MAC: A Proposal for Consistent Actuarial Interest Rates in Pension Funds

Abstract

Objective: this article proposes the meta atuarial consistente (MAC) (consistent actuarial rate), which is a method that adjusts incompatible actuarial rates in pension funds, after investigating and proving that the rate dissociates from the general rule in current regulations (which binds this rate to the expected return of the investments of pension funds). Methodology: a sample with data from 22 defined-benefit plans was collected, and MAC was applied to produce consistent actuarial rates, after panel data methods have identified the elements that influence the definition of the actuarial rate by the pension fund board of trustees. Results: the use of MAC, adjusting actuarial rates of 2018 based on systematic biases in previous rates, enabled a positive effect that unfolds in more reliable estimates for the plans’ mathematical provision, while identifying elements that influence the determination of the annual rate, causing its non-compliance to the general rule. Conclusion: the adoption of MAC by the Brazilian supervisory authority Previc would improve the rules and provide subsidies to better adjust the contribution levels practiced in the plans, making their solvency levels more reliable, which would benefit the development of the insurance and pension market.