2014 Study Guide. Subject SA2

Transcription

1 SA2: Study Guide Page Study Guide Subject SA2 Introduction This Study Guide contains all the information that you will need before starting to study Subject SA2 for the 2014 exams. Please read this Study Guide carefully before reading the Course Notes, even if you have studied for some actuarial exams before. When studying for the UK actuarial exams, you will need a copy of the Formulae and Tables for Examinations of the Faculty of Actuaries and the Institute of Actuaries, 2nd Edition (2002). These are often referred to as simply the yellow Tables and are available separately from the Publications shop of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. You will also need a permitted scientific calculator from the list published in the Student Handbook. Please check the list carefully since it is reviewed each year. You will find the list of permitted calculators and a link to the Publications shop on the profession s website at Contents Section 1 The Subject SA2 course structure Page 2 Section 2 ActEd study support Page 4 Section 3 How to study to pass the exams Page 12 Section 4 Practice Modules Page 16 Section 5 Frequently asked questions Page 17 Section 6 Core Reading and the Syllabus Page 18 Section 7 Syllabus Page 20 The Actuarial Education Company IFE: 2014 Examinations

2 Page 2 SA2: Study Guide 1 The Subject SA2 course structure There are six parts to the Subject SA2 course. The parts cover related topics and have broadly equal lengths, except for Parts 1 and 2, which are longer than the other four parts. The parts are broken down into chapters. The following table shows how the parts, the chapters and the syllabus objectives relate to each other. The end column shows how the chapters relate to the days of the regular tutorials. This table should help you plan your progress across the study session. IFE: 2014 Examinations The Actuarial Education Company

3 SA2: Study Guide Page 3 Part Chapter Title No of pages Syllabus objectives 0 Introduction 16 (h) 1 UK-specific products (1) 47 (b)(part) 2 UK-specific products (2) 64 (b)(part) 3 UK general business environment 49 (c) 4 UK contract and trust law 26 (d) 5 Policyholder tax 21 (e)(part) 6 Life company tax (1) 19 (e)(part) 7 Life company tax (2) 15 (e)(part) 8 Tax allowance in unit pricing 17 (e)(part) 9 UK regulatory environment (1) 25 (e)(part) 10 UK regulatory environment (2) 15 (e)(part) 11 Solvency reporting 33 (e)(part) 12 Valuation of assets 11 (e)(part) 13 Valuation of liabilities 27 (e)(part) 14 Solvency II (1) 18 (e)(part) 15 Solvency II (2) 36 (e)(part) 16 Professional standards and guidance 13 (e)(part) 17 Treating customers fairly 11 (e)(part) 18 Capital management 42 (e)(part) 19 Asset-liability management 19 (e)(part) 20 Analysis of surplus 38 (e)(part) 21 Profit reporting 28 (e)(part) 22 Profit reporting supplementary reporting 31 (e)(part) 23 Analysis of change in embedded value 21 (e)(part) 24 Asset shares 28 (g)(part) 25 Surplus distribution (1) 27 (e)&(g)(part) 26 Surplus distribution (2) 32 (e)(part) 27 Risk management and controls 48 (e)(part) 28 Contract design and pricing 25 (f) 29 With-profits surrender values 14 (g)(part) 30 With-profits alterations 12 (g)(part) 31 Problem solving Case study 9 33 Glossary 33 (a) 3 full days The Actuarial Education Company IFE: 2014 Examinations

4 Page 4 SA2: Study Guide 2 ActEd study support Successful students tend to undertake three main study activities: 1. Learning initial study and understanding of subject material 2. Revision learning subject material and preparing to tackle exam-style questions 3. Rehearsal answering exam-style questions, culminating in answering questions at exam speed without notes. Different approaches suit different people. For example, you may like to learn material gradually over the months running up to the exams or you may do your revision in a shorter period just before the exams. Also, these three activities will almost certainly overlap. ActEd offers a flexible range of products to suit you and let you control your own learning and exam preparation. The following table shows the products that ActEd produces. Note that not all products are available for all subjects. LEARNING LEARNING & REVISION REVISION REVISION & REHEARSAL REHEARSAL Course Notes Q&A Bank Flashcards Revision Notes Mock Exam A X Assignments Combined Materials Pack (CMP) X Assignment Marking Sound Revision MyTest ASET Revision Tutorials Additional Mock Pack (AMP) Mock / AMP Marking Tutorials Online Classroom The products and services available for Subject SA2 are described below. IFE: 2014 Examinations The Actuarial Education Company

5 SA2: Study Guide Page 5 Learning products Course Notes The Course Notes will help you develop the basic knowledge and understanding of principles needed to pass the exam. They incorporate the complete Core Reading and include full explanation of all the syllabus objectives, with worked examples and short questions to test your understanding. Each chapter includes the relevant syllabus objectives, a chapter summary and, where appropriate, a page of important formulae or definitions. Learning & revision products Question and Answer Bank The Question and Answer Bank provides a comprehensive bank of questions (including some past exam questions) with full solutions and comments. The Question and Answer Bank is divided into seven parts. The first six parts include a range of short and long questions to test your understanding of the corresponding part of the Course Notes. Part seven consists of 100 marks of exam-style questions. X Assignments The six Series X Assignments (X1 to X6) cover the material in Parts 1 to 6 respectively. The assignments are 100-mark tests and should take you three hours to complete. The actual Subject SA2 examination will have a total of 100 marks. Combined Materials Pack (CMP) The Combined Materials Pack (CMP) comprises the Course Notes, the Question and Answer Bank and the Series X Assignments. The CMP is available in ebook format for viewing on a range of electronic devices. ebooks can be ordered separately or as an addition to paper products. Visit for full details about the ebooks that are available, compatibility with different devices, software requirements and printing restrictions. The Actuarial Education Company IFE: 2014 Examinations

6 Page 6 SA2: Study Guide CMP Upgrade The CMP Upgrade lists all significant changes to the Core Reading and ActEd material so that you can manually amend last year s study material to make it suitable for study for this year. The upgrade includes replacement pages and additional pages where appropriate. If a large proportion of the material has changed significantly, making it inappropriate to include all changes, the upgrade will still explain what has changed and if necessary recommend that students purchase a replacement CMP or Course Notes at a significantly reduced price. The CMP Upgrade can be downloaded free of charge from our website at X Assignment Marking We are happy to mark your attempts at the X assignments. Marking is not included with the Assignments or the CMP and you need to order it separately. You can submit your scripts by , fax or post. Your script may be marked electronically, in which case you will be able to download your marked script via a secure link on the internet. Otherwise your marked script will be returned to you in the post. Don t underestimate the benefits of doing and submitting assignments: Question practice during this phase of your study gives an early focus on the end goal of answering exam-style questions. You re incentivised to keep up with your study plan and get a regular, realistic assessment of progress. Objective, personalised feedback from a high quality marker will highlight areas on which to work and help with exam technique. In a recent study, it was found that students who attempt more than half the assignments have significantly higher pass rates. Series Marking Series Marking applies to a specified subject, session and student. If you purchase Series Marking, you will not be able to defer the marking to a future exam sitting or transfer it to a different subject or student. IFE: 2014 Examinations The Actuarial Education Company

7 SA2: Study Guide Page 7 We typically send out full solutions with the Series X Assignments. However, if you order Series Marking at the same time as you order the Series X Assignments, you can choose whether or not to receive a copy of the solutions in advance. If you choose not to receive them with the study material, you will be able to download the solutions via a secure link on the internet when your marked script is returned (or following the final deadline date if you do not submit a script). If you are having your attempts at the assignments marked by ActEd, you should submit your scripts regularly throughout the session, in accordance with the schedule of recommended dates set out in information provided with the assignments. This will help you to pace your study throughout the session and leave an adequate amount of time for revision and question practice. The recommended submission dates are realistic targets for the majority of students. Your scripts will be returned more quickly if you submit them well before the final deadline dates. Any script submitted after the relevant final deadline date will not be marked. It is your responsibility to ensure that scripts are received by ActEd in good time. Marking Vouchers Marking Vouchers give the holder the right to submit a script for marking at any time, irrespective of the individual assignment deadlines, study session, subject or person. Marking Vouchers can be used for any assignment. They are valid for four years from the date of purchase and can be refunded at any time up to the expiry date. Although you may submit your script with a Marking Voucher at any time, you will need to adhere to the explicit Marking Voucher deadline dates to ensure that your script is returned before the date of the exam. The deadline dates are provided with the assignments. If you live outside the UK you must ensure that your last script reaches the ActEd office earlier than this to allow the extra time needed to return your marked script. Tutorials ActEd tutorials are specifically designed to develop the knowledge that you will acquire from the course material into the higher-level understanding that is needed to pass the exam. The Actuarial Education Company IFE: 2014 Examinations

8 Page 8 SA2: Study Guide ActEd runs a range of different tutorials at various locations, including online. Full details are set out in ActEd s Tuition Bulletin, which is sent regularly to all students based in the UK, Eire and South Africa and is also available from the ActEd website at Regular and Block Tutorials In preparation for these tutorials, we expect you to have read the relevant part(s) of the Course Notes before attending the tutorial so that the group can spend time on exam questions and discussion to develop understanding rather than basic bookwork. You can choose one of the following types of tutorial: Regular Tutorials (three full days) spread over the session. A Block Tutorial (three full consecutive days) held two to eight weeks before the exam. Revision products For most subjects, there is a lot of material to revise. Finding a way to fit revision into your routine as painlessly as possible has got to be a good strategy! MyTest is an inexpensive option that can provide a massive boost. It can also provide a variation in activities during a study day, and so help you to maintain concentration and effectiveness. MyTest MyTest is a revision product containing over 300 questions specially written for actuarial students. There are some multiple-choice questions and some requiring a longer answer. The more you use it, the more it learns about the gaps in your knowledge and understanding. Questions become ever more focused onto these gaps, until they are filled. In a recent study, it was found that students who focus on questions testing the areas of the course they find most difficult have significantly higher pass rates. MyTest is only available online. Registration runs for one exam session and will automatically expire after the exam. Visit our website at for information on how the programme works and details of how to place an order for MyTest. IFE: 2014 Examinations The Actuarial Education Company

9 SA2: Study Guide Page 9 Revision & rehearsal products ActEd Solutions with Exam Technique (ASET) The ActEd Solutions with Exam Technique (ASET) contains ActEd s solutions to the previous three years exam papers, ie six papers, plus comment and explanation. In particular it will highlight how questions might have been analysed and interpreted so as to produce a good solution with a wide range of relevant points. This will be valuable in approaching questions in subsequent examinations. A Mini-ASET will also be available in the summer session covering the April Exam only. Revision Tutorials Revision Tutorials are intensive one-day face-to-face tutorials or half-day online tutorials in the final run-up to the exam. They give you the opportunity to practise interpreting and answering past exam questions and to raise any outstanding queries with an ActEd tutor. These courses are most suitable if you have previously attended Regular Tutorials or a Block Tutorial in the same subject. Details of how to apply for ActEd s tutorials are set out in our Tuition Bulletin, which is available from the ActEd website at Rehearsal products Mock Exam A Mock Exam A is a 100-mark mock exam paper and is available for students as a realistic test of their exam preparation. It is based on Mock Exam A from last year but it has been updated to reflect any changes to the Syllabus and Core Reading. Additional Mock Pack (AMP) The Additional Mock Pack (AMP) consists of two further 100-mark mock exam papers Mock Exam B and Mock Exam C. This is ideal for students who are retaking and have already sat Mock Exam A, or for those who just want some extra question practice. The Actuarial Education Company IFE: 2014 Examinations

10 Page 10 SA2: Study Guide Mock / AMP Marking We are happy to mark your attempts at Mock Exam A or the mock exams included within the AMP. The same general principles apply as for the X Assignment Marking. In particular: Mock Exam Marking is available for Mock Exam A and it applies to a specified subject, session and student Marking Vouchers can be used for Mock Exam A or the mock exams contained within the AMP; please note that attempts at the AMP can only be marked using Marking Vouchers. Recall that: marking is not included with the products themselves and you need to order it separately you can submit your scripts by , fax or post your script may be marked and returned to you electronically, or marked and returned by post. Queries and feedback From time to time you may come across something in the study material that is unclear to you. The easiest way to solve such problems is often through discussion with friends, colleagues and peers they will probably have had similar experiences whilst studying. If there s no-one at work to talk to then use ActEd s discussion forum at (or use the link from our home page at Our online forum is dedicated to actuarial students so that you can get help from fellow students on any aspect of your studies from technical issues to study advice. You could also use it to get ideas for revision or for further reading around the subject that you are studying. ActEd tutors will visit the site from time to time to ensure that you are not being led astray and we also post other frequently asked questions from students on the forum as they arise. If you are still stuck, then you can send queries by to [email protected] (but we recommend that you try the forum first). We will endeavour to contact you as soon as possible after receiving your query but you should be aware that it may take some time to reply to queries, particularly when tutors are away from the office running tutorials. At the busiest teaching times of year, it may take us more than a week to get back to you. IFE: 2014 Examinations The Actuarial Education Company

11 SA2: Study Guide Page 11 If you have many queries on the course material, you should raise them at a tutorial or book a personal tuition session with an ActEd tutor. Information about personal tuition is set out in our current brochure. Please [email protected] for more details. If you find an error in the course, please check the corrections page of our website ( to see if the correction has already been dealt with. Otherwise please send details via to [email protected] or send a fax to Each year ActEd tutors work hard to improve the quality of the study material and to ensure that the courses are as clear as possible and free from errors. We are always happy to receive feedback from students, particularly details concerning any errors, contradictions or unclear statements in the courses. If you have any comments on this course please them to [email protected] or fax them to The ActEd tutors also work with the profession to suggest developments and improvements to the Syllabus and Core Reading. If you have any comments or concerns about the Syllabus or Core Reading, these can be passed on via ActEd. Alternatively, you can send them directly to the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries Examination Team by to [email protected]. The Actuarial Education Company IFE: 2014 Examinations

12 Page 12 SA2: Study Guide 3 How to study to pass the exams The SA subjects demand a very different study approach to that of the other subjects. There is only one paper in each of the SA Subject exams, consisting of up to four questions. Although you still need to know the factual information you have covered in the Course Notes, the paper will predominantly be a test of higher level skills rather than a lengthy test of detailed factual knowledge. These higher level skills are: analysis synthesis critical judgement communication. In order to become adept at these skills, more is required of you over and above simply reading the Course Notes and practising some questions. There is likely to be less bookwork in the SA Subject exam than you have been used to in the ST Subject exams. More thinking and planning will be required in the exam room, which is difficult when you are under time pressure. You need to realise this and do something about it before you enter the exam room. A greater understanding is needed of the material being covered, beyond what you read in the Course Notes. This means you should be prepared to read around the subject and be aware of current topics within the field of the subject. You will need a good knowledge of how the course links together. In particular, you should be ready to discuss big topics, such as risk, capital and return. In addition, you need to be able to assimilate efficiently all the necessary parts of both the subject SA and equivalent subject ST course, in order to prove you understand the subject fully. You will also need to employ your communication skills learned in Subject CA3. The skills required of you are covered in greater depth in the Course Notes, and in the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries Guide to the SA Subject exams, which can be found on the profession s website at: IFE: 2014 Examinations The Actuarial Education Company

13 SA2: Study Guide Page 13 Overall study plan We suggest that you develop a realistic study plan, building in time for relaxation and allowing some time for contingencies. Be aware of busy times at work, when you may not be able to take as much study leave as you would like. Once you have set your plan, be determined to stick to it. You don t have to be too prescriptive at this stage about what precisely you do on each study day. The main thing is to be clear that you will cover all the important activities in an appropriate manner and leave plenty of time for revision and question practice. Aim to manage your study so as to allow plenty of time for the concepts you meet in this course to bed down in your mind. Most successful students will probably aim to complete the course at least a month before the exam, thereby leaving a sufficient amount of time for revision. By finishing the course as quickly as possible, you will have a much clearer view of the big picture. It will also allow you to structure your revision so that you can concentrate on the important and difficult areas of the course. A sample SA subject study plan is available on our website at: It includes details of useful dates, including assignment deadlines and tutorial finalisation dates. Study sessions Only do activities that will increase your chance of passing. Try to avoid including activities for the sake of it and don t spend time reviewing material that you already understand. You will only improve your chances of passing the exam by getting on top of the material that you currently find difficult. Ideally, each study session should have a specific purpose and be based on a specific task, eg Finish reading Chapter 3 and attempt Questions 1.4, 1.7 and 1.12 from the Question and Answer Bank, as opposed to a specific amount of time, eg Three hours studying the material in Chapter 3. Try to study somewhere quiet and free from distractions (eg a library or a desk at home dedicated to study). Find out when you operate at your peak, and endeavour to study at those times of the day. This might be between 8am and 10am or could be in the evening. Take short breaks during your study to remain focused it s definitely time for a short break if you find that your brain is tired and that your concentration has started to drift from the information in front of you. The Actuarial Education Company IFE: 2014 Examinations

14 Page 14 SA2: Study Guide Order of study We suggest that you work through each of the chapters in turn. To get the maximum benefit from each chapter you should proceed in the following order: 1. Read the Syllabus Objectives. These are set out in the box on page 1 of each chapter. 2. Read the Chapter Summary at the end of each chapter. This will give you a useful overview of the material that you are about to study and help you to appreciate the context of the ideas that you meet. 3. Study the Course Notes in detail, annotating them and possibly making your own notes. Try the self-assessment questions as you come to them. Our suggested solutions are at the end of each chapter. As you study, pay particular attention to the listing of the Syllabus Objectives and to the Core Reading. 4. Read the Chapter Summary again carefully. If there are any ideas that you can t remember covering in the Course Notes, read the relevant section of the notes again to refresh your memory. It s a fact that people are more likely to remember something if they review it several times. So, do look over the chapters you have studied so far from time to time. It is useful to re-read the Chapter Summaries or to try the self-assessment questions again a few days after reading the chapter itself. You may like to attempt some questions from the Question and Answer Bank when you have completed a part of the course. It s a good idea to annotate the questions with details of when you attempted each one. This makes it easier to ensure that you try all of the questions as part of your revision without repeating any that you got right first time. Once you ve read the relevant part of the notes and tried a selection of questions from the Question and Answer Bank (and attended a tutorial, if appropriate), you should attempt the corresponding assignment. If you submit your assignment for marking, spend some time looking through it carefully when it is returned. It can seem a bit depressing to analyse the errors you made, but you will increase your chances of passing the exam by learning from your mistakes. The markers will try their best to provide practical comments to help you to improve. To be really prepared for the exam, you should not only know and understand the Core Reading but also be aware of what the examiners will expect. Your revision programme should include plenty of question practice so that you are aware of the typical style, content and marking structure of exam questions. You should attempt as many questions as you can from the Question and Answer Bank and past exam papers. IFE: 2014 Examinations The Actuarial Education Company

15 SA2: Study Guide Page 15 Active study Here are some techniques that may help you to study actively. 1. Don t believe everything you read! Good students tend to question everything that they read. They will ask why, how, what for, when? when confronted with a new concept, and they will apply their own judgement. This contrasts with those who unquestioningly believe what they are told, learn it thoroughly, and reproduce it (unquestioningly?) in response to exam questions. 2. Another useful technique as you read the Course Notes is to think of possible questions that the examiners could ask. This will help you to understand the examiners point of view and should mean that there are fewer nasty surprises in the exam room! Use the Syllabus to help you make up questions. 3. Annotate your notes with your own ideas and questions. This will make you study more actively and will help when you come to review and revise the material. Do not simply copy out the notes without thinking about the issues. 4. Attempt the questions in the notes as you work through the course. Write down your answer before you refer to the solution. 5. Attempt other questions and assignments on a similar basis, ie write down your answer before looking at the solution provided. Attempting the assignments under exam conditions has some particular benefits: It forces you to think and act in a way that is similar to how you will behave in the exam. When you have your assignments marked it is much more useful if the marker s comments can show you how to improve your performance under exam conditions than your performance when you have access to the notes and are under no time pressure. The knowledge that you are going to do an assignment under exam conditions and then submit it (however good or bad) for marking can act as a powerful incentive to make you study each part as well as possible. It is also quicker than trying to write perfect answers. 6. Sit a mock exam four to six weeks before the real exam to identify your weaknesses and work to improve them. You could use a mock exam written by ActEd or a past exam paper. The Actuarial Education Company IFE: 2014 Examinations

16 Page 16 SA2: Study Guide 4 Practice Modules Many students (primarily those who anticipate working in the UK in a reserved role) who take the Subject SA2 exam will also be taking the online Practice Module exam. The exam will consist of 50 multiple-choice questions, to be answered in 1½ hours. There will be 25 questions that are generic and 25 questions that are practice-area specific. The Subject SA2 Core Reading, included within the ActEd Course Notes, is the required reading for the practice-area-specific part of the module, whereas some additional Core Reading has been produced by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries for the generic part. ActEd has been asked by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries to sell this additional Core Reading. Students can order it in the usual way. Please use the product code P0. As not every student will be taking the Practice Module, this course does not refer to it other than in this Study Guide. However, to help you prepare for the Practice Module, you may wish to order our set of multiple-choice questions for Practice Module P2. (Note that these multiple-choice questions may also help you with your preparation for the Subject SA2 exam, helping you become familiar with the bookwork that you are required to know.) In each subject there are at least 480 multiple-choice questions to help students prepare for the exam. The questions cover both the generic material (covered by the P0 Core Reading) and the subject-specific material (covered by the SA2 Core Reading). The questions are available in six A6-sized spiral-bound booklets: three booklets for the generic material and three for the subject-specific material. Each booklet contains at least 80 multiple-choice questions. For more information about these products or to place an order please refer to our Student Brochure or visit our website at More general information about the Practice Modules, including specimen papers, can be found at: IFE: 2014 Examinations The Actuarial Education Company

17 SA2: Study Guide Page 17 5 Frequently asked questions Q: What knowledge of earlier subjects should I have? A: The Course Notes have been written assuming that you have already studied, or been exempted from, Subjects CT1 CT8. The principles of Subject ST2 are fundamental to this course. Subject CA1 (Core Application Concepts) covers the general underlying principles affecting all specialisms. Q: What is your advice if I am simultaneously studying Subject ST2? A: You need to be aware that the examiners have expressed concerns about the poor pass rates for students who simultaneously attempted the 400 series (the predecessor to the Specialist Applications Subjects) exam alongside the corresponding 300 series (the predecessor to the Specialist Technical Subjects) paper. If you decide to study for Subjects ST2 and SA2 in the same session do not underestimate the work involved and the need for a mature understanding of the life insurance industry. Subject SA2 builds on the common principles developed in Subject ST2, but requires a much greater depth of knowledge and understanding. Consequently, there is a degree of overlap between the two subjects both in the Core Reading and also possibly in the types of questions that are likely to appear on the exam papers. It is therefore important to assimilate the key ideas presented in Subject ST2 before tackling the same ground in Subject SA2. We suggest that you aim to cover the Subject ST2 course as quickly as possible, so as to get a general feel for the principles together with an overview of the course content. It also makes sense to quickly review the relevant Subject ST2 material prior to working through each chapter in Subject SA2. From time to time over the study session, and particularly at the revision stage, it might also be a good idea to review the Subjects ST2 & SA2 Course Notes at the same time, along with the Question and Answer Banks, Assignments and past exam papers. In particular, it is always worth thinking about how each idea or principle is presented in each of ST2 and SA2 and hence how it might consequently be examined in either exam. The Actuarial Education Company IFE: 2014 Examinations

18 Page 18 SA2: Study Guide 6 Core Reading and the Syllabus Core Reading The Syllabus for Subject SA2, and the Core Reading that supplements it, has been written by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries to state the requirements of the examiners. The relevant individual Syllabus Objectives are included at the start of each course chapter and a complete copy of the Syllabus is included in Section 7 of this Study Guide. We recommend that you use the Syllabus as an important part of your study. The purpose of Core Reading is to give the examiners, tutors and students a clear, shared understanding of the depth and breadth of treatment required by the Syllabus. In examinations students are expected to demonstrate their understanding of the concepts in Core Reading. Examiners have the Core Reading available when setting papers. Core Reading deals with each syllabus objective. Core Reading covers what is needed to pass the exam but the tuition material that has been written by ActEd enhances it by giving examples and further explanation of key points. The Subject SA2 Course Notes include the Core Reading in full, integrated throughout the course. Here is an excerpt from some ActEd Course Notes to show you how to identify Core Reading and the ActEd material. Core Reading is shown in this bold font. Note that in the example given above, the index will fall if the actual share price goes below the theoretical ex-rights share price. Again, this is consistent with what would happen to an underlying portfolio. This is After allowing for chain-linking, the formula for the investment index then ActEd becomes: text It () i Nit, Pit, Bt () This is Core Reading where N it, is the number of shares issued for the ith constituent at time t; Bt ( ) is the base value, or divisor, at time t. Core Reading accreditation The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries would like to thank the numerous people who have helped in the development of this material and in the previous versions of Core Reading. IFE: 2014 Examinations The Actuarial Education Company

19 SA2: Study Guide Page 19 Changes to the Syllabus and Core Reading The Syllabus and Core Reading are updated as at 31 May each year. The exams in April and September 2014 will be based on the Syllabus and Core Reading as at 31 May We recommend that you always use the up-to-date Core Reading to prepare for the exams. The Institute and Faculty of Actuaries Copyright All study material produced by ActEd is copyright and is sold for the exclusive use of the purchaser. The copyright is owned by Institute and Faculty Education Limited, a subsidiary of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Unless prior authority is granted by ActEd, you may not hire out, lend, give out, sell, store or transmit electronically or photocopy any part of the study material. You must take care of your study material to ensure that it is not used or copied by anybody else. Legal action will be taken if these terms are infringed. In addition, we may seek to take disciplinary action through the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries or through your employer. These conditions remain in force after you have finished using the course. Past exam papers You can download some past exam papers and Examiners Reports from the profession s website at Further reading A list of recommended reading is included in Chapter 0 of the Course Notes. Calculators Please refer to for the latest advice on which calculators are permitted in the exams. The Actuarial Education Company IFE: 2014 Examinations

20 Page 20 SA2: Study Guide 7 Syllabus The full Syllabus for Subject SA2 is given here. To the right of each objective are the chapter numbers in which the objective is covered in the ActEd course. Aim The aim of the Life Insurance Specialist Applications subject is to instil in the successful candidates the ability to apply knowledge of the United Kingdom life insurance environment and the principles of the actuarial practice of life insurance to a United Kingdom life insurance company. Links to other subjects Subject ST2 Life Insurance Specialist Technical: provides the underlying principles upon which this subject is based. It is assumed that students have a good understanding of the principles covered in that subject. Candidates can expect to be examined in aspects of general principles developed in Subject ST2 Life Insurance Specialist Technical as well as in the UK specific aspects developed in this subject. Subject P2 Life Insurance UK Practice Module Specialist: the knowledge required to pass Subject P2 is contained in this subject. Subjects ST1 and SA1 these Health and Care Specialist Technical and Applications subjects cover health and care products such as income protection and critical illness, and related matters. These two products are covered to a limited extent in Subject SA2 because they are relevant products to a life insurance actuary. Questions may get asked in the examination paper for Subject SA2 about matters relating to these products that are not covered specifically in the Core Reading for SA2, in particular applying the concepts covered in SA2 to income protection and critical illness products. Objectives On completion of this subject the candidate will be able to: (a) Define the principal terms used in life insurance in the UK. (Chapter 33) IFE: 2014 Examinations The Actuarial Education Company

21 SA2: Study Guide Page 21 (b) Describe the major products of interest to UK life insurance companies, additional to the generic coverage in Subject ST2, and whether currently sold or not, in terms of: (Chapters 1 and 2) the main types of products issued the benefits, guarantees, and options that may be provided the purpose and risks of the products to the policyholder and the insurer. The products under this Syllabus objective are: term assurance income protection insurance critical illness insurance conventional with-profits accumulating with-profits property-linked index-linked mortgage endowment single premium bonds personal pension, including self-invested personal pension group personal pension stakeholder products annuities life insurance products related to occupational pension schemes wraps variable annuities equity release products Takaful insurance microinsurance. The Actuarial Education Company IFE: 2014 Examinations

22 Page 22 SA2: Study Guide (c) (d) (e) Describe the general business environment for life insurance companies in the UK, including the risks involved, in terms of: (Chapter 3) new business distribution of products the wider competitive environment the principles of treating customers fairly operational risk corporate finance outsourcing securitisation mergers and acquisitions demutualisations closed funds. Describe the principles of UK contract and trust law as they affect life insurance, including reference to Unfair Contract Terms legislation, the Financial Ombudsman Service, and the impact of equality legislation. (Chapter 4) Describe, in terms of the following, the regulatory environment for UK life insurance companies, and how this environment affects the way these companies carry out their business in practice, including the related analyses and investigations: 1. The taxation of the UK business of life insurance companies and the effect of taxation on the benefits and premiums paid under UK life insurance contracts. (Chapters 5 8) 2. The supervision of the UK business of life insurance companies under the relevant regulatory handbooks with regard to: the valuation of assets, liabilities and solvency capital requirements (Chapters 11, 12 and 13) the supervisory reports to be submitted (Chapter 9) transfers of surplus, including the requirements of surplus distribution systems. (Chapter 25) 3. The principles underlying the Solvency II regulatory regime. (Chapters 14 and 15) IFE: 2014 Examinations The Actuarial Education Company

23 SA2: Study Guide Page The transfer of liabilities from one life insurance company to another.. (Chapter 9) 5. The capital management of a life insurance company, including determining and improving available capital, projecting future solvency, the principles of asset-liability management and the use of derivatives. (Chapters 18 and 19) 6. An analysis of surplus on a supervisory basis reasons for carrying out the analysis, how to do it, and using the results. (Chapter 20) 7. Profit and value reporting under the Companies Act legislation, EU approved IFRS, and embedded values, including market-consistent embedded values. (Chapters 21 and 22) 8. An analysis of the change in the embedded value of a proprietary UK life insurance company, using the results to reassess the design of the company s contracts or actuarial bases. (Chapter 23) 9. The Conduct of Business rules with regard to Treating Customers Fairly, disclosure and, for with-profits business, the Principles and Practices of Financial Management (PPFM), including the Consumer Friendly PPFM. (Chapters 10 and 17) 10. The management and controls to be exercised by a life insurance company in order to conduct its affairs responsibly and effectively with adequate risk management systems. (Chapter 27) 11. The principles underlying the requirements of the professional standards and guidance relevant to actuaries practising in or advising UK life insurance companies. (Chapter 16) 12. The roles of the Actuarial Function Holder, the With-Profits Actuary, the Reviewing Actuary and the Appropriate Actuary. (Chapter 9) (f) Describe the requirements for the design of life insurance contracts to be marketed in the UK and determine appropriate methods and bases for pricing them. (Chapter 28) The Actuarial Education Company IFE: 2014 Examinations

24 Page 24 SA2: Study Guide (g) (h) Describe the management of UK with profits business, including: the calculation and use of asset shares appropriate ways of determining surplus distribution policy the determination of discontinuance and alteration terms. (Chapters 24, 25, 26, 29 and 30) Produce coherent advice and recommendations for the overall financial management of a life insurance company. (Chapters 0 and 31) Analyse more complex problems in terms of actuarial, economic and financial factors to a level where appropriate analytical techniques may be used Integrate the results of such an analysis into a coherent whole, and Evaluate critically and interpret the results in a wider context and draw appropriate conclusions. IFE: 2014 Examinations The Actuarial Education Company