Actuarial Board for Counseling and Discipline
The Actuarial Board for Counseling and Discipline strengthens the adherence by members of the five U.S.-based actuarial organizations to the recognized standards of ethical and professional conduct.
Primary Functions
- Respond to requests from members of the five participating U.S.-based organizations for guidance regarding professionalism.
- Consider complaints about possible violations of the Code of Professional Conduct (“Code”).
- Investigate apparent violations of the Code and conduct fact-finding hearings, when appropriate.
- Counsel actuaries when appropriate.
- Recommend discipline, when appropriate, to membership organizations. (Membership organizations determine whether to impose discipline, using their own procedures.)
- Conduct educational outreach efforts, which include making oral presentations and writing magazine articles.
Up to Code
This regular column in Contingencies highlights the ABCD’s work and important professionalism issues.
Perspectives from the ABCD—A Show of Hands
March/April 2026 By Nancy BehrensPrecept 13 and Self-Regulation
January/February 2026 By William C. HinesWhen Is a Violation Resolved?
November/December 2025 By William J. FalkAt the Top of Your Game
September/October 2025 By Tim GeddesAre You an Expert?
July/August 2025 By Paul R. Fleischacker
Structure
The ABCD consists of a Chairperson, two Vice Chairpersons, and six other members. They are appointed to three-year terms by a Selection Committee, established in the Academy bylaws and chaired by the Academy President. The Selection Committee appoints ABCD members in such a way as to ensure that all practice areas are adequately represented. Read the Selection Criteria for choosing members of the ABCD.
Jurisdiction
The ABCD’s jurisdiction to investigate alleged violations extends to the actuarial practice of the five U.S.-based organizations’ members in every country. By virtue of agreement between the five U.S.-based organizations, the Canadian Institute of Actuaries (CIA), and the Colegio Nacional de Actuarios, A.C. (CONAC), the Asociación Mexicana de Actuarios, A.C. (AMA), and the Asociación Mexicana de Actuarios Consultores, A.C. (AMAC) (collectively “the Mexico-based organizations”), the ABCD has reduced the risk that their members will be subjected to multiple disciplinary investigations arising out of a single complaint, inquiry, or incident involving an alleged breach of the professional standards of the CIA, the Mexico-based organizations, and/or the U.S.-based organizations.
Request A Speaker
Educational presentations at actuarial seminars and clubs, regulators’ meetings, and elsewhere.
Learn MoreStandards & Code of Conduct
Learn more about the established standards within the actuarial profession.
Learn MoreThe Rules of Procedure
A guide to how the Board handles requests for guidance and complaints about actuarial conduct.
Learn More