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Up to Code Index of Previous Articles

DateTitleAuthorTopic
Jan/Feb 2006 Basics of the ABCD – Who, What, Why, When, Where, How and WhyJulia J. PhilipsInaugural article describing ABCD structure and process
Mar/Apr 2006 Living with Precept 10Edward E. BurrowsConsiderations when transitioning work using a defined benefit pension plan as an example
May/June 2006ABCD Advice for New Actuaries: Top 10 Ways to Immunize Your ProfessionalismJulia J. PhilipsIdeas for providing preventative care to your professionalism
July/Aug 2006International Actuarial Standards of Practice – Suggestions or Requirements?Lauren BloomThe interaction of Precepts 1 and 3 and US and International Standards of Practice
Sept/Oct 2006The Look-in-the-Mirror TestCarol R. SearsPrecept 2 and the importance of carefully considering whether you are qualified using two case study examples
Nov/Dec 2006Qualified…or NotWilliam J. FalkPrecept 2 and some specific questions to ask in determining whether you are qualified or not
Jan/Feb 2007 An Ounce of Prevention – The First StepJack TurnquistConsiderations in evaluating and selecting potential assignments
Mar/Apr 2007 The Case of the Careless Subordinates – Is an actuary responsible for the work performed by others under his control?Michael ToothmanA cautionary tale of undue reliance on subordinates, overconfidence and a lack of quality control
May/June 2007Mercy or JusticeLawrence A. JohansenA review of the investigative process and the first 15 years of the ABCD 
July/Aug 2007Precept 13 – A Snitch in TimeEdward E. BurrowsThe importance of Precept 13 in preserving the status of the actuarial profession as a self-regulating body
Sept/Oct 2007We Need to Do BetterRichard RobertsonA discussion of common causes leading to an inadequate work product
Nov/Dec 2007Affordable Virtue – Ethics for Pension ProfessionalsKurt F. PiperInstilling and increasing ethical behavior – applicable to all – despite the title
Jan/Feb 2008 The Rules are Your FriendLinda BellAttention golfers! This article discusses the “rules” of the actuarial profession with analogies to golfing
Mar/Apr 2008 Paul’s Puzzle: A Fable for ActuariesJulia PhilipsA fable of inadequate reserves, internal pressures and professionalism with numerous possible outcomes
May/June 2008An Actuary Defends HerselfJulia PhilipsAn illustrative story on the power of documented compliance with professional standards
July/Aug 2008Requesting Guidance from the ABCDTom GriffinA description of the RFG process 
Sept/Oct 2008Broaching the Subject of Professional BehaviorJulia PhilipsA story of handling a sensitive topic with a coworker
Nov/Dec 2008Actuaries, Hill Street Blues and Data SecurityRobert J. Reitz and Beth R. SandersTips for proactively protecting data
Jan/Feb 2009 When is a Violation Resolved?William J. FalkAn example RFG exploring if an apparent material violation is resolved
Mar/Apr 2009 I’m an International Actuary?Curtis HuntingtonA reminder that the Code’s scope is not limited to US practice
May/June 2009Student of ChangeA Conversation with Carol SearsGetting the message of professionalism out early and often
July/Aug 2009Interviewing with IntegrityMargaret Resce Milkint and Mary KilkennyDemonstrating integrity in and out of the interview rooms – for candidates and employers
Sept/Oct 2009Don’t Regret Having Filed a ComplaintJulia T. PhilipsWays to comply with Precept 13
Nov/Dec 2009The Carol of the BellsRobert J. ReitzThree warning bells – situations that can lead to problems
Jan/Feb 2010 Moving from Discipline to GuidancePaul FleischackerInsights from an actuary who moved from investigator to ABCD member
Mar/Apr 2010 In Answer to Your Many QuestionsMike ToothmanAnswers to questions regarding the Code collected from recent presentations
May/June 2010Your Comments Please: Changing the Disciplinary ProcessRoger Hayne and Robert J. ReitzA request for comments on changes to the disciplinary process – see summary of answers Jan/Feb 2011
July/Aug 2010Regulator as ResourceJohn PurpleThe benefits of developing a professional working relationship with regulators
Sept/Oct 2010Are You a Rule Follower?Julia T. PhilipsFive questions to ask in assessing rules
Nov/Dec 2010MaterialityRichard RobertsonAn exploration of what may be a material violation of the Code
Jan/Feb 2011 Comments on Changing the Disciplinary ProcessRobert J. ReitzA summary of comments on proposed changes to the disciplinary process
Mar/Apr 2011 Non-Actuarial Services Under the CodeKurt F. PiperApplying Precept 1 to non-actuarial services
May/June 2011Question TimeJames GuttermanImpressions from a first-year ABCD member
July/Aug 2011International ComplianceCurtis HuntingtonEstablishing international standards – see more current discussion in the Nov/Dec 2021 issue
Sept/Oct 2011Are You an Expert?Paul R. FleischackerNavigating your Precept 13 obligations in expert witness cases
Nov/Dec 2011A Look at TransparencyRobert J. ReitzBalancing confidentiality and transparency 
Jan/Feb 2012 Types of DisciplineNancy BehrensAn overview of the types of dismissals and discipline levels
May/June 2012Peer ReviewJanet FaganA critical look at the peer review process and what it can and cannot provide
July/Aug 2012Keeping the CodeKathy RileyPrecept 13 and assessing a potential violation
Sept/Oct 2012Let’s Be Perfectly ClearJames GuttermanA discussion of ASOP No. 41, Actuarial Communications with a focus on responsibility, reliance, disclosure and defending deviation
Nov/Dec 2012Modeling to CodeJohn PurpleIdentifies ASOPs to consider for Predictive Modeling (note: predates ASOP No. 56, Modeling)
Jan/Feb 2013 New Year’s ResolutionsNancy BehrensTips for making a professional development plan and sticking with it
Mar/Apr 2013 Moral TurpitudeCurtis HuntingtonA look at Precept 1-4
May/June 2013There’s an App for ThatJanet FaganThe Code of Conduct, ASOPs and the USQS are only a click away
July/Aug 2013How to Evade the CodeRobert J. ReitzSeveral examples of missteps to avoid
Sept/Oct 2013Phone a FriendKathleen A. RileyHow the RFG process can work as your professional lifeline
Nov/Dec 2013New Kid on the BlockRick BlockInsights into the ABCD process by a new Board member
Jan/Feb 2014When Harry Met SallyJanet CarstensAn overview of the target timeline for an ABCD complaint. Spoiler alert – this is not a comedy
Mar/Apr 2014A Show of HandsNancy BehrensEncouragement to put the Code on your annual reading list
May/June 2014Owning Precept 13John PurplePrecept 13 is the cornerstone of our profession. Be aware of the requirements.
July/Aug 2014CE Checklist for Enrolled ActuariesRick BlockConsiderations in meeting continuing education requirements
Sept/Oct 2014You Sign It, You Own ItJanet FaganReliance on the work of others is both common and acceptable with appropriate disclosures
Nov/Dec 2014Must or Should? Read ASOP No. 1Kathy RileyRead ASOP No. 1
Jan/Feb 2015 Six Years Before the MastRobert J. ReitzReflections on the cases seen during six years of service on the ABCD
Mar/Apr 2015 A Case StudyDave OgdenAn outline of a hypothetical complaint and how it is processed by the ABCD 
May/June 2015Why an Actuary Must/Should Read ASOP No. 1Allan W. RyanAn overview of ASOP No. 1 effective June 1, 2013
July/Aug 2015What is a Profession?Nancy BehrensDefining a profession with a focus on the Code and how we self-regulate the profession
Sept/Oct 2015Don’t Be ‘That Actuary’John StokesburyExamples of potential Code violations 
Nov/Dec 2015The ABCD Process from the InsideAnonymousPerspectives from an actuary who was the subject of a disciplinary hearing and what they learned and changed
Jan/Feb 2016 Doing the Right ThingJohn M. PurpleA reflection on the Academy’s 50th anniversary and building the professionalism infrastructure on a foundation of doing the right thing
Mar/Apr 2016 Because I Said SoJan CartsensThe need to document what you did and why in selecting data, methods and assumptions
May/June 2016No Fee, No Foul?Rick BlockThree examples of no fee advice – all could be considered Statements of Actuarial Opinion
July/Aug 2016Whose Assumptions are They?David F. OgdenThe importance of scrutinizing the work of others and requirements for disclosing reliance on others
Sept/Oct 2016Test Your Professionalism IQAllan RyanThe title says it all – an online 10-question test. A follow-up exam is given in the Nov/Dec 2020 issue.
Nov/Dec 2016The Dog Ate my Homework, and Other JustificationsJanet FaganExploring some commonly heard excuses and why they do not hold up
Jan/Feb 2017 Peer Review – Small Investment, Big ReturnDebbie RosenbergUses and benefits of a peer review
Mar/Apr 2017 A ‘Checklist Manifesto’ for ProfessionalismDavid DriscollAn encouragement for creating checklists to facilitate compliance with aspects of professionalism with two examples 
May/June 2017Controlling CommunicationsJohn T. StokesburyExamples of situations where a reader might be misled by an actuarial communication and how to mitigate that risk
July/Aug 2017Lessons LearnedJohn P. TierneyFour common-sense guidelines to good actuarial practice gleaned from a career spanning more than 40 years
Sept/Oct 2017Control of Work Product – Be Upfront with ClientsGodfrey PerrottSteps that can be considered to protect and control the work product, before and after accepting an assignment
Nov/Dec 2017Precept 1 and ‘Bad Conduct’Jan CartsensExamples of bad conduct that have resulted in disciplinary actions from the US-based actuarial organizations
Jan/Feb 2018 To Tell or Not to Tell? Unpacking Precept 13Rick BlockExamples to help us decide what to do in certain circumstances including asking the ABCD for an RFG
Mar/Apr 2018 Precept 10 – Actuarial DisagreementsDavid OgdenA story of disagreeing respectfully and disclosing reliance using a state rate filing example
May/June 2018Know Your ASOPsAllan W. RyanAn overview of then-recently revised ASOPs 21, 23, 24 and 52
July/Aug 2018Communicating Uncertainty: The Importance of Acknowledging LimitationsDavid DriscollStraightforward statements about the limitations of our work are increasingly important to actuarial practice
Sept/Oct 2018A(E)SOP’s FablesDeborah RosenbergThe ASOPs function to pass along certain core values to the actuary.
Nov/Dec 2018If You Want to Grow Big and Strong, Eat Your SpinachJohn StokesburyA close look at Precept 3 and staying compliant and current with ASOPs – even if you do not like change
Jan/Feb 2019 Hidden in Plain View – The Treasure Trove that is the Academy’s Practice NotesJohn TierneyAn article featuring the Academy’s practice note – Statement of Actuarial Opinion on Property and Casualty Loss Reserves ending with encouragement to be aware of the Practice Notes in your area of practice
Mar/Apr 2019 Feeling Conflicted? The Code Can HelpGodfrey PerrottExploring conflicts of interest – the requirements and considerations of Precepts 6 and 7
May/June 2019Communicating Clearly with ASOP No. 41David OgdenA look at ASOP No. 41 and some of the pitfalls to avoid in our rapid-fire electronic world of communication.
July/Aug 2019Exercising Judgement in a Self-Regulated ProfessionAllan W. RyanMaintaining our clients’ and the public’s trust with high standards of service and self-regulation
Sept/Oct 2019The ABCD Goes to the MoviesDavid DriscollAn exploration of the ABCD process featuring a 1948 musical comedy, Are You with It? (which is about an actuary!)
Nov/Dec 2019Getting Political – Can an Actuary Weigh in on Thorny Issues?Alice RosenblattConsiderations when expressing a public opinion, whether actuarial in nature or not
Jan/Feb 2020 Precept 11 – Tell the Truth, the Whole Truth, and Nothing but the TruthKenneth A. KentA discussion of the infrequently highlighted Precept 11, Advertising 
Mar/Apr 2020 Actuarial AssumptionsDeborah RosenbergIdentifying, disclosing, and assessing the reasonableness of assumptions with a focus on ASOPs 41 and 43
May/June 2020Looking for Truth in Shades of GrayJohn T. StokesburyThree example cases of complaints before the ABCD 
July/Aug 2020Communicating the UnknownDavid OgdenThe importance of communicating and disclosing assumptions, reliance and limitations using a novel rate setting example
Sept/Oct 2020The Gifts and Responsibilities of AgeGodfrey PerrottWisdom is valuable; compliance with continuing education is necessary to maintain technical competence and avoiding a visit to the ABCD
Nov/Dec 2020Follow-Up ExamAllan W. RyanAn exam to test your professionalism IQ in 12 questions – also see the original test Sept/Oct 2016
Jan/Feb 2021 A Little Help From My FriendsAlbert J. BeerHow the RFG process adds value by providing confidential professional advice and counsel
Mar/Apr 2021 The Art of the PossibleDavid L. DriscollThe value of the Code of Conduct and the ASOPs in delineating an actuary’s professional responsibilities
May/June 2021Follow the ASOPs, Inside and OutAlice RosenblattShould there be a difference in the actuarial services provided to an internal or external client? The author details why her answer is “no”
July/Aug 2021The Code of Professional Conduct and EthicsKen KentAn exploration of the Code of Conduct, ethics and the decisions we make with examples of determining qualification and disclosing errors
Sept/Oct 2021Who Knows 14?Debra RosenbergA tour of the Code of Conduct 
Nov/Dec 2021Where Do You Practice?William HinesApplicability of the Code of Conduct and ASOPs to international work
Jan/Feb 2022 A Million Little ThingsJohn SchubertThe importance of the Code and the role of the ABCD using a popular show (with an actuary in a leading role) as an example
Mar/Apr 2022 Risk to the ActuaryRichard KutikoffIdentifies numerous risks that actuaries face in performing services and ways to mitigate those risks.
May/June 2022Mythology and Actuarial ProfessionalismAlbert J. BeerThree common myths debunked
July/Aug 2022Conflicts of Interest and Codes of ConductGodfrey PerrottA look a Precept 7
Sept/Oct 2022Our ResilienceDavid DriscollA tribute to a recently deceased dear friend, and lessons from his life story pertaining to personal and professional resilience
Nov/Dec 2022A Fine MessApril ChoiRipped from the headlines: CPA continuing ed exam cheating, and how the situation might have been handled if it had involved actuaries instead
Jan/Feb 2023Tattoos and PonytailsTammy DixonA look at precepts 1 and 2 as they pertain to how an actuary presents to the public
Mar/Apr 2023That’s So MetaShawna AckermanA roundup of every Up to Code article that’s been written
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