The New Opinion Writer’s Guide to the SAO

Writing a P&C loss reserving opinion is a key responsibility for appointed actuaries, yet many actuaries begin supporting the opinion process long before they are asked to write one themselves. This webinar introduces the purpose, structure, and core components of a P&C loss reserving opinion, helping attendees gain confidence in understanding and contributing to the opinion-writing process. 

Designed for actuaries who are new to reserving opinions or who anticipate writing or supporting an opinion for the first time during the 2026 year-end cycle, this webinar will provide practical insights into the fundamentals of opinion development and common considerations for preparing a clear and effective opinion. While particularly valuable for those early in their opinion-writing journey, the webinar is open to all actuaries seeking a refresher. 

Who should attend: Early Career Actuaries and Academy Members

At the conclusion of this session, attendees will be able to: 

• Understand the purpose and role of a P&C loss reserving opinion. 
• Identify the key components of a P&C loss reserving opinion. 
• Recognize common considerations and challenges in the opinion-writing process. 
• Explain how actuaries can support the development of an opinion, even if they are not the signing actuary. 
• Apply foundational concepts in preparation for writing or contributing to a year-end opinion. 

MODERATOR

Jim Leonard, MAAA, FCAS
Member, Opinion Seminar Subcommittee

SPEAKERS

Jennifer Leach, MAAA, ACAS 
Vice Chairperson, Opinion Seminar Subcommittee 

Dave Wolfe, MAAA, ACAS 
Member, Committee on Property and Liability Financial Reporting

REGISTRATION

Registration for this webinar is limited to the first 1,000 registrants. Visit our webinar FAQs to learn more about our webinar policies, including group registration.

For more information about this webinar, contact [email protected].

Event Pricing

• Members: $55
• Nonmembers: $110
• Group Registration for Academy Members: $500

Complimentary registration is available to the following cohorts of Academy members. Contact [email protected] to request a discount code to register.

• Government regulators
• Academy volunteers who meet both
  • “active” members of an Academy committee, board, subcommittee, task force, or work group; and
  • qualified for either a partial or full dues waiver during 2026.

Contact [email protected] to request a discount code to register

CONTINUING EDUCATION

The American Academy of Actuaries believes in good faith that attendance at this live webinar constitutes an organized activity as defined under the current Qualification Standards for Actuaries Issuing Statements of Actuarial Opinion in the United States, and that attendees may earn up to 1.2 organized continuing education (CE) credits for attending this live webinar. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Registration for this webinar is limited to the first 1,000 registrants. Visit our webinar FAQs to learn more about our webinar policies, including group registration. For more information about this webinar, contact [email protected].