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Principles and Practices of Financial Management (PPFM). Younger Members Convention. Scott Robertson Michael Eakins December 2003. Agenda. Headlines Background PPFM – definitions and aims PPFM – content Principles and Practices PPFM Issues Governance of PPFMs Disclosure
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Principles and Practices of Financial Management (PPFM) Younger Members Convention Scott Robertson Michael Eakins December 2003
Agenda • Headlines • Background • PPFM – definitions and aims • PPFM – content • Principles and Practices • PPFM Issues • Governance of PPFMs • Disclosure • Implications of PPFM
Main Headlines • A document stating how a firm runs its with-profits fund • Publicly available from 31st March 2004 • Greater disclosure • Directors responsible for the compliance of the with-profits fund with the PPFM • With-Profit Actuary to publicly report to policyholders on compliance with PPFM • Independent review of PPFM
Background FSA With-Profits Review • Policyholders have a poor understanding of the nature and the risks involved • Current level of disclosure inadequate and varies by firm • WP Firms apply a large degree of discretion • Firms may end up treating policyholders unfairly
Background • Recent History • Regular bonus rates slashed by up to 15% in 2003 • WP funds close to new business • Funds increase MVR’s up to 25% • Investment shift from equity to bonds
The aims of PPFMs • Require firms to treat customers fairly • Offer greater protection to consumers • Improve public confidence in the governance of with-profit firms
Principles and Practices • Principles are enduring statements of how the firm manages the with-profits fund • Principles are not expected to change often • Practices are describe in detail how the firm runs the fund day to day • Practices are expected to change with economic and business environment
PPFM Content Payouts Equity Investment Strategy PPFM New Business Business Risks Inherited Estate Charges & Expenses
PPFM Content Payouts Equity Investment Strategy PPFM New Business Business Risks Inherited Estate Charges & Expenses
PPFM Content Payouts Equity Investment Strategy PPFM New Business Business Risks Inherited Estate Charges & Expenses
PPFM Content Payouts Equity Investment Strategy PPFM New Business Business Risks Inherited Estate Charges & Expenses
PPFM Content Payouts Equity Investment Strategy PPFM New Business Business Risks Inherited Estate Charges & Expenses
PPFM Content Payouts Equity Investment Strategy PPFM New Business Business Risks Inherited Estate Charges & Expenses
PPFM Content Payouts Equity Investment Strategy PPFM New Business Business Risks Inherited Estate Charges & Expenses
PPFM Issues • New PRE? • The format of the PPFM • Multiple PPFM’s • Level of detail? • How much warning? • User friendliness
Governance of PPFM With Profit Actuary Board Key Stakeholders Audit of Realistic Balance Sheet With Profit Committee or Independent Person
Governance of PPFMs Board of Directors Roles • Provide annual report to the with profit policyholders on the compliance (or otherwise) of the management of the with profit fund with PPFM obligations. • The Board must state why they believe that the firm has complied with the obligations of the PPFM. • State how the firm has exercised any discretion in relation to the with profit business. • State how it has resolved any competing or conflicting rights between different policyholders and or shareholders. Issues • Life office controls and processes. • Level of training and expertise required. • A step change in Board education required? • Who provides appropriate advice to the Board?
Governance of PPFMs With Profits Committee / Independent Person Structure • Options available for governance structure: • Establishing a committee of the Board • Retaining an independent expert to report to the Board • Commissioning a report from a Non-Executive Director Roles • Provide an independent assessment of of the firm’s compliance with the PPFM • Independent judgement in how any competing or conflicting rights have been resolved. Issues • Firms with several with profits funds – will one WPC suffice? • Membership • Competence • Attractiveness of role • Internal or external appointments • Significant expense?
Governance – What does it mean for actuaries? Appointed Actuary With Profit Actuary (WPA) Head Of Actuarial Function (HOAF) Practicalities: • One individual can do both WPA and HOAF • WPA cannot sit on Board • No restriction on HOAF sitting on Board
Governance – What does it mean for actuaries? With Profit Actuary Roles and Responsibilities • Bonus Recommendations. • PPFMs - annual report to the Board and Policyholders on compliance with PPFM obligations. • May need to accept some of the miscellaneous duties associated with the Appointed Actuary role – eg Schemes of Arrangement Issues • Who does WPA report to? • Access to the Board. How to ensure WPA is fully abreast of business developments? • Attractiveness of role – outsourcing?
Governance – What does it mean for actuaries? Head of Actuarial Function Roles • Advise the the Board on methodology and assumptions for actuarial valuation • Carry out the calculation of the liabilities. • Monitor the financial condition of the of the firm and advise on capital needs to support the business Outstanding Questions • Clear lines of distinction with WPA? • Combine role with Finance Director? • Should Head of Actuarial Function have a place on the Board? • Shareholder Champion?
Disclosure • PPFMs not required for non-profit funds • All With-Profit funds will be required to produce PPFMs • FSA have made it clear that current documentation (eg With Profit Guides) cannot be used as the PPFM • PPFMs will need to be available on request rather than automatically
New Disclosure Annual Disclosure of Compliance with PPFM Ad hoc Disclosure of Changes to PPFM Firm’s Report on With-Profit Fund 3-month warning of change to principles WPA Report on compliance with PPFM Notify of change to practices in annual statement WPC / Independent Report on compliance with PPFM
Implications of PPFMs for… • Regulatory Reporting • Sales of With-profit products • New with-profit products • Number of with-profit firms • Legal implications • Decision making process • Mutuals and 90:10 funds disclosing their estates
Implications of PPFMs on Decision Making With-ProfitActuary Subject to Peer Review Board With-Profit Committee IndependentJudgement Head of ActuarialFunction Subject to IndependentActuarialReview
Implications of PPFMs on Capital Requirements PPFMs InternalCapitalAssessment
Questions … For further information: Scott Robertsonsrobertson@uk.ey.com020 7951 4592 Michael Eakinsmeakins@uk.ey.com020 7951 8236