between pure reinsurers, mixed insurers and other insurers, the FSA intends to amend the Euro amounts specified in INSPRU 1.1.45R (1) and INSPRU 1.1.47R (1) for all such firms when an index-linked increase is required by the Insurance Directives.

The brought forward amount is the same as the GICR for the prior financial year, except where claims outstanding have fallen during that financial year. If they have fallen, the brought forward amount is itself reduced by the same percentage fall.

If the GICR for the prior financial year is less than the premiums amount or the claims amount, then a brought forward amount is not required to be calculated.

For the treatment of amounts recoverable from ISPVs when calculating the reinsurance ratio, see INSPRU 1.1.92A R and INSPRU 1.1.92B G.

Rules and guidance as to how the net and gross claims are to be calculated are set out in INSPRU 1.1.66 R to INSPRU 1.1.71 R.

A firm may use statistical methods in order to allocate premiums in respect of the classes 11, 12 and 13 for the purposes of INSPRU 1.1.56 R.

General insurance business classes 11, 12 and 13 are, respectively, the marine liability, aviation liability and general liability insurance classes.

Where the firm did not carry on insurance business in the financial year in question, the gross adjusted premiums amount, and therefore the premiums amount, is nil.

A firm may use statistical methods in order to allocate claims in respect of classes 11, 12 and 13 for the purposes of INSPRU 1.1.60 R.

The classification of the risks referred to in INSPRU 1.1.63R (2) is as follows: credit - as included in general insurance businessclass 14; storm - as included in general insurance businessclass 8; hail - as included in general insurance businessclass 9; and frost - as included in general insurance businessclass 9.

Where the firm did not carry on insurance business in the reference period, the gross adjusted claims amount, and therefore the claims amount, is nil.

To ensure that all rights and obligations under a contract of insurance are transferred, a number of alternative mechanisms could be used. These are: an insurance business transfer under Part VII of the Act; under earlier United Kingdom insurance legislation; under equivalent foreign legislation; or by novation of contracts. The term "relevant authority" in paragraph (2) of INSPRU 1.1.66 R may refer to whatever body has responsibility in a country, whether within or outside the EEA, for the approval of transfers of portfolios of contracts of insurance; the body may be a supervisory authority for financial services as such or it may be a judicial authority which has the necessary responsibility.

INSPRU 1.1.66R (2)(b) requires a firm, for the purpose of calculating its GICR, to account for contracts of insurance transferred by it to another body as if it had never written those contracts. All amounts of premiums and claims arising in respect of those contracts are excluded, including amounts that arose in the financial year in question or previous financial years.

Conversely, INSPRU 1.1.66R (2)(c) requires a firm, for the purpose of calculating its GICR, to account for contracts of insurance transferred to it by another body as if it had been responsible for those contracts from inception and not merely from the date of transfer. All amounts of premiums and claims that arose from those contracts are included even where they arose prior to the date of transfer and were, in fact, receivable by or payable by2 the other body.

For both transfers to and from the firm, the consideration receivable or payable in respect of the transfer is excluded from premiums and claims in order to avoid double counting.

2This section sets out the requirement for firms carrying on general insurance business, other than non-directive insurers, to calculate their ECR. The ECR for firms carrying on general insurance business is an indicative measure of the capital resources that a firm may need to hold based on risk sensitive calculations applied to its business profile. For firms carrying on general insurance business, the FSA will use the ECR as a benchmark for its consideration of the appropriateness of the firm's own capital assessment. For firms where an ECR is not calculated, the MCR will provide a benchmark for the firm's own capital assessment.

2Details of the calculation of the asset-related capital requirement are set out in INSPRU 2.2.10 R to INSPRU 2.2.16 R. Details of the calculation of the insurance-related capital requirement are set out in INSPRU 1.1.76 R to INSPRU 1.1.79 R.

The insurance-related capital requirement is a measure of the capital that a firm should hold against the risk of:

1. (1)

   an adverse movement in the value of a firm's liabilities, to recognise that there may be substantial volatility in claims and other technical provisions made by the firm. Such variations may be due to inflationary increases, interest rate changes, movements in the underlying provisions themselves, changes in expense costs, inadequate rate pricing or premium collections (or both) from intermediaries differing from projected assumptions; and

2. (2)

   the premiums a firm charges in respect of particular business not being adequate to fund future liabilities arising from that business.

The insurance-related capital requirement is calculated by applying capital charge factors, expressed as a percentage, to the value of the net written premiums and the technical provisions in respect of different classes of business. Firms should refer to GENPRU 1.3.4 R which sets out how a firm must recognise and value assets and liabilities.

GENPRU 2.1.13 R requires an insurer to maintain capital resources equal to or in excess of its capital resources requirement. GENPRU 2.1.18 R defines the capital resources requirement for a firm to which that rule applies (a realistic basis life firm) as the higher of the MCR and the ECR. For other firms carrying on long-term insurance business (regulatory basis only life firms), the capital resources requirement is equal to the MCR. Except where the base capital resources requirement is the higher requirement, the MCR in respect of long-term insurance business is the sum of the long-term insurance capital requirement (LTICR) and the resilience capital requirement or, in the case of a realistic basis life firm, the LTICR (see GENPRU 2.1.24A R,2GENPRU 2.1.25 R and GENPRU 2.1.26 R). GENPRU 2.1.36 R defines the LTICR as the sum of the insurance death risk, health risk and life protection reinsurance, expense risk, and market risk capital components (see INSPRU 1.1.81 R to INSPRU 1.1.91 R). Rules and guidance about the resilience capital requirement are set out in INSPRU 3.1.9 G to INSPRU 3.1.26 R.

The insurance death risk capital component only relates to the risk of death. There is a separate risk component for insured health risks (class IV) which also applies to the risk of death covered in the life protection reinsurance business of pure reinsurers and mixed insurers. Tontines (class V) and capital redemption operations (class VI) also have separate risk components. There is no specified risk margin for other insured risks.

For the treatment of amounts recoverable from ISPVs when calculating the insurance death risk capital component in accordance with INSPRU 1.1.81 R, see INSPRU 1.1.92A R and INSPRU 1.1.92B G.

The insurance health risk and life protection reinsurance capital component only applies to permanent health insurance (long-term insurance businessclass IV), accident and sickness insurance (general insurance business classes 1 and 2) and the life protection reinsurance business of pure reinsurers and mixed insurers.

Where a firm has written a unit-linked contract, the firm's liability under the contract may consist of a unit liability, where the firm bears no investment risk, and other liabilities for which the firm bears an investment risk, and for which a separate reserve is held. INSPRU 1.1.91R (2) and (3) require a firm to analyse its liabilities under unit-linked contracts between those for which it bears an investment risk and those for which it does not. INSPRU 1.1.88 R and INSPRU 1.1.89 R taken together result in a capital requirement for any liabilities for which the firm bears an investment risk of 4% of "adjusted mathematical reserves" (1% for expense risk and 3% for market risk).

A firm may treat amounts recoverable from an ISPV as reinsurance for these purposes if it obtains a waiver of INSPRU 1.1.92A R under section 148 of the Act. The conditions that will need to be met, in addition to the statutory tests under section 148(4) of the Act, before the FSA will consider granting such a waiver are set out in INSPRU 1.6.13 G to INSPRU 1.6.18 G

This section follows on from the overall requirement on firms to establish adequate technical provisions (see INSPRU 1.1.16 R). The mathematical reserves form the main component of technical provisions for long-term insurance business. INSPRU 1.2 sets out rules and guidance as to the methods and assumptions to be used in calculating the mathematical reserves. The rules and guidance set out the minimum basis for mathematical reserves. Methods and assumptions that produce reserves that are demonstrably equal to or greater than the minimum basis may also be used, though they must meet the basic requirements for methods and assumptions set out in INSPRU 1.2.7 R to INSPRU 1.2.27 G.

This section applies to all firms carrying on long-term insurance business and implements some of the requirements contained in article 20 of the Consolidated Life Directive. The implementation is designed to ensure that a firm'smathematical reserves in respect of long-term insurance contracts meet the minimum requirements set by the Consolidated Life Directive. A firm may use a prospective or a retrospective method to value its mathematical reserves (see INSPRU 1.2.7 R).

The required procedures are summarised in the flowchart in INSPRU 1 Annex 1.

Firms to which GENPRU 2.1.18 R applies are required to calculate a with-profits insurance capital component (see GENPRU 2.1.38 R). In order to calculate its with-profits insurance capital component, such a firm is required to carry out additional calculations of its liabilities on a realistic basis (see INSPRU 1.3), which it is required to report to the FSA (see Forms 18,19). A firm that reports its liabilities on a realistic basis is referred to in PRU as a realistic basis life firm. Such firms are subject to different rules relating to the calculation of mathematical reserves (see INSPRU 1.2.46 R and INSPRU 1.2.76 R) compared with those that apply to firms that report on a regulatory basis only (regulatory basis only life firms).

A number of the rules in this section require a firm to take into account its regulatory duty to treat customers fairly. In this section, references to such a duty are to a firm's duty to pay due regard to the interests of its customers and to treat them fairly (see Principle 6 in PRIN). This duty is owed to both policyholders and potential policyholders.

A prospective valuation sets the mathematical reserves at the present value of future net cash flows. A retrospective method typically sets the mathematical reserves at the level of premiums received (and accumulated with investment return), less claims and expenses paid. A prospective valuation is preferred because it takes account of circumstances that might have arisen since the premium rate was set and of changes in the perception of future experience. Circumstances in which a retrospective valuation might be appropriate include:

1. (1)

   where the assumptions initially made in determining the premium rate were sufficiently prudent at inception and have not been overtaken by subsequent events; and

2. (2)

   where the liability depends on the emerging experience.

INSPRU 1.2.10R (2) prohibits only arbitrary changes in methods and assumptions, that is, changes made without adequate reasons. Any such changes would hinder comparisons over time as to the amount of the mathematical reserves and so obscure trends in solvency and the emergence of surplus.

The relevant factors referred to in INSPRU 1.2.10R (4) may include, but are not limited to, factors such as future investment returns, expenses, mortality, morbidity, options, persistency and reinsurance (see also INSPRU 1.2.13 R to INSPRU 1.2.19 G).

The margins for adverse deviation are a prudential margin in respect of the risks that arise under a long-term insurance contract.

INSPRU 1.2.13 R sets the normal standard of prudence required for margins. INSPRU 1.2.16 G suggests benchmarks against which a firm should compare the margins it has set in accordance with INSPRU 1.2.10R (4) and INSPRU 1.2.13 R. INSPRU 1.2.17 G gives guidance where a market risk premium is not readily obtainable.

When setting the margins for adverse deviation required by INSPRU 1.2.10R (4) in relation to a particular contract, a firm should consider, where appropriate:

1. (1)

   the margin for adverse deviation included in the premium for similar long-term insurance contracts, if any, newly issued by the firm; and

2. (2)

   where a sufficiently developed and diversified market for transferring a risk exists, the risk premium that would be required by an unconnected party to assume the risk in respect of the contract.

   The margin for adverse deviation of a risk should generally be greater than or equal to the relevant market price for that risk.

Where a risk premium is not readily available, or cannot be determined, an external proxy for the risk should be used, such as adjusted industry mortality tables. Where there is a considerable range of possible outcomes, the PRAFSA expects firms to use stochastic techniques to evaluate these risks. In time, for example, longevity risk, where this constitutes a significant risk for the firm, may fall into this category.

The margins for adverse deviation should be recognised as profit only as the firm itself is released from risk over the duration of the contract.

Further detailed rules and guidance on margins for adverse deviation are included in INSPRU 1.2.32 G to INSPRU 1.2.89 G. In particular, the cross-references for the different assumptions used in calculating the mathematical reserves are as follows:

1. (1)

   expenses (INSPRU 1.2.50 R to INSPRU 1.2.58 G);

2. (2)

   mortality and morbidity (INSPRU 1.2.59 R to INSPRU 1.2.61 G);

3. (3)

   options (INSPRU 1.2.62 R to INSPRU 1.2.72 G);

4. (4)

   persistency (INSPRU 1.2.76 R and2INSPRU 1.2.77 G); and

5. (5)

   reinsurance (INSPRU 1.2.77A R to INSPRU 1.2.89 G).

The rules and guidance on margins for adverse deviation in respect of future investment returns, which are also required in the calculation of mathematical reserves, are set out in INSPRU 3.1.28 R to INSPRU 3.1.48 G.

SYSC 14.1.53 R requires firms to maintain accounting and other records for a minimum of three years, or longer as appropriate. For the purposes of INSPRU 1.2.20 R, a period of longer than three years will be appropriate for a firm'slong-term insurance business. In determining an appropriate period, a firm should have regard to:

1. (1)

   the detailed rules and guidance on record keeping in SYSC 14.1.51 G - SYSC 14.1.64 G;

2. (2)

   the nature and term of the firm's long-term insurance business; and

3. (3)

   any additional provisions or statutory requirements applicable to the firm or its records.

INSPRU 1.2.22 R to INSPRU 1.2.89 G set out rules and guidance for the separate prospective valuation of each contract. These may be applied instead to groups of contracts where the conditions set out in INSPRU 1.2.22R (2)(a) or (b)2 are satisfied. Guidance on non-attributable expenses and the application of INSPRU 1.2.22R (2)(a) is provided in INSPRU 1.2.54A G.2

2A separate prospective valuation for each contract may identify contracts for which the value of future cash inflows under and in respect of the contract exceeds that of outflows. In these circumstances, the firm may calculate the mathematical reserves for that contract as having a negative value and that value is available to off-set mathematical reserves for other contracts which have a positive value when establishing the overall mathematical reserves. However, the Consolidated Life Directive requires that no contract should be valued at less than its guaranteed surrender value (see INSPRU 1.2.62A G). As a result, no contract with a guaranteed surrender value to which the Consolidated Life Directive applies should be valued as if it were an asset. Although the Reinsurance Directive does not require this treatment of contracts with guaranteed surrender values to be applied to pure reinsurers, the FSA's policy is that there should be equal treatment in this respect. INSPRU 1.2.62 R makes further provision relating to the mathematical reserves to be established in respect of such contracts. When considering the impact that the amount payable on surrender may have on the valuation of a contract, a firm should have regard to INSPRU 1.2.71 R.

The valuation of each contract, or group of similar contracts, should allow for the possibility, where it exists, that contracts may be surrendered (wholly or in part), lapsed or made paid-up at any time. The valuation assumptions include margins for adverse deviation (see INSPRU 1.2.13 R). INSPRU 1.2.26 R requires mathematical reserves to be established such that, if future experience is in line with the valuation assumptions, there would be no future valuation strain.

A firm may include amounts recoverable from an ISPV in the cash flows to be valued in a prospective valuation if it obtains a waiver of INSPRU 1.2.28 R under section 148 of the Act. The conditions that will need to be met, in addition to the statutory tests under section 148(4) of the Act, before the FSA will consider granting such a waiver are set out in INSPRU 1.6.13 G to INSPRU 1.6.18 G.

All cash flows are to be valued using prudent assumptions in accordance with generally accepted actuarial practice. Cash flows may be omitted from the valuation calculations provided the reserves obtained as a result of leaving those cash flows out of the calculation are not less than would have resulted had all cash flows been included (see INSPRU 1.2.22R (2)(b)2). Provision for future expenses in respect of with-profits insurance contracts (excluding accumulating with-profits policies) may be made implicitly, using the net premium method of valuation (see INSPRU 1.2.43 R below). For the purposes of INSPRU 1.2.28R (2), any charges included in expenses should be determined in accordance with the firm's regulatory duty to treat its customers fairly.

INSPRU 1.2.29R (4) requires regulatory basis only life firms to make allowance for any future annual bonus that a firm would expect to grant, assuming future experience is in line with the assumptions used in the calculation of the mathematical reserves. final bonuses do not have to be taken into consideration in these calculations except in relation to accumulating with-profits policies (see INSPRU 1.2.9 R). The calculations required for accumulating with-profits policies are set out in INSPRU 1.2.71R (1). For realistic basis life firms, except for accumulating with-profits policies, the mathematical reserves may be calculated without taking into account discretionary benefits, including both annual bonuses and final bonuses. For such firms full allowance for discretionary benefits is made in the calculation of the realistic value of liabilities (see INSPRU 1.3.105R (5)).

More detailed rules and guidance about the valuation of cash flows are set out in INSPRU 1.2.33 R to INSPRU 1.2.89 G.

The rules in INSPRU 3.1.28 R to INSPRU 3.1.47 R set out the approach firms must take in setting margins for adverse deviation in the interest rates assumed in calculating the mathematical reserves. This includes a margin to allow for adverse deviation in market risk and, where relevant, credit risk. The requirements set out in INSPRU 3.1.28 R to INSPRU 3.1.47 R protect against the market risk that the return actually achieved on assets may fall below the market yields on assets at the actuarial valuation date.

INSPRU 1.2.46 R and INSPRU 1.2.47 G apply to the valuation of with-profits insurance liabilities for a realistic basis life firm. INSPRU 1.2.38 R to INSPRU 1.2.45 G apply to a regulatory basis only life firm.

For non-profit insurance contracts no specific method of valuation for future premiums is required by INSPRU. However, the method of valuation used should be sufficiently prudent taking into account, in particular, the risk of voluntary discontinuance by the policyholder.

The valuation method for future premiums in INSPRU 1.2.38 R retains the difference, if any, between the gross premium and the net premium as an implicit margin available to finance future bonuses, expenses and other costs. It thus helps to protect against the risk that adequate resources may not be available in the future to meet those costs. Where expenses are not directly attributable to a particular contract, a firm may establish mathematical reserves in respect of such expenses in relation to a group of contracts with the same or similar expense risk characteristics in accordance with INSPRU 1.2.22R (2)(a).2

INSPRU 1.2.41 R permits three alternative methods. However, the third method is only possible where a meaningful comparison can be made between the terms of the contract (as changed) and the terms upon which the firm was effecting its new contracts of insurance at the time the contract was changed.

INSPRU 1.2.43 R allows a firm to spread acquisition costs over the lifetime of a contract of insurance, but only if it is reasonable to expect those costs to be recoverable from future premium income from that contract. Further prudence is provided by the limitation of recoverable acquisition expenses to 3.5% of the relevant capital sum. This adjustment for acquisition costs is sometimes termed a Zillmer adjustment.

In determining the extent, if any, to which it is reasonable to expect acquisition costs to be recoverable from future premium income, the firm should make prudent assumptions as to levels of voluntary discontinuance by policyholders.

The gross premium is the full amount of premium payable by the policyholder to the firm. The gross premium method contrasts with the net premium method which is required from regulatory basis only life firms (see INSPRU 1.2.37 R to INSPRU 1.2.45 G).

INSPRU 1.2.48 R prohibits a firm from taking credit for recurring single premiums under accumulating with-profits policies. As there is no contractual commitment to pay any future premiums the amount and timing of which are uncertain, the recognition of any potential margins would not be prudent. Where the payment of a future premium would give rise to a liability in excess of the premium a provision should be established.

For with-profits insurance contracts where the net premium valuation method applies, an implicit provision arises because the future premiums valued are limited to the net premium adjusted as permitted by INSPRU 1.2.43 R. This excludes the allowance within the gross premium for expenses (other than recoverable acquisition expenses). It also excludes other margins within the actual premium that are a prudential margin in respect of the risks that arise under the contract or that are needed to provide for future discretionary benefits. To the extent that these other margins are not needed for the purpose for which they were originally established, they may also constitute an implicit provision for expenses.

An implicit provision may also arise for other types of long-term insurance contract where, for example, no value is attributed to future premiums, but the firm is entitled to make deductions from future regular premiums before allocating them to secure policyholder benefits.

A firm should only reduce the provision for future expenses to take account of expected taxation recoveries related to those expenses where recovery is reasonably certain, and after taking into account the assumption that the firm ceases to transact new business 12 months after the actuarial valuation date. An appropriate adjustment for discounting should be made where receipt of the taxation recoveries is not expected until significantly after the expenses are incurred.

The firm's actual expenses in the 12 months prior to the actuarial valuation date may serve as a guide to the assumptions for future expenses, taking into consideration the mix of acquisition and renewal expenses. The expense assumptions should not be reduced to account for expected future improvements in efficiency until such efficiency improvements result in a reduced level of actual expenditure. However, the assumptions should take account of all factors which might increase costs including earnings and price inflation.

1. (1)

   2A firm should attribute to an individual contract at least those expenses which are directly attributable to that contract including expenses which vary with the volume of business for that type of contract. Commission payments, charges to a fund on a 'per policy' basis and investment management fees are generally directly attributable. For expenses of the fund which are calculated directly based on actual expenses (and not calculated in accordance with a management services agreement), the attributable expenses will also include those costs which vary with the volume of business for that product, for example, salaries and accommodation costs of staff in a processing centre, printing and postage of communications to policyholders and associated computer services.

2. (2)

   Non-attributable expenses may include overheads which are relatively insensitive to the volume of business for the type of contract in question and an apportionment of group overheads. Examples of expenses that firms may consider non-attributable include salaries of head office staff involved in monitoring products and drafting standard communications to policyholders and allocated overheads for centralised functions such as human resources, finance and IT. Where non-attributable expenses arise in relation to a homogeneous risk group of contracts sharing the same or similar expense risk characteristics, a firm may determine the reserve for those expenses at the level of that risk group, provided that the reserve so established has a minimum value of at least zero (see INSPRU 1.2.22R (2)(a)). In identifying its homogeneous risk groups, a firm should consider all risks that impact on the level of expenses borne by contracts including persistency risk and expense inflation risk. For example, business that is subject to bulk lapse risk, such as any large group contract that would give rise to a reduction in surplus on lapse, should be considered as forming a homogeneous risk group of its own. A firm must document and justify its approach to identifying homogeneous risk groups in accordance with the record-keeping requirements of INSPRU 1.2.20 R. This approach to reserving for expenses ensures that prudent reserves are established in respect of both directly attributable and non-attributable expenses arising in relation to the firm'slong-term insurance business.

2In valuing cash flows in respect of commissions, a firm may wish to take into account any contractual arrangements for the "clawback" or repayment of commissions already paid in the event of voluntary discontinuance of a contract of insurance. In deciding how to treat such arrangements in determining the mathematical reserves for a contract of insurance, the firm must use assumptions which meet the general requirements for prudent assumptions as set out in INSPRU 1.2.10 R and INSPRU 1.2.13 R. For example, the firm should establish prudent margins for adverse deviation in respect of the credit risk of the intermediary by whom the commission would be repayable.

The provision for future expenses, whether implicit or explicit, should include a prudent margin for adverse deviation in the level and timing of expenses (see INSPRU 1.2.13 R to INSPRU 1.2.19 G). The margin should cover the risk of underestimating expenses whether due to, for example, initial under-calculation or subsequent increases in the amount of expenses. In setting the amount of the margin, the firm should take into account the extent to which:

1. (1)

   an appropriately validated method based on reliable data is used to allocate expenses2 as between attributable and non-attributable expenses or between1 acquisition and non-acquisition expenses and by product type, by distribution channel or by homogeneous risk group, as appropriate2;

2. (2)

   the volume of existing and new business and its distribution by product type or distribution channel is stable or predictable;

3. (3)

   costs vary in the short, medium or long term dependent upon the volume of existing or new business and its distribution by product type or distribution channel; and

4. (4)

   cost control is well-managed.

In setting the margin, the firm should also take into account:

1. (1)

   the length of the period over which it is necessary to project costs;

2. (2)

   the extent to which it is reasonable to expect inflation to be stable or predictable over that period; and

3. (3)

   whether, if inflation is higher than expected, it is reasonable to expect that the excess would be offset by increases in investment returns.

Where a firm has entered into an agreement with any other person for the sharing or reimbursement of costs, in setting the margin it should take into account the potential impact of that agreement and of its discontinuance.

The rates of mortality or morbidity should contain prudent margins for adverse deviation (see INSPRU 1.2.13 R to INSPRU 1.2.19 G). In setting those rates, a firm should take account of:

1. (1)

   the systems and controls applied in underwriting long-term insurance contracts and whether they provide adequate protection against anti-selection (that is, selection against the firm) including:

   1. (a)

      adequately defining and identifying non-standard risks; and

   2. (b)

      where such risks are underwritten, allocating to them an appropriate weighting;

2. (2)

   the nature of the contractual exposure to mortality or morbidity risk including:

   1. (a)

      whether lower mortality increases or decreases the firm's liability;

   2. (b)

      the period of cover and whether risk charges can be varied during that period and, if so, how quickly; and

   3. (c)

      whether the options in the contract give rise to a significant risk of anti-selection (for example, opportunities for voluntary discontinuance, guaranteed renewal at the option of the policyholder and rights for conversion of benefits);

3. (3)

   the credibility of the firm's actual experience as a basis for projecting future experience including:

   1. (a)

      whether there is sufficient data (especially for medical or financial risks and for new types of benefit or new methods of distribution); and

   2. (b)

      whether the data is reliable and has been appropriately validated;

4. (4)

   the availability and reliability of:

   1. (a)

      any published tables of mortality or morbidity for the country or territory of residence of the person whose life or health is insured; and

   2. (b)

      any other information as to the industry-wide insurance experience for that country or territory;

5. (5)

   anticipated or possible future trends in experience including, but only where they increase the liability:

   1. (a)

      anticipated improvements in mortality;

   2. (b)

      changes arising from improved detection of morbidity (including critical illnesses);

   3. (c)

      diseases the impact of which may not yet be reflected fully in current experience; and

   4. (d)

      changes in market segmentation (such as impaired life annuities) which, in the light of developing experience, may require different assumptions for different parts of the policy class.

An additional provision for diseases covered by INSPRU 1.2.60G (5)(c) may be needed, in particular for unit-linked policies. In determining whether such a provision is needed a firm may take into consideration any ability to increase product charges commensurately (provided that such increase does not infringe on its regulatory duty to treat its customers fairly), but a provision would still be required for the period until such an increase could be brought into effect.

2A contract has a guaranteed surrender value where the policy wording states that a surrender value is payable and either provides for a minimum amount payable on surrender or sets out a method for calculating such an amount. For example, where a unit-linked contract provides for a surrender value equal to the value of the units allocated to the contract, the firm must establish mathematical reserves for that contract greater than or equal to the value of the units allocated at the valuation date.

An option exists where a policyholder is given a choice between alternative forms of benefit, for example, a choice between receiving a cash benefit upon maturity or an annuity at a guaranteed rate. In some cases, the contract may designate one or other of these alternatives as the principal benefit and any other as an option. This designation, in itself, is not one of substance in the context of reserving since it does not affect the policyholder's choices. Other forms of option include:

1. (1)

   the right to convert to a different contract on guaranteed terms;

2. (2)

   the right to increase cover on guaranteed terms;

3. (3)

   the right to a specified amount on surrender; and

4. (4)

   the right to a paid up value.

The firm should provide for the benefit which the firm anticipates the policyholder is most likely to choose. P2ast experience may be used as a guide, but only if this is likely to give a reasonable estimate of future experience. For example, past experience of the take-up of a cash payment option instead of an annuity would not be a reliable guide, if, in the past, market rates exceeded those guaranteed in the annuity but no longer do so. Similarly, past experience on the take-up of options may not be relevant in the light of the assumptions made in respect of future interest rates and mortality rates in the valuation of the benefits.

Many options are long-term and need careful consideration. Improving longevity, for example, can increase the value of guaranteed annuity options vesting further in the future. firms also need to have regard to the fact that policyholder behaviour can change in the future as policyholders become more aware of the value of their options. The impact on policyholder behaviour of possible changes in taxation should also be considered.

In accordance with INSPRU 1.2.7 R and INSPRU 1.2.13 R, take-up rates for guaranteed annuity options should be assessed on a prudent basis with assumptions that include margins for adverse deviation (see INSPRU 1.2.13 R to INSPRU 1.2.19 G) that take account of current experience and the potential for future change. The firm should reserve for option take-up at least at a prudent margin over current experience for options shortly to vest. For longer term options where the option becomes increasingly valuable in the future due to projected mortality improvements, increased take-up rates should be assumed. In view of the growing uncertainty over take-up rates for projections further in the future, for guaranteed annuity option dates 20 years or more ahead at least a 95% take-up rate assumption should be made.

Where there is considerable variation in the cost of the option depending on conditions at the time the option is exercised, and where that variation constitutes a material risk for the firm, it will generally be appropriate to use stochastic modelling. In this case prices from the asset model used in the stochastic approach should be benchmarked to relevant market asset prices before determining the value of the option. Where stochastic modelling is not undertaken, market option prices should be used to determine suitable assumptions for the valuation of the option. If no market exists for a particular option, a firm should take the value of the nearest equivalent benefit or right for which a market exists and document the way in which it has adjusted that valuation to reflect the original option.

Where the option offers a choice between two non-discretionary financial benefits (such as between a guaranteed cash sum or a guaranteed annuity value, or between a unit value and a maturity guarantee) and where there is a wide range of possible outcomes, the firm should normally model such liabilities stochastically. In carrying out such modelling firms should take into account the likely choices to be made by policyholders in each scenario. Firms should make and retain a record of the development and application of the model.

The value of a contract with an option is greater than the value of a similar contract without the option, that is, the option has value whether it is expected to be exercised or not. Although in theory a firm can rebalance its investments to match the expected cost of the option to the firm (including the time value of the option), this takes time to achieve and the market may move more quickly than the firm is able to respond. Also, there are likely to be transaction costs. Firms should take these aspects into consideration in setting up mathematical reserves.

INSPRU 1.2.71R (1) applies only to accumulating with-profits policies; INSPRU 1.2.71R (2) applies to any other type of policy, including non-profit insurance contracts. In INSPRU 1.2.71R (1)(a) a firm must take into consideration, for example, a market value adjustment where such an adjustment has been described in representations made to policyholders by the firm. However, any discretionary adjustment, such as a market value adjustment, must not be included in the amount calculated in INSPRU 1.2.71R (1)(b).

2The prudential margin in respect of assumptions of voluntary discontinuance should be validated both in relation to recent experience and to variations in future experience that might arise as a result of reasonably foreseeable changes in conditions. In particular, where estimates of experience are being made well into the future, the assumptions should contain margins that take into account the increased risk of adverse experience arising from changed circumstances. firms should also consider the possibility of anti-selection by policyholders and of variations in persistency experience for different classes and cohorts of business.

The prospective valuation of future cash flows to determine the amount of the mathematical reserves includes amounts to be received or paid under contracts of reinsurance in respect of long-term insurance business (see INSPRU 1.2.28R(4)). This applies even where those cash flows cannot be identified as related to particular long-term insurance contracts (see INSPRU 1.2.22R (3)).

In valuing reinsurance cash flows, a firm should establish prudent margins for adverse deviation (see INSPRU 1.2.13 R to INSPRU 1.2.19 G) including margins in respect of:

1. (1)

   any uncertainty as to the amount or timing of amounts to be paid or received; and

2. (2)

   the risk of credit default by the reinsurer.

In assessing the risk of credit default, the firm should take into account the rules and guidance in INSPRU 2.1 (Credit risk in insurance).

It will not necessarily be appropriate to use the same assumptions in INSPRU 1.2.79 R as for the underlying contracts. For example, if only a subgroup of the original contracts is reinsured, it may be appropriate to use different mortality rates.

Only reinsurance cash inflows that are triggered unambiguously by the reinsured risks may be valued. Reinsurance cash inflows that depend on other contingencies where the outcome does not form part of the valuation basis should not be given credit.

Firms should assess the extent of margins in the valuation of the existing contracts of insurance where these provide implicit provision for the reinsurance cash outflows in INSPRU 1.2.79 R. Where the reinsurance asset exceeds the estimated value of the future surplus under reinsured contracts firms should assess their credit risk exposure to the reinsurer.

For the purposes of INSPRU 1.2.85 R, a contingent liability means a liability that would only arise upon the happening of a particular contingency, even where that contingency is not expected to occur. For example, if the firm has a reinsurance arrangement in force that in the event the firm were wound up would give rise to repayments other than out of surplus emerging, the reinsurance cash outflows should be valued as a liability.

INSPRU 1.2.85 R allows a firm not to value reinsurance cash outflows provided the contingencies in which the reinsurance would require repayment other than out of future surpluses are limited to termination clauses concerning fraud, material misrepresentation, non-payment of reinsurancepremiums by the firm or a transfer of business by the firm without the agreement of the reinsurer, except if unreasonably withheld.

Where the reinsurance cash outflow is payable by a fund or sub-fund that generates such profits, charges or transfers, the firm need make no provision for such payments provided that repayment to the reinsurer is linked unambiguously (as defined in INSPRU 1.2.85 R) to the emergence of future surplus. Where the profits, charges or transfers arising under a block of business are payable by a fund or sub-fund to another part of the firm then only where the firm has committed to remit such profits, charges or transfers directly to the reinsurer would it be acceptable for no provision for payments to the reinsurer to be made.

A realistic basis life firm means a firm to which GENPRU 2.1.18 R applies. The application of GENPRU 2.1.18 R is set out in GENPRU 2.1.19 R and GENPRU 2.1.20 R. GENPRU 2.1.13 R requires that a firm must maintain at all times capital resources equal to or in excess of its capital resources requirement. The enhanced capital requirement forms part of the capital resources requirement for a realistic basis life firm. The with-profits insurance capital component forms part of the enhanced capital requirement which a realistic basis life firm is required to calculate in accordance with GENPRU 2.1.38 R.

This section sets out rules and guidance as to the methods and assumptions to be used in calculating the with-profits insurance capital component.

The purpose of the with-profits insurance capital component is to supplement the mathematical reserves so as to ensure that a firm holds adequate financial resources for the conduct of its with-profits insurance business. In particular, capital in excess of the mathematical reserves may be needed to ensure that adequate final bonuses can be awarded to policyholders. That is, adequate in the sense that in setting bonuses payable to policyholders the firm pays due regard to the interests of its policyholders and treats them fairly. The mathematical reserves for a realistic basis life firm are not required to include provision for future annual bonuses or final bonuses (INSPRU 1.2.9 R).

The required procedures are summarised in the flowchart in INSPRU 1 Annex 1.

1Future internal transfers from a with-profits fund are included in the realistic value of liabilities (see INSPRU 1.3.105 R, INSPRU 1.3.119 R, INSPRU 1.3.128 R and INSPRU 1.3.165 R). INSPRU 1.1.27 R ensures that sufficient assets are maintained in a with-profits fund to meet those future internal transfers. In calculating the WPICC, the economic value to the firm of those future transfers in the most adverse scenario required in calculating the risk capital margin (see INSPRU 1.3.43 R) should be recognised. In the case of internal transfers to a non-profit fund in respect of expense-related charges, those transfers may only be recognised to the extent that those cash flows have not already been taken into account in calculating the firm'scapital resources or technical provisions. In effect, the future asset of the shareholders or another of the firm's funds is available to offset the corresponding liability of the with-profits fund and should, therefore, subject to the limitation in INSPRU 1.3.7R (2)(b)(iii), be treated as capital arising from that fund which is available to reduce the amount of the WPICC.

Subordinated debt which is subordinated to policyholder interests (see GENPRU 2.2.271 R) is an example of the sort of capital instrument that may give rise to a component of the WPICC under INSPRU 1.3.7R (3). Such instruments are treated as capital under GENPRU 2.2, subject to the requirements of GENPRU 2.2.271 R. Under realistic reserving the capital instrument is valued as a realistic liability (INSPRU 1.3.40 R) and in calculating the risk capital margin such an instrument would be valued at its realistic value in the single event outlined in INSPRU 1.3.43 R (see also INSPRU 1.3.162 R). Overall, the effect of GENPRU 2.2, INSPRU 1.3.7R (3) and INSPRU 1.3.43 R is to enable a firm that obtains subordinated debt to benefit from additional capital resources equal to the face amount of that debt.

SUP 4 (Actuaries) sets out the role and responsibilities of the actuarial function and of the with-profits actuary.

1. (1)

   As part of his duties under SUP 4.3.13 R, the actuary appointed by the firm to perform the actuarial function must calculate the firm'smathematical reserves and, in the context of the calculation of the with-profits insurance capital component, must also:

   1. (a)

      advise the firm's governing body on the methods and assumptions to be used in the calculation of the firm's with-profits insurance capital component;

   2. (b)

      perform that calculation in accordance with the methods and assumptions determined by the firm'sgoverning body; and

   3. (c)

      report to the firm'sgoverning body on the results of that calculation.

2. (2)

   As part of his duties under SUP 4.3.16G, the with-profits actuary must advise the firm'sgoverning body on the discretion exercised by the firm. In the context of the calculation of the with-profits insurance capital component, the with-profits actuary must also advise the firm'sgoverning body as to whether the methods and assumptions (including the allowance for management actions) used for that calculation are consistent with the firm'sPrinciples and Practices of Financial Management (PPFM - see COB 6.10) and with its regulatory duty to treat its customers fairly.

In this section, any reference to a firm's regulatory duty to treat its customers fairly is a reference to the firm's duty under Principle 6 (Customers' interests). This states that a firm must pay due regard to the interests of its customers and treat them fairly.

In this section, any reference to the Principles and Practices of Financial Management (PPFM) is a reference to the requirements in COB 6.10 (Principles and Practices of Financial Management) for firms to establish, maintain and record the principles and practices of financial management according to which the business of its with-profits funds is conducted.

The extent to which a firm requires a separate PPFM for each of its with-profits funds will depend on the firm's circumstances and any relevant representations made by the firm to its with-profits policyholders. In this section, any reference to a firm'sPPFM refers to the PPFM which relate to the with-profits fund or the with-profits insurance contracts in question.

SYSC 14.1.53 R requires firms to maintain accounting and other records for a minimum of three years, or longer as appropriate. For the purposes of INSPRU 1.3.17 R, a period of longer than three years will be appropriate for a firm'slong-term insurance business. In determining an appropriate time period, a firm should have regard to:

1. (1)

   the detailed guidance on record keeping in SYSC 14.1.51 G to SYSC 14.1.64 G;

2. (2)

   the nature and term of the firm's long-term insurance contracts; and

3. (3)

   any additional provisions or statutory requirements applicable to the firm or its records.

Some of the changes identified in accordance with INSPRU 1.3.19 R may have to be notified to the firm'spolicyholders in accordance with the firm'sPPFM.

A firm needs to obtain an implicit item waiver from the FSA in order to bring in an amount under INSPRU 1.3.24R (1)(b). For guidance on applying for an implicit item waiver in respect of future surpluses relating to with-profits funds see GENPRU 2 Annex 8. The amount of any implicit item allocated to a with-profits fund may be defined in the terms of any waiver granted.

The amount of regulatory current liabilities for a with-profits fund refers to the sum of the amounts in (1) and (2) in respect of the fund:

1. (1)

   the amount of 'Total other insurance and non-insurance liabilities'; and

2. (2)

   the amount of 'Cash bonuses which had not been paid to policyholders prior to the end of the financial year';

as disclosed at lines 49 and 12 respectively of the appropriate Form 14 ('Long-term business liabilities and margins') for that fund as part of the Annual Returns required to be deposited with the FSA under IPRU(INS) rule 9.6R(1).

In INSPRU 1.3.33R (1)(d), where a derivative or quasi-derivative has a positive asset value, credit should be given within the realistic value of assets. If the derivative or quasi-derivative has a negative asset value it should be valued within realistic liabilities as an element of realistic current liabilities (see INSPRU 1.3.40R (3)).

Where a firm identifies shares in a related undertaking which carries on long-term insurance business as shares held in one of its with-profits funds, INSPRU 1.3.33R (1)(e), INSPRU 1.3.33R (2) and INSPRU 1.3.33R (3) bring in a realistic valuation of the related undertaking equal to its net assets plus the present value of future profits, less its regulatory capital requirements (see INSPRU 1.3.33R (3)(b)(v), INSPRU 1.3.33R (3)(b)(vi) and INSPRU 1.3.33R (3)(b)(vii)). Where the related undertaking has taken the present value of future profits arising from its contracts into consideration in covering its regulatory capital requirements (for example, its risk capital margin, under INSPRU 1.3.45R (2)(c), INSPRU 1.3.33R (3)(b)(iii) requires a firm to exclude those future profits in valuing the related undertaking. The subtraction of the capital requirements in the calculation provides a straightforward method of allowing for the change in the related undertaking's value in stress conditions, as the value of the related undertaking is not subject to the realistic stress tests of the risk capital margin. In calculating the present value of future profits on non-profit insurance business written in the related undertaking under INSPRU 1.3.33R (3)(b)(iii), a firm may value the release of capital requirements as the business runs off (see INSPRU 1.3.38 G). INSPRU 1.3.33R (3)(b)(viii) ensures that any such capital is not double-counted.