Responsible actuaries

A key role for more clarity

The Responsible Actuaries working group is dedicated to supporting and interpreting complex legal requirements. It ensures a better understanding and clear orientation in this essential insurance function.

WHAT IS THE RESPONSIBLE ACTUARIES WORKING GROUP?

Function with responsibility

The Responsible Actuaries (RA) working group deals with the interpretation and clarification of the legal requirements placed on this central role within insurance companies. It supports the SAV in uniformly understanding and implementing the tasks and responsibilities of the VA, particularly with regard to legal regulations such as the AVO, VAG or FINMA circulars.

WHY DO WE NEED A WORKING GROUP OF RESPONSIBLE ACTUARIES?

Implementing rules in practice

Legal requirements can often be unclear or difficult to understand for practitioners. The working group helps to interpret these regulations and develop practical guidelines for the role of the RA. It ensures that the function is carried out in accordance with the requirements.

HOW DO I BECOME A RESPONSIBLE ACTUARY?

Qualifications and experience

Qualifications as an actuary, a good reputation and experience in the insurance industry are required to become a VA. FINMA assesses the proposed candidates by evaluating their CVs and conducting personal interviews if necessary. The role may only be exercised after approval.

Where can I find further information? FINMA provides comprehensive information on the legal basis and relevant circulars.

Communication from the "Accountable Actuary" working group of the SAA

At the SAA General Meeting on 5 September 2026, the two sets of guidelines

Guidelines on the Actuarial Report for Life Insurance
Guidelines on the Actuarial Report for Non-Life Insurance

were repealed without replacement and replaced by a checklist.

We have reviewed the guidelines to be repealed to determine whether they contain provisions not included in the AVO and AVO-FINMA regulations, the circulars or the guidelines. As this is not the case, we do not classify the new checklist as a guideline. Rather, it is intended to assist responsible actuaries and those in charge of the group actuarial function. Should you have any comments or suggestions on this matter, please feel free to address them to the working group.

On behalf of the SAV Executive Board and in the name of the Working Group on Responsible Actuaries

SAV Secretariat

Checklist

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Practical expertise

Recommendations from the “Responsible Actuary” working group at a glance – compact, relevant, and directly applicable to everyday practice.

DATA PROTECTION

GDPR from an actuarial perspective

This notice is intended for European actuaries working in the insurance industry and is designed to help clarify selected issues relating to the practical implementation of the GDPR. However, it does not constitute legal guidance and is by no means a substitute for a comprehensive analysis of the regulation when interpreting individual requirements.

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