2023-08-15
The Financial Supervision Commission of Bulgaria issued Ordinance No. 71 to establish detailed governance requirements for insurers and reinsurers operating in the Republic of Bulgaria. The regulation mandates sound management practices, including the segregation of responsibilities, documentation of significant decisions, and the implementation of robust risk management and contingency plans. It further requires periodic reviews of governance systems, adherence to specific remuneration rules, and the application of fit and proper criteria for key personnel.
ORDINANCE No. 71 of 22.07.2021 on the requirements to the system of governance of insurers and reinsurers Prom. - SG, issue 64 /03.08.2021 Adopted by Decision No. 227-H of 22.07.2021 of the Financial Supervision Commission Chapter one GENERAL Subject matter Art. 1. The ordinance set out more detailed requirements to the system of governance of insurers and reinsurers in accordance with the principles regulated in Chapter Seven of the Insurance Code. Objectives Art. 2. (1) The requirements regarding the system of governance are intended to ensure sound and prudent management of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, and its independence in choosing its own organizational structure, which guarantees an appropriate allocation and segregation of responsibilities. (2) The system of governance shall ensure:
Competent body Art. 5. (1) Within the meaning of this ordinance, the competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, is its management or control body, determined pursuant to Art. 77, para. 1 of the Insurance Code. (2) For the performance of specific tasks related to the system of governance the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, may decide to form auxiliary bodies. (3) The competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, interacts with the auxiliary bodies, as well as with the executive directors and other persons who are authorized to manage or represent the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, hereinafter referred to as the “executive management”, and with the persons performing key functions in the insurer, respectively in the reinsurer, actively requesting information from them and challenging it to verification when necessary. (4) At the group level, the competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer that is a participating undertaking, of the insurance holding undertaking or of the financial holding undertaking with mixed activities, maintains appropriate interaction with the management and control bodies of all undertakings in the group that have a significant influence on the group's risk profile, actively requesting information from them and challenging their decisions on matters that may affect the entire group. Organizational and management structure Art. 6. (1) The competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, adopts an organizational and management structure under Art. 77, para. 1, item 1 of the Insurance Code, which aims to support the strategic objectives and operations of the undertaking and promptly adapts it to changes in them or in the business environment in which it operates. (2) The internal acts of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall be interconnected and in their totality shall guarantee the consistent application of the risk management and internal control policies with a view to ensuring sound and prudent management of the activity. The acts shall bind the members of the management and control body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, and all other employees of the undertaking, and contain a precise description of their rights and obligations depending on their field of activity. The competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, takes steps to acquaint the interested parties with their respective rights and obligations. (3) The management and control body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, are obliged to observe and enforce the observance of an organizational culture that helps the effective functioning of the management system in the undertaking, through appropriate organizational values and priorities. (4) The competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall provide within the organizational structure of the undertaking an appropriate status for each of the key functions, defining its responsibilities and powers. (5) The competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, shall arrange within the management structure the work processes related to the material risks and determine how they will be implemented in order to ensure that they are subject to adequate monitoring and control. (6) At the group level, the competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer that is a participating undertaking, of the insurance holding or of the mixed-activity financial holding, shall assess how changes in the group structure impact the stable financial position of the affected entities and to make the necessary corrections in a timely manner. For the purposes of the assessment under the first sentence, the competent body may carry out its Own risk and solvency assessment (ORSA) at group level and at the level of affected entities. An ORSA should be carried out when changes in the structure of the group are expected to cause a significant change in the risk profile of the group or of the affected entities within it.
(7) The competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer that is a participating undertaking, of the insurance holding undertaking or of the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking shall have appropriate knowledge about the corporate organization of the group, the business model of its various entities, the connections and relations between them and the risks arising from the structure of the group in order to take appropriate measures. (8) The competent body of the insurer or reinsurer or of the undertaking at the head of the group shall assess the adequacy of the management and organizational structure at the level of the insurer or reinsurer, respectively at the group level. Significant decisions Art. 7. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall ensure that at least two persons who effectively manage the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, are involved in making any significant decision of the undertaking, before the decision is implemented. (2) Significant decisions within the meaning of para. 1 are those which:
(3) The persons who perform key functions have operational independence and can make decisions regarding the performance of their duties without interference from other units in the undertaking. The competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, guarantees the operational independence of each key function, and when integrating it into the organizational structure of the undertaking does not allow impact, control or limitation on its activity by other functions, by the management and/or control body or by their members. (4) When an insurer, respectively a reinsurer, allows the simultaneous performance of more than one key function by the same person or unit, it shall justify this decision and introduce effective internal processes and procedures to ensure that operational independence of the key functions is not threatened. (5) The organizational and management structure of the insurer shall allow the heads of key functions, respectively the persons who perform the key functions, to report directly to the competent body of the insurer or reinsurer any findings, concerns and proposals without limitation regarding the nature and volume of the reported information. Before making a decision, the competent body shall give the affected persons and units the right to submit their comments, explanations or objections. (6) The competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, assesses whether, when and how to respond to the findings, concerns or proposals reported by the head of a key function, respectively by the person who performs a key function, but does not have the right to influence their change, to align with the reported position. (7) The competent body of the undertaking at the head of the group, defines in group-level policies the tasks and responsibilities of each individual entity within the group with a view to the general strategic goals and activities of the group. (8) An insurer or reinsurer that is a member of a group fulfills its obligations regarding the system of governance and develops its own internal rules in accordance with the strategy and policies at the group level. Decisions or procedures at group level are not allowed to lead to an individual insurer or reinsurer within it being in breach the existing regulations or prudential requirements within the meaning of Art. 68, para. 12 of the Insurance Code. (9) Each insurer, respectively reinsurer, is obliged to build and maintain an effective system for accountability, reporting and exchange of information with the aim of timely provision of information to all interested parties. Periodic review of the system of governance Art. 10. (1) The competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer shall determine the scope and frequency of the periodic review under Art. 76, para. 5 of the Insurance Code of the system of governance, taking into account the nature, scale and complexity of the activity both at the individual level and at the group level, as well as the structure of the group. (2) Periodic review procedures shall ensure the collection of information on key functions and an overview of the management system together with proposals for changes where necessary. In the periodic review process, the competent body takes into account the findings of the reviews of the internal audit function. (3) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall ensure that the scope, findings and conclusions of the periodic review are appropriately documented and reported to the competent body. The insurer or reinsurer shall establish an appropriate verification and control mechanism to ensure that follow-up actions are taken and documented. Program of Operations and Policies Art. 11. (1) The program of operations of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, under Art. 77, para. 1, item 2 of the Insurance Code and its updates shall reflect its operations both on the territory of the Republic of Bulgaria and in other Member States or in third countries in which it carries out or intends to operate within the three-year period. (2) The competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall update the program
of operations annually within the period under Art. 77, para. 1, item 2 of the Insurance Code, providing for the operations for a period not shorter than three years in the future. Before undertaking activities that are not provided for in the program of operations, the competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, makes the relevant changes in it and outside the period under Art. 77, para. 1, item 2 of the Insurance Code, and if necessary - more than once within a year. (3) Before making a decision on updating the program of operations or making changes to it, the competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, takes into account the results of the last regularly performed ORSA and assesses the need to carry out an extraordinary ORSA in any case when anticipated changes may materially affect risk or equity. (4) The competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, submits the updated program of operations to the FSC no later than 14 days after the adoption of the update. (5) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, brings all the policies that are part of the system of governance in line with each other, as well as with the program of operations, and when exercising its operational independence, it can shape and combine them in a way, which corresponds to its organizational structure and processes. Policy within the meaning of the first sentence is the totality of all internal acts and documents that contain the requirements in the relevant field, and shall clearly define at least:
consistent with the group policies. (12) The competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, submits the policies under Art. 77, para. 1, item 3 of the Insurance Code together with their subsequent important amendments and additions in the FSC no later than 14 days after their adoption. The competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, which is a participating undertaking, of the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking provides the policies under Art. 77, para. 1, item 3 of the Insurance Code at the group level together with their subsequent important amendments and additions in the FSC no later than 14 days after their adoption. Important amendments and additions within the meaning of the first or second sentences are those that meet the criteria under Art. 7, para. 2 or 3. Contingency plans Art. 12. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, develops a policy to ensure the business continuity and identifies the significant risks that shall be taken into account in the emergency action plans covering the areas where the undertaking is vulnerable, such as risks from natural disasters, fires, accidents, significant breakdowns of information systems, epidemics, etc. The business continuity policy and contingency plans are approved by the competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer. (2) Based on the identified risks, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, prepares written plans to ensure that the interruption of the activity and the possible losses from the possible realization of the risks under para. 1 will be limited and the undertaking will be able to continue its activities to the extent necessary to ensure at least the protection of employees, property and other assets. The plans also define the channels of communication in the event of an emergency. (3) The plans under para. 2 cover all essential activities of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer. The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, familiarizes the members of its management and control body, the executive management, as well as its other employees with their obligations according to the contingency plans. (4) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, organizes periodic tests of the action plans in emergency situations to check their effectiveness, revising and updating them annually. Section II Additional requirements to the rules for determining remuneration Remuneration Committee Art. 13. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, with the right of access to the single market of the European Union, may establish a remuneration committee to assist the competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, in developing and revising the remuneration policy and for other purposes under Art. 275, para. 1, letter "e" of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35, when this is necessary in view of the scale of the undertaking, the nature and scope of the activities, the internal organization and the resulting complexity of the remuneration policy and its interconnectedness with the undertaking's risk profile. An insurer without the right to access the single market of the European Union can also establish a remuneration committee. (2) The remuneration committee under Art. 275, para. 1, letter "e" of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35:
assists the body under Art. 3, para. 1 of Ordinance No. 48 of 20.03.2013 on requirements for remuneration (SG No. 32 /2013), hereinafter referred to as “Ordinance No. 48”, on the development of the overall remuneration policy;
prepares decisions regarding remuneration;
reviews the policy regularly to ensure that it continues to correspond to changes in the undertaking's activities or the business environment;
identifies potential conflicts of interest in the formation of remuneration and the steps to overcome them;
provides adequate information to the authority under Art. 3, para. 1 of Ordinance No. 48 regarding the implementation of the remuneration policy and its results. (3) The remuneration committee shall have a composition that allows it to exercise a competent and independent assessment of the remuneration policy and its review and to perform the tasks under para. 2. (4) The remuneration committee has access to all documents and information it needs to create and maintain an effective remuneration policy. Section III Fit and proper requirements Application of fit requirements Art. 14. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall ensure that the persons who effectively run the undertaking or have other key functions are fit and take account of the respective duties allocated to individual persons to ensure appropriate diversity of qualifications, knowledge and relevant experience so that the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, is managed and overseen in a professional manner. In the sense of the first sentence, persons who perform key functions include not only the person who heads the key function, but also the other employees who are assigned to perform activities included in the scope of the key function. Qualification and experience requirements of an employee who is assigned to perform activities within the scope of a key function, other than the person who leads it, take into account the nature, scale and complexity of the assigned activities. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall make an initial assessment of the qualifications, knowledge and experience of the persons under para. 1 at the time of their selection or appointment to the relevant post, as well as ongoing assessment, providing appropriate training to ensure that individuals are able to meet the changing and increasing demands associated with their duties. (3) The members of the board of directors, respectively of the management and supervisory board of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, with the right of access to the single market of the European Union shall at all times, including after changes in the composition, collectively possess appropriate qualifications , knowledge and experience at least of:
insurance and financial markets;
business strategy and business model;
system of governance;
financial and actuarial analysis;
regulatory and supervisory requirements. (4) For the purposes of para. 3:
“knowledge of insurance and financial markets” means: a) knowledge and understanding of the general business, economic and market environment in which the undertaking operates, and b) a good level of knowledge of the requirements of users of insurance services and of their ability to handle financial products;
“knowledge of business strategy and business model” means detailed knowledge of the undertaking's business strategy and model;
“knowledge of system of governance” means: a) knowledge and understanding of the risks faced by the undertaking and its ability to manage them; b) ability to evaluate the effectiveness of the organization of the undertaking to ensure reliable management, tracking and control of the activity, and c) ability, if necessary, to lead and control the implementation of changes in this organization;
“knowledge of financial and actuarial analysis” means the ability to correctly understand
the financial and actuarial information in the undertaking, to identify the key issues, put in place the appropriate control measures and take the necessary measures based on this information; 5. “knowledge of the regulatory framework and supervisory requirements” means knowledge and understanding of the regulatory framework within which the undertaking operates, both from the point of view of the requirements and expectations of the supervisory authorities, and with a view to ensuring compliance of the activity with changes in regulations without delay. (5) Without limiting his obligations under para. 1 and 2, an insurer without access to the single market of the European Union takes measures to ensure that the members of its board of directors, respectively of its management and supervisory boards, generally possess appropriate qualifications, knowledge and experience under para. 3. In any case, when the insurer under the first sentence is unable to ensure full compliance with para. 3 and 4, he presents to the FSC an assessment of the risks arising from this, as well as measures to limit them. Application of proper requirements Art. 15. (1) When assessing whether a person who will hold a position under Art. 79, para. 1 of the Insurance Code is proper, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall take into account any crimes, administrative violations or other actions committed by the person referred to in Art. 80, para. 1 and 3 of the Insurance Code, as well as other violations of the law that could call into question said persons’ integrity, including pending proceedings related to the imposition of penalties. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall carry out a background check of the propriety of the person holding a position under Art. 79, para. 1 of the Insurance Code, at the time of his election or appointment to the relevant position, as well as ongoing checks, with a view to guaranteeing the person's compliance with the proper requirements at any moment. (3) Except in the cases under Art. 80, para. 1, items 3 - 5 and 7 - 9 of the Insurance Code, the presence of information about a committed crime or other offense does not lead to the automatic recognition of the relevant person as improper, and each specific case is evaluated individually. (4) All persons under Art. 79, para. 1 of the Insurance Code shall avoid carrying out activities that create or could create conflicts of interest in their work for the insurer, respectively for the reinsurer. Fit and proper policies and procedures Art. 16. (1) The fit and proper requirements policy under Art. 79, para. 5 of the Insurance Code and under Art. 273(1) of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35 shall include at least:
an ongoing basis; 5. the measures to manage the conflicts of interest resulting from the reconciliation of different positions and functions by the same persons, and to limit the risk for the reliable and prudent management of the activity. (2) The period for carrying out a regular internal assessment under para. 1, items 3 and 4 cannot be longer than 2 years from the date of election or appointment to the relevant position, respectively from the date of the last assessment. (3) The circumstances under para. 1, items 3 and 4, which lead to an extraordinary assessment of the fitness and propriety requirements, include at least grounds for doubt that the person:
a) undertaking name and UIC of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer; b) names and position of the contact person; c) telephone number, e-mail address and fax number (if applicable) of the contact person; 2 indication of the circumstance being notified: a) initial election or appointment to a position; b) re-election or reappointment to the same position; c) change in information provided with a previous notification; 3. description of the position being notified: a) job title; b) powers and responsibilities of the position according to the organizational structure of the insurer or the reinsurer; c) description of the level of knowledge, competence and experience of the respective person, including requirements for education and experience of the person according to the organizational structure of the insurer or reinsurer; d) date of appointment for positions where approval by the FSC is not a condition precedent for holding the position; e) term of office, if applicable; f) whether the position has executive functions; g) any other information that the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, considers relevant for the assessment; 4. resume of the person to whom the notification refers, which contains at least: a) names; b) previous names of the person, if relevant; c) PIN or other personal identification number, when the person has one, such as when the personal identification number is issued by another country - and an indication of the country in which it was issued; d) Current address e) Phone number f) date and place of birth; g) citizenship; h) the place, respectively the places where the person gained professional experience, giving specific data about them, namely: name, legal form, seats of business, subject of activity, UIC or other registration number, when applicable, territorial scope of operations; i) the positions that the person held and their place in the organizational structure of the undertaking or institution, the period during which he held each position, a detailed description of each position, its functions, powers and duties; k) the reasons and circumstances under which the person left the positions held, and more specifically, whether there were cases of disciplinary dismissal or other cases of dismissal due to non-compliance with statutory requirements, requirements for the position or due to failure to manage the job, as well as cases of membership in management or control bodies of an undertaking, which were denied release from liability by a general meeting of partners or shareholders, as well as the reasons for such; l) detailed information on potential conflicts of interest, if applicable; m) qualified interest or any other form of significant influence in the insurer, respectively in the reinsurer; n) any other undertakings in which the person has a direct or indirect qualified interest, indicating the undertaking, seats of business, UIC or other registration number of the undertaking, the subject of activity, and the percentage of the owned interest; o) spouses, including ex-spouses, persons with whom the person is in de facto cohabitation, and persons with whom the person has children in single, direct relatives without limitation,
collateral relatives up to the third degree including relatives by marriage up to the third degree including with: aa) shareholding in the insurer, respectively in the reinsurer, or in any other undertaking that owns shares in it, as well as the amounts of these holdings; bb) any other financial relations with the insurer, respectively with the reinsurer, under the letter "m" or in any other undertaking that owns shares in it, as well as the nature of these financial relations; p) any other commitments that may lead to a conflict of interest with explanations of the circumstances and a statement of how the person to whom the notification relates intends to overcome potential conflicts of interest; 5) a notarized copy of a higher education diploma acquired in the Republic of Bulgaria, respectively a legalized translation of a higher education diploma acquired in a higher education institution outside the Republic of Bulgaria; 6. declaration of the circumstances under Art. 80, para. 1, items 4 - 9 of the Insurance Code. 7. declaration of the circumstances under Art. 80, para 3 of the Insurance Code. 8. declaration of the circumstances under Art. 80, para. 4 of the Insurance Code, if applicable; 9. evidence to establish the lack of previous convictions outside the Republic of Bulgaria according to Art. 80, para. 7 of the Insurance Code; 10. declaration under Art. 80, para. 9, sentence two of the Insurance Code, signed by two members of the management or control body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, as well as by the official who has verified the credibility of the circumstances; 11. written consent under Art. 80, para. 9, sentence three of the Insurance Code, from the person for whom approval is requested, the FSC shall request confirmation of all circumstances disclosed in the approval proceedings, as well as to receive the necessary information from other authorities and persons with whom the relevant information is available. (7) To the notification under para. 1 the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, applies analysis and reasons for the selection of the person for the relevant position. Assessment of the fit and proper requirements by the FSC Art. 19. (1) The FSC evaluates the adequacy of the knowledge and experience and the reliability of the persons under Art. 79, para. 1 of the Insurance Code on the basis of the documents and information provided by the insurer or reinsurer and the assessed person, as well as the information collected ex officio by the FSC. (2) When it is established from the submitted notification and its attachments that the person to whom the notification refers has worked for an insurer, reinsurer or insurance intermediary in another Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, the FSC may make a request for information to the competent authorities of the respective member state for verification of the information provided and for the presence of circumstances that cast doubt on the qualification and reliability of the person. (3) When it is established from the submitted notification and its attachments that the person to whom the notification refers has worked for a credit institution in the Republic of Bulgaria or for a credit institution in another Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, the FSC may make a request for information to the Bulgarian National Bank or to the competent authorities of the relevant Member State to verify the information provided and the presence of circumstances that cast doubt on the fitness and propriety of the person. (4) When it is established from the submitted notification and its attachments that the person to whom the notification refers has worked for an undertaking subject to investment activity supervision in another Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area, the FSC may make a request for information to the competent authorities of the relevant Member State to verify the information provided and the presence of circumstances that cast doubt on the fitness and propriety of the person. (5) In order to verify the information in the notification and its attachments, the FSC may
request information from other supervisory authorities or carry out cross-checks on documents or on the spot in undertakings where the person to whom the notification refers has acquired the professional you are experienced. (6) The FSC assesses the potential conflicts of interest that may arise from the combination of the various obligations arising from the combined positions and the measures taken by the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, to manage and limit these conflicts of interest in the cases, when the same person combines or, as a result of the approval issued by the FSC , will begin to combine a position as head of a key function under Art. 78, para. 1, item 1, 2, 4 or 5 of the Insurance Code with:
relevant information, including its current risk profile and the interconnection between individual risks, etc. ; 3. approves risk tolerance limits for each category of risks to be applied in the current activity of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer; 4. approves and periodically reviews the main risk management strategies and policies. (2) Within the meaning of para. 1:
“risk strategy” (risk appetite) means the general attitude of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, to the various categories of risks.
“risk tolerance limits” means the limits an undertaking imposes on itself when taking risks. (3) The competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, creates conditions for a coordinated and integrated approach to the management of risks in the undertaking, guaranteeing its uniform application at all levels. (4) The competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, designates at least one of its members who is responsible for monitoring the risk management system. (5) The competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, ensures that the risk management processes correspond to the objective requirements of the undertaking and their results are taken into account when making all significant decisions. (6) The competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer that is a participating undertaking, of the insurance holding undertaking or of a mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, ensures the effectiveness of the risk management system of the entire group, and the group risk management system includes at least:
strategic decisions and risk management policies at group level;
the definition of the risk strategy of the group and the general risk tolerance limits;
the identification, measurement, management, monitoring and reporting of risks at group level. (7) The competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, which is a participating undertaking, of the insurance holding undertaking or of the fixed activity financial holding undertaking ensures that the strategic decisions and policies under para. 6, item 1 are in accordance with the structure of the group, with the size and specific characteristics of the entities that are part of the group. (8) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall document the risk measurement and assessment. The undertaking at the head of the group shall ensure that the risk measurement and assessment of the group as a whole is documented. (9) The competent body under para. 1 shall ensure a continuous risk reporting process at all levels of the undertaking to support decision-making processes. The competent body under para. 6 fulfills the obligation under the first sentence at the group level. Risk Management Policy Art. 22. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, adopts a risk management policy under Art. 77, para. 1, item 3, letter "a" of the Insurance Code, which shall at least define:
the risk categories, both quantifiable and non-quantifiable risks, including at least the risks under § 1, items 40 - 45 of the additional provisions of the Insurance Code, the risk of non-compliance with the regulatory requirements under Art. 93, para. 1, item 3 of the Insurance Code, emerging risks that may have a significant effect on the undertaking, reputational risk and strategic risk, as well as risk measurement methods;
the way of managing each category of risk under item 1, as well as each potential aggregation of risks;
the connection of risk management with the assessment of aggregate needs in terms of solvency, as defined in the ORSA, the statutory established capital requirements and the risk tolerance limits the insurer, respectively the reinsurer;
risk tolerance limits within all relevant risk categories in accordance with the general risk strategy of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer;
the frequency and content of regular stress tests and situations that give rise to special purpose stress tests;
the consideration of the potential aggregation of risks, interactions between risks and their indirect effects. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, is obliged to develop regular stress tests in accordance with its risk profile, determining possible short-term and long-term risks and possible events or future changes in economic conditions that may have an adverse effect on its financial position. The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, may it also uses reverse stress tests, identifying circumstances that may threaten its existence and developing safeguards. (3) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, chooses adequate scenarios for the development of stress tests based on the most unfavorable but possible cases that the undertaking may face, taking into account the significant secondary effects. (4) The risk management policy of insurers without the right to access the single market takes into account the fact that these insurers are not obliged to calculate their capital requirements using the standard formula for calculating the solvency capital requirement. Tasks of the risk management function Art. 23. In addition to what is provided for in the Insurance Code and in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35, the risk manager reports to the competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, about the risks that have been identified as potentially material. The risk manager also reports on other specific areas of risk both on his own initiative and at the request of the competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer. Underwriting and reserving risk management policy Art. 24. (1) In the risk management policy, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, covers at least the following with respect to the underwriting risk and reserving risk:
types and characteristics of the insurance business, such as the type of insurance risk that the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, is willing to accept;
how to ensure the sufficiency of the premium income to cover the expected claims and expenses;
identification of the risks arising from the insurance obligations of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, including embedded options and guaranteed surrender values in its products;
how in the process of developing a new product and calculating the premium, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, takes into account the constraints related to investments;
how in the process of developing a new product and calculating the premium, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, takes into account reinsurance (retroceding) and other risk mitigation techniques;
where applicable: a) the maximum acceptable exposures relative to specific risk concentrations; b) internal underwriting limits for different products and classes of insurance; c) considerations relating to reinsurance (retrocession) and other risk reduction strategies and their effectiveness. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall ensure compliance with its policies and procedures in relation to underwriting in all channels for distribution of the undertaking's products. Operational Risk Management Policy Art. 25. (1) In the risk management policy, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, covers at least the following in regard to the operational risk:
identification of the operational risks it is or may be exposed to, as well as an assessment
of the way to mitigate them; 2. activities and internal processes for managing operational risks, including the information system that provides them; 3. risk tolerance limits in regard to the main operational risk areas of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall introduce and implement processes for identifying, analyzing and reporting events representing operational risk. To this end, it established a process to collect and monitor the events representing operational risk. (3) For the purposes of operational risk management, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall develop and analyze an appropriate set of operational risk scenarios, based at least on the following approaches:
monitor and manage the following situations:
Insurance Code, regularly performing the necessary stress tests for this purpose. (4) For the identification, measurement, monitoring, management and control of investment risks, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, uses appropriate and recognized methods. (5) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall introduce adequate internal control procedures to ensure that the investment activity is monitored and that the investments are carried out in compliance with the principles and procedures approved by its competent body. These procedures are consistent with the risks arising from the investment activities, including risks related to the coordination between the employees directly involved in servicing the users of insurance services and other employees, with compliance with the authorization rules and trading limits, with agreements between the parties involved in the transaction, with timely documentation of transactions, with authentication of quoted prices or with traceability. Liquidity Risk Management Policy Art. 30. (1) In the risk management policy, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, covers at least the following elements with regard to liquidity risk:
access the single market of the European Union takes into account the risks associated with the investments, without relying solely on the fact that the investment risk is covered by the quantitative limits under chapter seventeen of the Insurance Code. Assessment of non-routine investment activities Art. 33. (1) Before making an investment or investment activity of non-routine nature, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, is obliged to assess at least:
c) currency measures; d) custodian risk; e) over-collateralization and lending. (2) When a specific investment does not meet all the characteristics of security, quality, liquidity and profitability, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, may retain it only if it contributes to the security, quality, liquidity and profitability of the portfolio as a whole. (3) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, defines measurable indicators for assessing compliance with the requirements for security, quality, liquidity and profitability regarding various categories of assets. Assets that do not meet measurables should be maintained at reasonable levels. (4) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall determine internal limits regarding the number, volume and terms of asset loans or repo transactions and justify the need for such transactions in view of its business strategy and the management of its risks and liquidity. Profitability Art. 35. The insurer or reinsurer shall establish targets for the expected return on its investments, taking into account the need to obtain sustainable yield on its asset portfolio to meet the reasonable expectations of the policyholders, insured persons or beneficiaries. Conflict of interests Art. 36. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall describe in its investment policy how it identifies and manages any conflicts of interest that arise regarding investments, regardless whether they arise in the insurer, respectively in the reinsurer, or in the entity which manages the relevant assets. The insurer or reinsurer shall document the actions taken to manage these conflicts. (2) Conflict of interest within the meaning of para. 1 is present when the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, has an incentive to invest in assets that do not correspond to the objectives of the contracts in the insurance portfolio or to the best interest of the users of insurance services. (3) It is not allowed to assume obligations for investments in assets of a parent undertaking or of other undertakings in the group, when the investment does not comply with the requirements of Art. 124 of the Insurance Code. Unit-linked and index linked insurance contracts Art. 37. (1) The insurer shall ensure that it selects the investments of unit-linked and indexlinked insurance in the best interest of the users of insurance services, taking into account all the disclosed policy objectives. (2) In the case of business in units or shares in collective investment undertakings or the value of assets included in an internal fund owned by the insurer, the insurer shall take into account and manage the restrictions on insurance related to such units, shares or assets such as limitations in their liquidity, as well as the existence of contractual or legal transferability constraints. (3) The insurer shall assess the liquidity risk of the units or shares in the undertakings for collective investment in transferable securities, respectively of the assets in the internal funds with which the insurances are related, and:
price in order to ensure the payment of redemption values, as a result of which the general portfolio would become unbalanced and would not correspond to the risk profile disclosed to users of insurance services. Assets not admitted to trading on a regulated financial market Art. 38. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, implements, manages, monitors and controls the procedures in relation to investments that are not admitted to trading on a regulated market, or to complex products that are difficult to value. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, treats assets admitted to trading, but not traded or traded on a non-regular basis, similarly to assets which are not admitted to trading on a regulated market. (3) Where mark-to-model asset valuation is applied, the risk management function is responsible for approving and reviewing the model after applying independent price verification and stress testing. The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, periodically assesses the need to develop reserve valuation models for the complex or potentially illiquid instruments. These models are compared, extrapolated or otherwise calculated based as much as possible on market data. The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, uses observable data as much as possible. (4) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall have expert capacity to understand, manage and control structured products and their inherent risks, as well as to develop procedures for assessing the risks associated with such products. Derivatives Art. 39. (1) When using derivatives or other financial instruments with similar characteristics or effects, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer:
not securitized because market conditions in relation to them have become riskier; 3. undertakes one or more of the following measures to ensure that there is an alignment of interests, namely: a) performs due diligence, including an analysis of the risks of the proposed securitized investments; b) ensures that the originator has provided the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, with the documentation governing the investment, that the issuing undertaking will retain a current net economic interest, which in any case will not be less than a corresponding predetermined share; c) ensures that the originator meets the following criteria: the issuing undertaking or, where applicable, the sponsor, funds the transaction based on reliable and clearly defined criteria and clearly establishes the process for approval, amendment, renewal and refinancing of the securitized assets in relation to the exposures subject to securitization, if they apply to the exposures that are not yet securitized; d) verifies that the originator or, where applicable, the sponsor has effective systems in place for the ongoing management and control of its assets, risk-bearing portfolios and exposures; e) verifies that the originator or, where applicable, the sponsor adequately diversifies each portfolio of assets in accordance with its target market and overall credit strategy; f) ensures that the originator or, where applicable, the sponsor provides free access to any relevant information needed by the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, for the purposes of compliance with the regulatory requirements; g) verifies that the originator or, where applicable, the sponsor, has a written asset risk policy that includes its risk strategy and provisioning policy, and verifies how it measures, tracks and controls that risk; h) ensures that the originator or, where applicable, the sponsor discloses the level of retained net economic interest as well as any measures that may call into question the retention of the minimum required economic interest. Section VI Own funds requirements and the system of governance Capital Management Policy Art. 41. (1) The insurer with right of access to the single market of the European Union, respectively the reinsurer, adopts a capital management policy that includes a description of the procedures to:
unambiguous in relation to the criteria for classification into tiers; 8. ensure that any policy or statement in respect of ordinary share dividends is taken into account when considering the capital position and the assessment of foreseeable dividends; 9. identify and document the instances in which distributions on tier one own-fund items might be cancelled on a discretionary basis; 10. identify, document and enforce the cases in which distributions on an own-fund item shall be deferred or cancelled in accordance with Art. 71, paragraph 1, letter "l" and Article 73, paragraph 1, letter "g" of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35; 11. identify the extent to which the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, uses own-fund items that are subject to the transitional provisions of the Insurance Code; 12. ensure that the manner in which the items included in own funds under the transitional provisions of the Insurance Code operate during stress, and in particular the way in which these elements absorb losses, is subject to assessment and that if necessary , is taken into account in the ORSA. (2) The insurer without right of access to the single market of the European Union, adopts a capital management policy that includes a description of the procedures to:
(b) provides for prudential thresholds below which any dividend distributions, share redemptions or variable remuneration payments are suspended. Medium-term capital management plan Art. 42. (1) The insurer with the right of access to the single market of the European Union, respectively the reinsurer, develops a medium-term capital management plan, which is accepted and controlled by the competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, and which includes at least considerations of:
application of the internal control systems across the group. (5) The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, ensures that within the system of governance at the group level, the concentration of risks and the transactions within the group are adequately evaluated, tracked and report as well as being taken into account for the purposes of assessing interrelationships and interdependencies within the group. Monitoring and reporting Art. 44. (1) Within the internal control system, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, establishes a monitoring and reporting mechanism that provides the competent body with the information necessary for decision-making. (2) The information in the information system under Art. 114 of the Insurance Code shall have the following characteristics:
the date of notification to the competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, or when the violations and weaknesses have not been remedied in for more than 12 months from the date of notification to the competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer. Section VIII Internal Audit Function Independence of the internal audit function and avoidance of conflict of interest Art. 46. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, guarantees that the internal audit function is objective and independent, does not perform operational functions in the undertaking and is not exposed to undue influence by other functions, including the other key functions. (2) If the prerequisites under Art. 271, para. 2 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35, the implementation of the internal audit function can be combined with any of the other key functions under Art. 78, para. 1, item 1, 2 or 4 of the Insurance Code only if the risk profile of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, does not include significant or complex risks, including if the undertaking writes standard insurances, the volume of activity is insignificant and its investments do not include complex products. For the purposes of applying Art. 271, paragraph 2, letter "c" of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35 the maintenance costs of persons carrying out the internal audit function who do not perform other key functions are disproportionate when the insurer proves that any decision other than combining with another key function would lead to administrative costs that the undertaking could not bear. (3) Combining the function of internal audit with operational functions in the insurer, respectively in the reinsurer, is not allowed. (4) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, guarantees that when conducting an audit and when evaluating and reporting the results of the audit, the internal audit function is not subject to influence by the governing body, which may impair its independence, objectivity and impartiality. (5) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall take adequate measures to reduce the risk of conflict of interest in connection with the implementation of the internal audit function, and may provide for personnel rotation, assignment of the commitment to more than one employee in the internal audit unit audit, review of the activity by another employee within the internal audit unit or other appropriate measures depending on the resources of the undertaking. (6) The internal audit function and the internal auditors carry out their activities in accordance with the standards of professional practice for internal auditing and the code of ethics. (7) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall ensure that the internal auditors will not audit activities or functions that they performed in the time period that is the subject of the audit. (8) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall ensure that the internal audit function independently plans and carries out its activities within the undertaking and freely reports its results and assessments. (9) Internal auditors should have:
professional skills in the field of internal audit professional practice standards, procedures and techniques for conducting audits;
knowledge and experience in the field of accounting standards;
knowledge of the principles of corporate governance, risk management and good insurance practice. (10) Internal auditors are required to:
apply the standards for professional practice in internal auditing;
adhere to the rules established by the code of ethics;
be honest, objective, diligent and loyal;
know how to interact and work with people. Internal Audit Policy Art. 47. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, should have an internal audit policy which covers at least the following :
the terms and conditions under which the internal audit function may be requested to provide an opinion or assistance or perform other special tasks;
where relevant, the criteria for the rotation of the tasks of the employees engaged in the performance of the internal audit. (2) The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, ensures that the audit policy at group level describes the way in which the internal audit function:
coordinates the internal audit activity across the group;
ensures compliance with the requirements of the internal audit at group level. (3) The internal audit function develops the internal audit policy and submits it to the competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, for approval. Internal Audit Plan Art. 48. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, ensures that the plan for carrying out the audits under Art. 96, para. 1 of the Insurance Code:
is based on a methodical risk analysis that takes into account all activities and the overall management system, as well as the expected development of activities and innovations;
covers all significant activities to be reviewed within a reasonable period of time. (2) The annual plan for carrying out the audits, the assessment of the necessary resources, as well as any additional significant changes to them are prepared by the head of the internal audit function of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, and are provided to the competent body of the insurer, respectively to the reinsurer as defined by the internal audit policy. (3) The internal audit function prepares a plan for each audit engagement, which includes the scope, duration, objectives, description of the activities that are necessary to achieve them and allocation of resources for the implementation of the engagement. According to the findings during the audit activity, the internal audit plan may be amended and supplemented during the period of its implementation. Internal audit function tasks Art. 49. (1) For each performed audit, an audit report is prepared, in which the main findings of the internal auditor are reflected, highlighting the significance of the identified weaknesses and the importance of the recommendations made. (2) The audit report under para. 1 contains:
findings of any weaknesses regarding the effectiveness and adequacy of the internal control system;
findings regarding significant weaknesses regarding compliance with internal policies, procedures and processes;
findings of other weaknesses at the discretion of the internal auditor;
findings of how previous findings and recommendations of the internal audit were reflected, if applicable;
recommendations for remedying the identified weaknesses and the persons who should take these measures. (3) The audit report is handed over to the audited unit and its superior units according to the organizational structure and to the competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, which finally determines the measures to overcome the identified weaknesses, as well as the units and persons within the undertaking who should take the intended measures. (4) The internal audit function shall develop appropriate procedures for verifying and documenting compliance with the recommendations made in the audit reports.
(5) The annual report of the internal audit function under Art. 96, para. 3 of the Insurance Code shall include the identified weaknesses and deficiencies, the estimated term for their elimination, as well as information on the implementation of previous audit recommendations. (6) The competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall periodically discuss the organization, the audit plan, the adequacy of resources to achieve the objectives of the internal audit, as well as the summarized results and recommendations of the internal audit function and their implementation. Internal Audit Documentation Art. 50. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall keep a record of the activity of the internal audit function in a way that allows an assessment of its effectiveness. (2) For each audit, a file containing an inventory of the examined documents, other information collected during the audit procedures, findings and recommendations of the internal auditors is prepared. The objections of the audited units, the decisions made by the competent body as a result of the findings and recommendations and information on the measures taken in response to the findings and recommendations are attached to the file. (3) The performed audits are documented so that it is possible to follow the implementation of the recommendations made by the internal auditors and the elimination of the weaknesses identified by them. (4) Each file under para. 2 is stored for a period of 5 years from the date of the audit report. (5) The internal audit function keeps a register of the performed audits and the files on them. Section IX Actuarial Function Tasks of the actuarial function Art. 51. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall take appropriate measures to address potential conflicts of interest if it decides to add additional tasks or activities to the tasks and activities of the responsible actuary. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, guarantees that the process of calculating the technical reserves is distinguished from the process of checking and validating the calculation and that the two processes are independent, avoiding conflicts of interest. The degree of separation of obligations for the calculation of technical reserves and their verification shall be proportional to the nature, scale and complexity of the risks in the calculation of technical reserves, as in the case of an insurer or reinsurer that does not represent a small or mediumsized undertaking within the meaning of the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Act and is not part of a group, the person who performs the verification of the calculation of technical reserves is not allowed to have commitments regarding their calculation itself. (3) The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, require the actuarial function at group level to provide opinion regarding:
Art. 52. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, requires the responsible actuary to identify any inconsistency with the regulatory requirements for the calculation of technical provisions and to propose corrections when necessary. (2) The obligation of the responsible actuary to coordinate the calculation of the technical reserves under Art. 100, para. 1, item 1 of the Insurance Code also includes:
improve the calculation of the best estimate together with evidence and reasons justifying the proposed changes. (3) When applying an approach to each individual case under Art. 162, para. 2 of the Insurance Code, when calculating the best estimate, the responsible actuary describes the rationale for the assumptions used and explains how the best estimate was calculated in accordance with the regulatory requirements. (4) The insurer without the right of access to the single market of the European Union ensures that the responsible actuary reports to the competent body on all significant deviations of the practical results regarding the calculation of technical provisions. The report contains an analysis of the reasons for the deviations and, if appropriate, suggests changes in assumptions and modifications to the estimation model to improve the calculation of the technical provisions together with evidence and reasons justifying the proposed changes. Underwriting policy and reinsurance arrangements Art. 55. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, requires the responsible actuary, when providing the opinion on the underwriting policy and reinsurance contracts, to take into account the interconnections between them and the technical provisions and, where relevant, to provide recommendations on suitable strategies for the undertaking to follow in these areas. (2) In addition to the requirements under Art. 272, parа. 6 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35, the responsible actuary of an insurer with the right to access the single market of the European Union in the opinion on the general underwriting policy also discusses the following issues:
reinsurance contracts, the responsible actuary describes and explores different decision-making options. The actuarial function of an insurer or reinsurer using an internal model Art. 56. (1) An insurer with the right of access to the single market of the European Union, respectively a reinsurer that applies or intends to apply an internal model, obliges the responsible actuary to contribute, depending on his area of expertise, to the determination of the risks that are covered by the internal model, as well as how the dependencies between these risks and the dependencies between these risks and other risks are derived. This input is based on technical analysis and should reflect the experience and expertise of the actuarial function. (2) The responsible actuary, in addition to the powers under Art. 100, para. 1 of the Insurance Code also performs the following functions:
who are responsible for the activities of distribution of insurance or reinsurance products; 2. applies the rules and procedures adopted by the insurer for the implementation of ongoing control of compliance with the requirements for qualification and good reputation of the employees under item 1. Training Art. 59. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall develop and implement a plan and schedule for:
knowledge and skills according to Annex no. 3 to the Insurance Code and the specific requirements for the knowledge and skills of different categories of persons depending on the nature and complexity of their work; 2. the forms and manner of providing professional training under Art. 292, para. 1, sentence two of the Insurance Code upon commencing employment with the insurer; 3. the forms and manners of conducting continuing professional training under Art. 292, para. 2 of the Insurance Code and its documentation; 4. the procedure for exercising ongoing control for compliance with the requirements for knowledge and skills. (2) The policy under Art. 77, para. 1, item 3, letter "n." of the Insurance Code:
General rules Art. 62. When the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, on the basis of Art. 78, para. 1, item 5 of the Insurance Code defined a function as a key function, the decision of the competent body defines:
applicant; 4. where applicable: a) class of insurance; b) name of the insurance product; c) insurance policy number; d) insurance claim number; 5. date and ref. number of the response to the complaint; 6. summary content of the response to the complaint; 7. a brief description of the consequences of the complaint (change of conclusion on a claim, measures taken by the competent body of the insurer, by function of the insurer, etc.); 8 information on archiving the complaint file. (5) The register under para. 4 may be kept as part of the information system under Art. 114 of the Insurance Code or contain references to the information contained therein. (6) When examining and preparing a response to complaints, the insurer:
b) the adequacy of information, parameters and assumptions; 4. the process for independent review and verification of valuation approaches; 5. the requirements for regular reporting to the competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, on matters related to the governance on valuation. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, consistently applies appropriate methodology and criteria to determine whether the markets are active, based on the criteria defined in the international accounting standards approved by Regulation (EC) No. 1606/2002 of the European Parliament and of the Council of July 19, 2002 on the application of international accounting standards (OB, L 243/1 of September 11, 2002), and adequately documents the methodology and performed assessments of market activity. (3) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall expressly regulate the method of valuation of assets and liabilities which are difficult to valuate or in respect of which its valuations are uncertain, as well as shall regulate in detail the procedures for applying alternative valuation methods. (4) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall provide an audit trail, which in a reliable and transparent manner consistently documents the relevant steps taken in the process of valuating assets and liabilities, identifying and recording what actions, by whom, when and where they were performed in the provision of the information and its processing. Data quality control procedures Art. 65. (1) In order to control the quality of data and in order to identify deficiencies and measure, monitor, manage and document the quality of the data, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, introduces procedures that include:
out when the valuation method is first introduced and at least once annually thereafter; 6. description of the tools or programs used. (2) The documentation for each alternative valuation method shall include an operations manual or similar document that describes the procedures used to operate, maintain and update the valuation method. This manual should be detailed enough to enable a qualified third party to operate and independently maintain the valuation method. Independent review and verification of valuation methods Art. 67. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, ensures that the independent review of the valuation methods in accordance with Art. 267, paragraph 4, letter "b" of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35 takes place before the application of a new method or a major change of a method already applied, and regularly thereafter. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, determines the frequency of the review in line with the significance of the method for the decision-making and risk management processes, and the review under para. 1 is carried out at least once a year. (3) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, applies the same principles for the independent review and verification both for internally created valuation methods or models, and for valuation methods or models supplied by third parties. (4) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer shall introduce processes for reporting the results of the independent review and verification, as well as the recommendations for corrective actions, to the appropriate management level of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, as, when not otherwise provided, the management function of the risk leads the process and reports its results to the competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer. (5) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, may provide for the process of independent examination and verification to be carried out internally or by external experts. (6) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, takes measures to distinguish the responsibility for designing and applying the valuation approaches from the responsibilities for performing an independent review and verification. (7) When using valuation methods or models provided by third parties, the insurer or reinsurer shall understand the methodologies used, the underlying assumptions of the model, the results generated and the sensitivity inherent in the model. (8) The independent review and verification of models provided by third parties includes a review of any information from the service provider describing the model, as well as an assessment of whether its theoretical basis and logic are generally accepted and reasoned. (9) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall ensure that a report is drawn up for each independent review and verification, which provides information on:
the quality of valuation methods;
any known structural weaknesses in the valuation methods used;
any concerns related to the accuracy and appropriateness of the inputs, such as data, parameters and assumptions used;
comparisons with previous reports. (10) The insurer without the right of access to the single market of the European Union is obliged to know the methods for valuation of assets and liabilities, other than technical provisions which it applies. Oversight by the competent body and executive management Art. 68.(1) The competent body and the executive management of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall have the necessary knowledge for overall understanding of the valuation approaches and the uncertainties involved in the valuation process in order to ensure appropriate control of the risk management process concerning valuation. (2) With the assistance of the key functions, the persons under para. 1 exercise control, which includes:
periodic monitoring of the effectiveness of the approved policies and procedures, including those for the independent review and verification;
review of reports on independent review and verification, documentation and internal control;
intervention as appropriate to ensure proper valuation risk management. Performing independent external valuation or verification Art. 69. (1) The FSC may require the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, to carry out an independent valuation or verification of material assets or liabilities, at least in the event of a risk of inaccuracies in their assessment with possible significant consequences for the solvency of the undertaking. The first sentence also applies to real estate valuated in accordance with Art. 76 of Ordinance No. 53. (2) The risk of inaccuracies in the valuation under para. 1 is present:
if there is an inactive market for a given asset or liability;
the auditor of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, has expressed doubts regarding some aspects of the undertaking's accounting statements;
the valuation of the asset or liability has not changed in accordance with the FSC's expectations, including when the valuation has remained the same for a long period of time or has not changed in the conditions of the change of similar assets or liabilities in the market, etc.;
in other similar cases. (3) The FSC appoints an independent appraiser for whom the requirements under Art. 76, para. 1 - 4 of Ordinance No. 53. Section XIII Outsourcing Critical or important functions or activities Art. 70. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, determines and documents whether the outsourced function or activity is a critical or important function or activity based on whether this function or activity is essential for its operation and whether it would be able to provide services to the users of insurance services. without the respective function or activity. (2) Critical or important functions and activities are at least:
development and pricing of insurance products;
investment of assets or portfolio management;
settlement of insurance claims;
the compliance function, the internal audit function, the risk management function and the actuarial function;
accounting;
ensuring data storage;
the provision of current, daily maintenance of information systems;
the ORSA process. (3) When the functions or activities under para. 1 or 2 are partially outsourced, the insurer or reinsurer, respectively, assesses whether these outsourced parts are themselves critical or important depending on the extent to which they are outsourced, both in terms of scope and time. (4) The following operational functions or activities are not considered critical or important:
provision of consulting services performed by the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, and other services that are not part of the insurance or reinsurance activities, such as legal consultations, training of employees and agents and security of the premises and employees;
purchase of standardized services, including services for the collection of market information;
providing logistical support, such as cleaning or catering;
providing human resources support such as recruiting temporary employees and processing payroll. (5) The transfer of a function or activity by the insurer, respectively by the reinsurer, to service providers does not limit the responsibility of its competent body for the lawful implementation of the function or activity as a whole. (6) In the event that it is provided in the outsourcing agreement, the service provider may assign the performance of the service to a subcontractor. In this case, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall stipulate in the outsourcing agreement an obligation of the service provider to inform him of any transfer of activity to a subcontractor and to ensure his rights to control the activity of the subcontractor in connection with the performance of the transferred function or activity, as well as to ensure the fulfillment of the obligations of the subcontractor to provide information to the FSC and to assist in carrying out inspections. Underwriting Art. 71. (1) When an insurance intermediary is given authority to underwrite business or to settle insurance claims under certain conditions in the name and on account of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall ensure that the activity of this intermediary is subject to the outsourcing requirements. (2) Underwriting business within the meaning of para. 1 is present when the insurance intermediary has the right to independent judgment whether to take out insurance within its predetermined limits and conditions. (3) The activity of distribution of products, expressed in contacting, offering and carrying out preparatory activity for the conclusion of an insurance contract, when the insurance intermediary does not carry out an independent assessment of the risk, is not accepted for recording activity even in cases where the insurance intermediary signs the insurance contract on behalf of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, provided that this is done on the basis of its express instructions or practiced under standardized insurance products. Outsourcing of functions or activities within a group Art. 72. (1) If critical or important functions or activities are outsourced within the group, the participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking documents which functions relate to which legal entity and ensures that the performance of the key functions at the level of insurer, respectively reinsurer, is not impaired as a result of the outsourcing. (2) When the service provider is a legal entity from the same group as the outsourcing undertaking , the inspection of the service provider can be less detailed, provided that, on the one hand, the management body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, knows more well the service provider, and on the other hand, has sufficient control over it or can influence its actions. (3) When outsourcing critical or important functions or activities within the group, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall enter into a written agreement in which the obligations and responsibilities of both parties shall be determined. (4) The outsourcing of critical or important functions or activities to another undertaking within the group does not release the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, from the responsibility for their performance and for managing the contract for the transfer of activity, including by means of appropriate action plans in emergency situations. Outsourcing policy Art. 73. (1) In the policy under Art. 77, para. 1, item 3, letter "e" of the Insurance Code, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall determine its approach and processes for outsourcing activities, including:
the criteria for determining the outsourced function or activity within the meaning of Art.
110 of the Insurance Code; 2. the process for determining whether a function or activity is critical or important; 3. the process and criteria for selecting a service provider of appropriate quality; 4. order and frequency for evaluating the performance of the service provider; 5. the stipulations that shall be included in the written outsourcing agreement taking into account the requirements set forth in Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35 in relation to insurers with the right to access the single market of the European Union; 6. the requirements to the plans for the performance of the activity in emergency situations, including exit plans from emergency situations with limiting adverse consequences to a minimum (hereinafter referred to as "exit strategies") in connection with critical or important functions assigned to service providers or activities. (2) For the purposes of selecting a service provider under para. 1, item 3, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, defines in the policy the procedure for carrying out an inspection before making a decision to conclude an outsourcing agreement. Matters subject to assessment include the financial and technical capabilities of the service provider, its capacity to perform the function or activity subject to outsourcing, its control system, any conflict of interest, including between the service provider and the insurer or reinsurer respectively, or arrangements with competitors, as well as the expected change in operational risk for the insurer, respectively for the reinsurer, as a result of outsourcing the function or activity. (3) The policy under para. 1 shall determine the conditions under which it is possible for the service provider to outsource the performance of the function or activity to a subcontractor, as well as provisions for early termination of the agreement with the service provider. In the event that the function or activity is critical or important for the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, its subcontracting should be approved in advance by the insurer, respectively the reinsurer. (4) The conclusions of the service provider selection are subject to documentation by the insurer, respectively by the reinsurer, who may revise them at any time. (5) In the plans under para. 1, item 6, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall provide under what circumstances and how the outsourced functions and activities can be taken over by a new service provider or start to be carried out again by the insurer, respectively the reinsurer . (6) The competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, subject to compliance with the requirements under Art. 110, para. 3 of the Insurance Code approves the transfer of functions or activities to service providers and regularly requires reports on their implementation. (7) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, includes in its system of governance a process for monitoring and reviewing the quality of the performance of outsourced functions or activities in order to ensure effective control, and effectively monitors whether the service provider complies with all contractual conditions, and in case it does not accurately perform the functions or activities in accordance with the terms of the outsourcing agreement, takes appropriate action, including the termination of the outsourcing agreement. Written notification to the FSC Art. 74. (1) In its written notification to the FSC of any outsourcing agreement for critical or important functions or activities pursuant to Art. 111, para. 4 of the Insurance Code, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, presents a description of the scope and the rationale for the outsourcing and the service provider’s name, as well as information about the assessment under Art. 73, para. 2 and the results thereof. When outsourcing concerns a key function under Art. 78, para. 1, item 1-4 of the Insurance Code, the information should also include the name of the person in charge of the outsourced function or activities at the service provider, as well as evidence for compliance with the fit and proper requirements.
(2) The insurer provides the FSC with information on the performance of the outsourced function or activity in any case where there are circumstances that are relevant for supervisory purposes, including:
circumstances necessitating a re-assessment of compliance with the requirements for outsourcing activities to service providers, such as: a) significant changes in the outsourcing agreement; b) subcontracting the outsourced function or activity; c) change of service provider;
circumstances that adversely affect the insurer's ability to fulfill its obligations towards users of insurance services or significant problems in the performance of services by the original service provider, such as: a) failure to perform the outsourced function or activity as a result of interruption of business; b) non-compliance with applicable regulations; c) serious violations of the given instructions; d) inadequate risk management; e) insufficient transparency in relations with the assignor; f) any other circumstances that lead to dissatisfaction of the assignor or users of insurance services with the quality of the services provided by the service provider. Outsourcing Functions or Activities to Cloud Service Providers Art. 75. (1) When outsourcing functions and activities to cloud service providers, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, complies with the Guidelines for outsourcing to cloud service providers (EIOPA-BoS-20-002), issued by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority , which the FSC has decided to implement according to Art. 13, para. 1, item 26 of the Financial Supervision Commission Act. (2) The Financial Supervision Commission issued the instructions regarding implementation of para. 1. Section XIV Group governance specific requirements Obligations to define internal governance requirements Art. 76. (1) The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking sets adequate internal governance requirements across the group, appropriate to the structure, activity and risks of the group and its related entities, and creates the appropriate structure and organization for risk management at group level, defining a clear allocation of responsibilities between all entities in the group. (2) The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking at the head of the group, does not affect the obligations and does not limit the responsibility of the competent body of each entity within the group when creating its own system of governance. Group-level governance system Art. 77. (1) The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking at the head of the group:
has in place appropriate and effective tools, procedures and lines of accountability and responsibility, enabling it to oversee and steer the work of the risk management and internal control systems at individual level;
has in place reporting lines within the group and effective systems to ensure information flows in the group bottom-up and top-down;
documents and notifies all entities within the group about the tools used to identify, measure, monitor, manage and report all risks to which the group is exposed;
takes into account the interests of all entities belonging to the group and how these interests contribute to the single purpose of the group as a whole in the long term. (2) The competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, which is a participating undertaking, the of the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking at the head of the group:
is responsible for adopting the general strategy of the group and its policies, as well as for their subsequent review and change;
responsible for the review of the overall economic activity of the group;
adopts a management structure that contributes to the effective control of the entities within the group, taking into account the nature, volume and complexity of the risks to which the group and its individual entities within the group are exposed;
guarantees the general consistency of the group's management structure, taking into account the structure and activity of the various entities within the group;
has appropriate mechanisms to control whether each undertaking within the group complies with all the requirements related to it in terms of internal management;
ensures that accountability systems within the group are clear, transparent and appropriate to ensure adequate and timely communication within the group. (3) The competent body of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, which is a participating undertaking, the of the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking at the head of the group knows:
individual entities within the group;
the connections and relationships between them;
group-specific risks;
inter-group transactions;
the ways in which the funding, capital and risk profile of the group may be affected in normal and adverse conditions. (4) The competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, which is a participating undertaking, of the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, at the head of the group, ensures that each undertaking within the group receives sufficient information about the general objectives and risks of the group, as well as that the exchange of information between the entities of the group on matters essential to the system of governance is documented and can be promptly made available if necessary to the competent body, the control functions within the group and the supervisory authorities. (5) The competent body of the insurer, respectively of the reinsurer, which is a participating undertaking, of the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, at the head of the group, establishes conditions to receive timely information about the risks arising from the group's structure, including information on the factors determining the risks and reports assessing the overall structure of the group, the activities of the individual entities within the group and their compliance with the approved strategy. Risks with a significant impact at group level Art. 78. (1) The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, at the head of the group, takes into account in its risk management system both the risks at the individual and group level, as well as their mutual dependence, and in particular:
reputational risk and risks arising from transactions within the group and risk concentrations, including risk of contagion, at the group level;
the interdependencies between risks arising from the conducting business through different entities and in different jurisdictions;
risks arising from entities in third countries;
risks arising from non-regulated entities;
risks arising from other regulated entities. (2) To meet its obligations under para. 1, the participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking at the head of the group shall have:
a process for identifying material risks at group level;
a system for measuring risk at group level;
a system of limits for managing exposures and other risk concentrations;
processes for carrying out stress tests and for analyzing scenarios and interrelationships;
information systems and reporting to ensure the risk management process. Risk concentrations at group level Art. 79. The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking at the head of the group shall ensure that procedures and processes are in place to identify, measure, manage, monitor and report risk concentrations. Intra - group transactions; Art. 80. The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, at the head of the group, ensures that the risk management system in the group and the individual insurers, respectively reinsurers, includes processes and reporting procedures for identifying, measuring, monitoring, management and reporting of transactions within the group, including significant and very significant transactions within the group, in accordance with Art. 264, respectively with Art. 211 of the Insurance Code. Group risk management Art. 81. (1) The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, at the head of the group, in its risk management at group level applies appropriate processes and procedures for identifying, measuring, managing, monitoring and reporting the risks to which the group and each individual entity are or may be exposed. (2) The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, at the head of the group, ensures that the structure and organization of the group's risk management do not impair the legal possibility of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, to fulfill its legal, regulatory and contractual obligations. (3) The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, at the head of the group, assesses how and to what extent the risks within the group are effectively identified, measured, managed and monitored. Chapter Three REQUIREMENTS FOR OWN RISK AND SOLVENCY ASSESSMENT Section I General Rules General approach Art. 82. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, establishes an ORSA procedure with appropriate and adequate techniques to suit its organizational structure and risk management system, taking into account the nature, volume and complexity of the risks inherent in its operations. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, carries out ORSA with the all due care in order to assess in good faith all the risks inherent in its activity and to determine the corresponding capital needs. (3) For the purposes of the ORSA, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, implements
adequate and stable processes for assessment, monitoring and measurement of its risks and the aggregate needs in terms of solvency, as well as ensures that the results of the assessment are an integral and important part of the decision-making processes. (4) In the ORSA process, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, collects and processes information from all relevant business areas of the entity. (5) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, develops an ORSA model:
and its results, including the assessment of established deviations in its risk profile from the assumptions underlying the calculation of the solvency capital requirement in such a degree of detail that allows to a qualified third party to verify the assessment. (2) The documentation for each ORSA includes:
needs and a description of other means necessary to reflect all significant risks, regardless of whether these risks can be quantified or not. (2) Where appropriate, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, subjects the identified material risks to a sufficiently wide range of stress tests or scenario analysis to provide an adequate basis for the assessment of overall solvency needs. (3) When the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, is part of a group, in its ORSA it shall take into account all risks at group level that can significantly affect it. (4) In the ORSA process, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, assesses the impact and effectiveness of reinsurance and other risk mitigation techniques. Where there is no effective risk transfer, this circumstance is taken into account in the assessment of overall solvency needs. (5) After identifying the essential risks to which it is exposed, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, decides whether these risks will be covered by capital or risk mitigation instruments, or both. In case the risks are covered by capital, it is necessary to carry out an assessment of the risk and the level of its materiality, determining the required capital for the material risks and explaining how they will be managed, and in case of applying risk mitigation techniques, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, explains which techniques are applied to which risks and the reasons for this. (6) When performing the ORSA, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, assesses whether it has sufficient financial resources and realistic plans for raising additional capital if needed. When assessing the sufficiency of financial resources, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, takes into account the quality and volatility of its own funds, paying particular attention to their ability to absorb losses under different scenarios. (7) When carrying out the assessment of the overall solvency needs, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, takes into account all significant risks to which it is exposed, including short-term, medium-term and long-term risks, quantifiable and non-quantifiable risks. For the purposes of the assessment, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, collects information from all relevant sources in the entity. (8) When performing the assessment of overall solvency needs the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall perform at least the following:
the risks inherent in its activity and shall reflect its risk profile. (11) When an insurer or reinsurer uses an internal model, the explanations and justifications for the use of the internal model may be used, but for the use of different bases for recognition and assessment within the ORSA, the insurer or reinsurer shall present a special explanation. (12) Paragraphs 10 and 11 do not apply to persons who do not have access to the single market of the European Union. Projections of capital needs Art. 89. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, ensures that the assessment of overall solvency needs is perspective-oriented, including in the medium and long term, when appropriate. (2) Within the scope of the ORSA, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, analyzes the possibilities of the undertaking to continue its current activity and the necessary financial resources for this for a period of more than one year in the future, including by analyzing the risks that may arise in the long term perspective. (3) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, makes a projection of its capital needs for the period of its activity program under Art. 77, para. 1, item 2 of the Insurance Code, taking into account medium and long-term risks, when applicable. The projection according to the preceding sentence is carried out taking into account the likely changes to the risk profile and the activity program during the planning period and the sensitivity of the assumptions used. When a new activity program is adopted or when it is amended, the changes are reflected in the ORSA, taking into account the new risk profile, the volume of activity and the business mix that are expected. (4) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, identifies and takes into account the external factors that may have an adverse impact on its overall solvency needs or on the amount of own funds, and takes into account in its plans for capital management and in the projections of capital the way it can respond to unexpected changes in external factors. Valuation and recognition bases of the overall solvency needs Art. 90. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, if it uses valuation and recognition bases that are different from those under Art. 8 - 16 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35 in the assessment of overall solvency needs, shall explain in the report under Art. 87 how the use of these different bases ensures better consideration of the specific risk profile, the approved risk tolerance limits and the business strategy of the insurer, respectively reinsurer, while at the same time meeting the requirements for sound and prudent management of the business. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, shall quantitatively calculate the influence of different valuation and recognition bases on the overall solvency needs assessment in cases where the bases used are different from those indicated in Art. 8 - 16 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35 on the assessment of overall solvency needs. Continuous compliance with capital requirements Art. 91. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, analyzes whether it continuously complies with the solvency capital requirement and the minimum capital requirement and as part of this assessment includes at least the following:
valuation bases that are in accordance with the principles under Art. 8 - 16 of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35. (3) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, discusses changes in the undertaking's risk profile, assesses whether they may affect the minimum capital requirement or the solvency capital requirement at a future point in time and takes into account the results of the assessment in the capital management process. (4) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, assesses the changes that may occur with its own funds in stress situations, and for this purpose performs stress tests and scenario analyzes in order to assess the sustainability of its business. (5) For the purposes of capital planning and projections of own funds and capital requirements, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, selects appropriate methods, assumptions, parameters, dependencies and confidence intervals to be used in its process, and regularly performs stress tests, reverse stress tests and scenario analyzes of a frequency and scope appropriate to the scope, complexity and nature of the activity to inform the objectives of the ORSA. (6) When assessing the quantity, quality and composition of its own funds, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, takes into account the combination between basic own funds and additional own funds, the combination of basic funds of different tiers, the relative quality of own funds and their ability to absorb losses. (7) When assessing the future requirements for own funds, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, takes into account:
in the annual actuarial report. Deviations from assumptions in the calculation of Solvency Capital Requirement Art. 93. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, assesses whether its risk profile deviates from the assumptions underlying the SCR calculation, and whether these deviations are significant. When, during a qualitative analysis, it is established that the deviation is not significant, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, may choose not to perform a quantitative assessment. (2) For the purposes of para. 1, first sentence, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, compares the assumptions underlying the Solvency Capital Requirement calculation with its own understanding of its risk profile in order to protect itself from the automatic application of statutory capital requirements that may not be adequate for its activity. (3) The assumptions underlying the standard formula for insurers, respectively for reinsurers that use a standard formula, are published on the FSC's website. (4) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, assesses the significance of the deviation of its specific risk profile from the relevant assumptions underlying the modules and sub-modules for calculating the solvency capital requirement, the correlations between the modules and submodules and the building blocks of the modules and sub-modules . (5) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, makes the necessary assessment of the following differences between the risk profile of the undertaking and the assumptions underlying the Solvency Capital Requirement calculation:
differences that are due to risks not taken into account in the standard formula, and
differences that are underestimated or overestimated in the standard formula compared to the risk profile. (6) The assessment process includes:
risk profile analysis and assessment of the reasons why the standard formula is appropriate, including risk ranking;
analysis of the sensitivity of the standard formula to changes in the risk profile, including the influence of reinsurance contracts, diversification effects and the effects of other risk mitigation techniques;
analysis of the sensitivity of the solvency capital requirement in relation to the main parameters, including parameters specific to the undertaking;
development of the issue of the suitability of the standard formula parameters or the undertaking-specific parameters;
an explanation of why the nature, volume and complexity of the risks justify the use of simplifications;
analysis of how the results of the standard formula are used in the decision-making process. (7) When, in the process of qualitative and quantitative assessment, significant deviations are found between the undertaking's risk profile and the solvency capital requirement calculation, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, identifies measures in response to the deviations, including bringing the risk profile into line with the standard formula, application of undertaking-specific parameters, development of a full or partial internal model, risk reduction, etc. (8) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, are not allowed to determine that the risk profile deviates significantly from the assumptions underlying the solvency capital requirement by comparing the value of the overall solvency needs determined by the ORSA, with the capital solvency requirement. (9) An insurer, respectively a reinsurer, applying an internal model along with the use of the model for assessing equity and solvency under Art. 176, para. 1, item 2 of the Insurance Code, carries out an ORSA, which includes the assessment of:
the impact of excluded material risks or larger lines of business on the state of solvency in the case of a partial internal model;
the interconnections between the risks that are covered and those that are excluded from the scope of the model;
the identification of risks, other than those covered by the internal model, which may cause a change in it. (10) Paragraphs 1 - 9 do not apply to insurers without the right of access to the single market of the European Union. Link to strategic management process and decision-making framework Art. 94. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, reports the results of the ORSA and the conclusions drawn during the process of carrying out this assessment, at least in:
its capital management;
its operations planning;
the development, structure and content of its products. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, takes into account the results of the performed ORSA in the process of determining the program for its operations. (3) As an integral part of its operations program, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, develops its own strategies for managing its overall solvency needs and statutory capital requirements, respectively the solvency limit in relation to insurers without the right to access the single market of European Union, and includes them in the management of all material risks to which it is exposed. (4) Before making any strategic or other important decision that may significantly affect the risk or the equity, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, assesses it through the ORSA. The assessment can also be made by considering how the results of the latest assessment of overall solvency needs would change if certain decisions were made and how those decisions would affect the statutory capital requirements, and in relation to insurers without access to the single market of the European Union - how these decisions would affect the solvency margin. Frequency of own risk and solvency assessment Art. 95. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, performs the ORSA at least once a year. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, determines when to carry out the regular ORSA, which shall have the same reference date as the date of calculation of the solvency capital requirement, respectively the solvency margin in relation to insurers without the right to access the single market of the European Union , with different reference dates being permissible if there is no significant change in the risk profile between them. (3) In addition to the regular performance of the ORSA, the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, performs an extraordinary assessment immediately after any significant change in its risk profile in circumstances that have led to significant:
changes in the organizational structure, including mergers, acquisitions and sales;
changes in the venture capital model;
changes in reinsurance arrangements;
disturbances in the capital market;
regulatory or legal changes, such as significant changes in capital requirements;
increase in unquantified risks, including strategic, reputational or liquidity risk;
other changes related to the risk profile of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer. (4) The extraordinary ORSA shall focus on those aspects of the risk profile that have potentially undergone a significant change compared to the most recent regular ORSA and provide an updated conclusion on the overall solvency needs, continued compliance with capital requirements or technical provisions requirements or a plan to prevent or eliminate potential or newly emerging or unexpected solvency risks, without the need to carry out a comprehensive assessment of the risk profile and corresponding solvency needs. When the
extraordinary ORSA is carried out as part of the strategic decision-making process, it focuses on examining how the strategic decision in question will affect the risk profile and how it will affect the overall solvency needs and ongoing compliance with capital requirements. (5) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, submits the supervisory report for the ORSA to the FSC within the time frame under Art. 312, paragraph 1, letter "b" of Delegated Regulation (EU) 2015/35. Section III Special rules for conducting the group level ORSA Scope of the group ORSA Art. 96. (1) The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, at the head of the group, designs the group ORSA in a way that reflects the nature of the group's structure and its risk profile. It takes into account in the group ORSA the material risks arising from all entities in the group. (2) The own risk and solvency assessment at the group level adequately covers all the specifics of the specific group and includes at least:
Code, the participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, at the head of the group, shall promptly provide, upon request by a member or a new member of the supervisory college, a translation into the official language of the Member State of that part of the assessment containing information on an insurer, respectively a reinsurer, within the group. (3) It is not mandatory for all individual undertakings of the group to be included in the scope of the ORSA under Art. 265, para. 4 of the Insurance Code and to be included in the single ORSA document. In the case of an application to perform an ORSA according to Art. 265, para. 4 of the Insurance Code, all assessments of individual entities covered by the application shall be included in the single ORSA document. (4) Paragraph 2 does not apply to insurers without the right of access to the single market of the European Union. A group of insurers without the right of access to the single market of the European Union can prepare a single ORSA document, and Art. 265, para. 7 and 8 of the Insurance Code shall apply accordingly. Specific requirements at group level regarding overall solvency needs Art. 98. The participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking, at the head of the group, should adequately assess the impact of all group specific risks and interdependencies within the group and the impact of these risks and interdependencies on the overall solvency needs, and in addition to the risks taken into account when calculating the Solvency Capital Requirement, they should consider all significant risks, especially ones that are not quantifiable. The undertaking at the head of the groups should take into consideration the specificities of the group and the fact that some risks may be scaled up at the level of the group. The interdependencies of the risks of the undertaking at the head of the group and the risks of individual undertakings are also subject to investigation. (2) Group-specific risks include
risk of spreading within the group (contagion), including the effect of transferring risks manifested in some parts of the group to other parts of it, etc.;
risks arising from transactions within the group, as well as from risk concentration, in particular related to: a) shareholdings; b) intra-group reinsurance or intra-group reinsurance; c) Intra - group loans; d) outsourcing within the group;
operational risks arising from the complexity of the group's structure;
other risks arising from the complexity of the group's structure. (3) The undertaking at the head of the group shall, within the framework of the group's ORSA, analyses the effects of diversification at the group level, which includes an analysis of the rationality of the diversification effects allowed at the level of the group, compared to the group's risk profile and aggregate needs in relation to the solvency of the group. (4) In accordance with Article. 86, the participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking at the head of the group shall include in the documentation of the group ORSA at least information on the following factors that are taken into account in the assessment of overall solvency needs:
identification of possible sources of capital within the group and determination of potential needs for additional capital;
the assessment of the availability, transferability or substitutability of the capital;
information on all planned transfers of capital within the framework of the group, which would have a material impact on any legal entity of the group, and the consequences thereof;
coordination of individual strategies with those established at the group level;
specific risks to which the group may be exposed. Group specificities on continuous compliance with regulatory capital requirements Art. 99. In accordance with Article. 86, the participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking at the head of the group shall include in the documentation of the group ORSA at least information on the following factors that are taken into account in the assessment of continuous compliance with regulatory requirements
identification of the sources of own funds within the group and whether there is a need for additional funds;
the assessment of the availability, transferability or substitutability of own funds;
information on all planned transfers of own funds within the framework of the group, which would have a material impact on any legal entity of the group, and the consequences thereof;
coordination of individual strategies with those established at the group level;
specific risks to which the group may be exposed. Specific requirements for single ORSA document at group level Art. 100. (1) In the case of an application to perform an ORSA in accordance with Art. 265, para. 7 of the Insurance Code, the participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking provides the FSC with the following:
a list of insurers, respectively reinsurers, whose individual own assessments of risk and solvency are included in the single ORSA document and the reasons for this choice;
a description of how the governance requirements are met at the level of the insurer, respectively reinsurer, and in particular how the competent body of each subsidiary participates in the process of evaluating and approving the results;
a description of how the single ORSA document is organized, so as to allow the group supervisory authority to distinguish the individual assessments provided for other supervisory authorities - members of the supervisory college;
if necessary, specifically noting the required written translations with particular attention to timeliness and content. (2) The performance of the single document ORSA at the group level reflects the nature, volume and complexity of the group and the risks therein and concentrates on the essential parts of the group, without exempting the subsidiaries of the group from the obligation to perform the ORSA on individual level. In the process of single document ORSA at the group level the assessments of the subsidiary insurers and reinsurers at the individual level are documented under Art. 90 of the Insurance Code. (3) The ORSA report in accordance with Art. 265, para. 4 of the Insurance Code meets the following requirements:
the results of each subsidiary shall be individually identifiable in the structure provided for the single ORSA report to enable an appropriate supervisory review process to be carried out at an individual level by the individual supervisory authorities concerned;
the single ORSA report shall meet the requirements of the supervisory authority of the group, as well as of the individual supervisory authorities concerned. (4) When carrying out ORSA at the group level for insurers without the right of access to the single market of the European Union, para. 1 and 3 shall be applied accordingly, bearing in mind that the FSC is the sole supervisory authority of all insurers in the group. Integration of related third-party insurance and reinsurance undertaking Art. 101. In the assessment of the overall solvency needs at group level, the participating insurance or reinsurance undertaking, the insurance holding undertaking or the mixed-activity financial holding undertaking at the head of the group shall include the risks of the activity in
third countries in a consistent manner as is carried out in relation to the activity in the European Economic Area, with special attention to the assessment of portability and substitutability of capital. Chapter Four REQUIREMENTS TO THE SECURITY AND GOVERNANCE OF INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES OF INSURERS AND REINSURERS Requirements for the security and governance of information and communication technologies of insurers and reinsurers Art. 102. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, complies with the Guidelines on information and communication technology security and governance (EIOPA-BoS-20/ 600), issued by the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority , which the FSC has decided to implement according to Art. 13, para. 1, item 26 of the Financial Supervision Commission Act. (2) The Financial Supervision Commission issued the instructions regarding implementation of para. 1. SUPPLEMENTARY PROVISIONS § 1. Pursuant to this ordinance:
function. 11. “Audit Engagement” is the engagement within the meaning of the standards of professional practice in internal auditing. 12. “Operational function” is any function related to the commercial activity of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, which is different from the key functions under Art. 78, para. 1, items 1 - 4 of the Insurance Code. 13. “Legal Risk” is the risk of loss resulting from: a) an insufficiently well-documented or legally formed transaction, as a result of which the counterparty may avoid fulfilling its obligations under it; or b) claim for realization of responsibility as a result of non-fulfillment of legal obligations; or c) failure to take legal action to protect rights or property; or d) changes in the regulatory framework. 14. “Reputational Risk” is the risk of losses resulting from a decrease in confidence in the insurer or reinsurer and from disputes or conflicts with users of insurance services or other stakeholders. 15. "Standards of Professional Practice in Internal Auditing” are the International Standards for the Professional Practice of Internal Auditing issued by the Institute of Internal Auditors, Altamonte Springs, Florida, USA. § 2. (1) Except when the FSC, respectively the Deputy Chairperson, have determined otherwise, an insurer, reinsurer or other person obliged under this ordinance shall provide the information prepared by him to the supervisory authority in an electronic format that allows reading on an electronic device and electronic search of words and numbers. (2) When information under para. 1 is provided on paper, it is accompanied by an electronic version of the document that meets the requirements of para. 1. (3) In cases where the electronic document contains an electronic statement addressed to the FSC or the Deputy Chairperson, it shall be signed with a qualified electronic signature. (4) When an updated document is submitted, it shall be accompanied by a version graphically reflecting the changes compared to the previous version submitted to the FSC. § 3. (1) With this ordinance , the requirements of the following guidelines adopted by the European Insurance and Occupational Pension Insurance Authority are introduced into the FSC's practice:
§ 6. Ordinance No. 5 of 15.10.2003 on carrying out activities as an insurance broker and insurance agent (SG, issue 96 /2003) is revoked. § 7. Ordinance No. 32 of 13.09.2006 on the requirements for the organization and activity of the internal control service of insurers, reinsurers and entities included in an insurance or reinsurance group (promulgated, SG issue 81 /2006; amended and supplemented, issue 4 /2010) is revoked. § 8. In Ordinance No. 48 of 20.03.2013 on the requirements for remuneration (promulgated, SG No. 32 /2013; amended and supplemented, issue 41 and 41 /2019 and issue 61 / 2020) the following amendments and additions are made:
In Art. 2: a) a new paragraph 3 is created: “(3) Employees performing control functions in the insurer, respectively in the reinsurer, within the meaning of para. 1, item 4, are the persons who manage the functions under Art. 78, para. 1, items 1 - 3 of the Insurance Code, and the employees in the units that perform these functions. The remuneration policy of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, determines the positions of the employees that may have a significant impact on the risk profile of the undertaking under para. 1, item 5, or contains a methodology for their determination.; b) the previous para. 3 becomes para. 4.
In Art. 4: a) a new paragraph 3 is created: “(3) The remuneration policy of insurers and reinsurers shall meet the requirements under para. 1, items 1 - 4, and within the meaning of item 1, the “acceptable level” is determined according to the risk management policies and the risk-taking limits provided for in them, including in relations with service providers. The remuneration policy cannot jeopardize the ability of the insurer, respectively the reinsurer, to maintain the required own funds.; b) the previous para. 3 becomes para; 5. a) a paragraph 4 is created: “(4 ) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, guarantees that the measures to avoid conflict of interests under para. 1, item 3 cover at least:
the persons who develop the remuneration policy, who approve or revise it, as well as who prepare, conclude or revise agreements regarding remuneration;
the persons who conclude or write insurance or reinsurance contracts, which may significantly affect the risk profile of the insurer or reinsurer;
asset managers.”
Art. 4a is created: Article 4а. (1) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, which is a participating undertaking, the insurance holding or the mixed-activity financial holding, shall adopt a remuneration policy for the entire group, and the policy shall reflect the complexity and structure of the group with the aim of uniform and consistent application across the group in line with the group's risk management strategies. The policy applies to all individuals at group level and to each individual entity. (2) The insurer, respectively the reinsurer, which is a participating undertaking, the insurance holding or the mixed-activity financial holding, shall ensure that:
there is interconnected of the remuneration policies in the group and their compliance with the legal and regulatory requirements in relation to the undertakings that are part of it, and they are implemented correctly;
all undertakings of the group comply with the legal and regulatory requirements regarding remuneration;
conditions have been created for the management of significant risks at the group level, related to the implementation of the remuneration policy in the group.
In Art. 6, para. 2, after the words “non-financial indicators”, a comma is placed and the following is added: “and in the case of an employee of an insurer, respectively of a reinsurer - on compliance with risk management rules and the ordinance and internal acts of the insurer, respectively to the reinsurer"
In § 5 of the transitional and final provisions after the words “Art. 77, para. 5” is added “and in connection with Art. 265, para. 1”. § 9. This ordinance is issued on the basis of Art. 77, para. 5 in connection with Art. 265, para. 1, Art. 90, para. 8, Art. 111, para. 4, Art. 104, para. 6 and Art. 232, para. 5 of the Insurance Code and was adopted by Decision No. 227-H of 22.07.2021 of the Financial Supervision Commission. Chairperson: Boyko Atanasov