Newsletter brings you the latest news on ACORD's activities and initiatives, insurance technology and standards worldwide.

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1 @ACORD Newsletter - Issue 77 - October 15, 2009 Newsletter brings you the latest news on ACORD's activities and initiatives, insurance technology and standards worldwide. Headlines South Africa's FIA Joins ACORD XL Re Implements ACORD Across Global Network Planning for Plenaries 2009 Account Current Candidate Release for AML LAH Information Model Training Certification Becomes Easier for All Using TCF New ACORD Video: Maciag and Morrissey Meet Join ACORD & NIPR at SILA This October ACORD Updates Australia on Standards at NIBA Working Group News RLC Cedant Bordereau Working Group Kicks Off Streamlining Miscellaneous P&C E&O Data LAH PLC Working Group Holds Open Meeting at Forum ACORD Implementation Forum November 3-6, Strategic Alchemist Keynotes Forum ACE Testing at the ACORD Implementation Forum Expert Cafe "You Drive" Sessions

2 South Africa's Financial Intermediaries Association (FIA) Joins ACORD The Financial Intermediaries Association of Southern Africa (FIA - recently joined ACORD, further broadening the standardization of insurance data internationally. The FIA represents South Africa's independent brokers including large and medium size brokerages as well as individual financial intermediaries who provide valuable financial advice across a range of areas including healthcare, short-term insurance, employee benefits and financial planning. South Africa's financial services industry is becoming increasingly complex as new products are introduced to market and clients' needs are becoming more diverse. Therefore, the need for a solid infrastructure for data exchange became more critical than ever. "At present in South Africa's insurance industry, there is no uniform method of moving data between role-players," stated Arnold van der Linde, President of the FIA. "Becoming a member of ACORD is an important step which will have a positive impact on the industry - and importantly, on clients." "We are proud to welcome FIA to ACORD and applaud them for their vision of standardization for the South African insurance market," said John Kellington, senior vice president, ACORD. "We look forward to working closely with them and all the participants in the South African market as the standardization process begins." Read the full release here XL Re Implements ACORD Standards Across its Global Network On September 28, XL Re issued a press release regarding their implementation of ACORD standards. XL Re announced the successful implementation of its single global Reinsurance platform supporting the Association for Cooperative Operations Research and Development (ACORD) based messaging standards. XL Re's global IT reinsurance platform presents the first opportunity for a London Market reinsurer to operate business using the ACORD messages. It will be used for claims, accounting, cash management and the supporting documentation. Mark Berry, General Manager London Branch for XL Re Europe, said "The successful rollout of a single IT platform and implementation of ACORD messaging standards across our network ensures XL Re maintains its lead in global ecommerce capabilities. XL Re's global transactional system enables a quick and consistent flow of accurate information, providing us with the agility to respond effectively and efficiently to an ever changing business environment. This includes major efficiencies in delivering management information for client- facing operations as well as the dissemination of financial data for internal and external reporting." ACORD President & CEO Gregory A. Maciag added that; "XL Re has always been on the leading edge of change. Leveraging a single and global reinsurance platform, XL

3 Re continues to make strides in this increasingly electronic marketplace. Being the first to go live with the ACORD claim message standard with Xchanging in the London Market is yet another milestone in what has been a remarkable journey for their team. XL Re exemplifies the true meaning of innovation and vision and are now well positioned to take advantage of ecommerce messaging in any market." Read the full press release here Planning for Plenaries 2009 This fall's plenary sessions are now scheduled. These are your opportunities to discuss key issues and maintenance requests (MRs) as we prepare for the final votes for this standards cycle. Plenaries are one of the best ways to learn about what's going on with maintenance requests and to learn the nuances of the MRs. It's also your chance to voice your concerns. If you have submitted an MR, it is essential that you attend to address any questions or concerns attendees may have with the request. Fall 2009 Plenaries (All times eastern US) Life, Annuity & Health November 3, :00 PM to 5:00 PM ACORD Implementation Forum Ft. Lauderdale, FL & Teleconference Reinsurance & Large Commercial October 29, :00 AM to 11:00 AM Teleconference Only P&C/Surety November 2, :00 AM to 1:00 PM Teleconference Only Cross Domain October 29, 2009 Time: TBA Teleconference Only To take part in any of the plenary sessions: Send an to: workinggroups@acord.org. Please indicate which Plenary Session(s) you wish to attend. ACORD will provide all those registered with logistical information for the event(s) selected (dial-in, codes, Webex, etc.) prior to the session(s).

Account Current Candidate Release for AML A special vote was held recently that moved the Account Current XML messages from a draft state to candidate recommendation within the ACORD Messaging

4 Account Current Candidate Release for AML A special vote was held recently that moved the Account Current XML messages from a draft state to candidate recommendation within the ACORD Messaging Library (AML). This action is one step closer to further automating these processes. Historically, account current is a manually intensive reconciliation by agents and brokers with their carriers. The ACORD standard will enable producers and carriers to automate the identification and clearing of premiums coming due as submitted. The messages include: Account Current Notify Account Current Process Account Current Process Result Voting was open to all regular members and associate members in good standing at the time of the vote. LAH Information Model Training Scheduled Following the success of the ACORD Property & Casualty/Surety Information Model Training in August, ACORD scheduled Information Model training sessions focused on Life, Annuity and Health. The trainings will be held December 8th to 10th in ACORD's Pearl River office. Attendees can choose from the one day overview or come for all three days for more in-depth training. Day one (December 8) is an Information Model Introduction designed for business analysts and IT architects from all of ACORD's domains. It will provide an understanding of the concepts offered by the ACORD Information Model, insights into the overall structure of the model, and take attendees on a dive into its core domains and sub-domains. Days two and three (December 9-10) focus solely on Life, Annuity and Health (LAH). Those in attendance will learn how to manipulate the ACORD Information Model around LAH business scenarios including underwriting, new business, claims and other processes. Also covered will be product definitions in the model. The training is priced at $395 for the first day and $895 for all three days. For questions, please contact Beth Grossman at bgrossman@acord.org. To register, please contact Geri Prescott at workinggroups@acord.org or call , ext. 463

5 Certification Becomes Easier for All Using TCF Since its initial launch in 2007, the ACORD Testing and Certification Facility (or TCF) has expanded to accommodate more messages, all ACORD domains, and special needs. ACORD's Testing and Certification Facility (TCF) is a live, interactive website where developers test and certify their implementations of ACORD messages. The goal is to make certifying ACORD messages easier and more efficient for all members. Over the past two years, it has grown to accommodate more messages, more ACORD domains and even specially developed portals for special requirements and groups. The Technology The TCF has two modes: 1. Message only validation (otherwise known as the TCFUMV for Universal Message Validator) 2. Business trading partner certification (P2P) TCF Serves All Domains TCF was first launched in 2007 to support ACORD Document Repository Interface (DRI) message testing for the London Electronic Claims File initiative. In 2008, it grew to handle Reinsurance & Large Commercial (RLC) Placing messages followed by Accounting & Settlement and Claims messages Now, TCF serves all of ACORD's domains including Property & Casualty/Surety (PCS versions ) and Life, Annuity & Health (LAH messages versions ). Additional LAH transaction validation is planned for early The message only validation checks your XML message to see if it follows the various rules required by the ACORD standards as well as by specific implementation guides such as Claims (Basic and ECOT) for RLC and DTCC Attachment Service 1.0 for LAH. With the "virtual" business partner portion of the Testing and Certification Facility, you can send messages to the TCF and it will validate them and then the send back responses indicating acceptance or error(s). The TCF can also send messages to your systems and validate your responses as well. Testing Portals TCF has also developed specific Testing Portals developed for more specific needs. They offer additional validation for that group, organization or implementation guide. Once such example is a specific portal developed for DTCC. In this instance the ACORD TCF performs dual validation - first for the ACORD schema and Business Rules and then for DTCC- specific Schema and validation rules. Future portals are already underway and will be announced in future issues of the newsletter. To learn more about TCF and how it can help your organization certify messages, come to the 2009 ACORD Implementation Forum ( or visit the TCF web page or tcfadmin@acord.org.

New ACORD Video: Maciag and Morrissey Meet Greg Maciag sits down to talk to Michael J. Morrissey, the newly appointed President and CEO of the International Insurance Society, Inc. (IIS).

6 New ACORD Video: Maciag and Morrissey Meet Greg Maciag sits down to talk to Michael J. Morrissey, the newly appointed President and CEO of the International Insurance Society, Inc. (IIS). IIS is a non-profit organization of insurance executives and academics whose mission is to facilitate the worldwide transfer of ideas and innovations and to foster the development of networks across national and international insurance markets. The IIS was formed in 1964 and today has over 900 members from 90 countries. Click the image to view the video. Join ACORD & NIPR at SILA This October If you're attending this year's SILA (Securities & Insurance Licensing Association) conference in Phoenix this month, be sure to join ACORD and NIPR for a special reception. You'll hear updates about developments and implementations, be able to ask questions of those developing and implementing the standards, and discuss ways we can all work together to increase implementation and maintain the standardization momentum. The reception will be held on October 25, 2009 from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. If you are interested in attending this event, please RSVP to Kari Anderson at kanderson@acord.org. ACORD Updates Australia at NIBA Conference in Sydney From advisory committees to standards adoption, ACORD has been very active in the Australian Insurance Market. This September, ACORD updated market participants at the NIBA (National Insurance Broker Association - Convention in Sydney. NIBA represents insurance brokerages, authorized representatives and underwriting agencies and wholesale brokerages licensed to operate in the life and general insurance sectors. According to their website, there are approximately 500 NIBA member firms operating from around 780 locations across Australia. In his session, The Vision of Electronic Commerce with a Foundation of Standards, John Kellington, Senior Vice President, ACORD, discussed the future with ACORD standards and how many countries are enhancing their vision of insurance processing based on standardization. He also presented insights into what the future could hold for the Australian market using ACORD Standards.

7 In August of this year, ACORD members in Australia officially adopted the ACORD Messaging Library (AML) as the data standard for use within the Australian insurance market. "Insurance is often accused of lagging the banking industry around the efficiency of information flow. This is an important milestone to help close that gap," asserted Steve Coles, CIO, Allianz and chair of the ACORD Australian Advisory Committee. To read the release, click here Cedant Bordereau Working Group Kicks Off Today, reinsurers receive cedant information in a variety of different formats leading to data manipulation, re-keying and cross referencing of supporting information. Even through spreadsheets are frequently used, there is many inconsistencies among them. So what is bordereau? First, the spelling varies. In the US it is bordereau but in other parts of the world, it is bordereaux. The new Standard Cedant Bordereau Working Group was launched recently to address this lack of standardization and is chaired by Gabe Shtern of Travelers, John Dibuduo of Partner Re, and Walter Zarychta of Guy Carpenter. Bordereau is defined by The Reinsurance Association of America (RAA) as "a report provided periodically by the reinsured detailing the reinsurance premiums and/or reinsurance losses and other pertinent information with respect to specific risks ceded under the reinsurance agreement." Back in 2001 and 2002, spreadsheets and an initial XML standard were developed by ACORD and its members to define the bordereau data. This group will now build from that activity and revise the standard to accommodate current industry needs. In their initial meeting, the group discussed the use of existing documents and standards from both RLC and PCS. They determined that: 1. They would work specifically on Premium Claims Bordereau 2. The communication flow would be from cedants to reinsurers 3. The group would work first with spreadsheet data communication to clearly define what cedants are sending and what reinsurers can receive The long term objective is to take this knowledge and develop an ACORD XML standard. ACORD Members can join this working group by following the instructions on For questions, please contact Marc Codispoti at mcodispoti@acord.org.

8 Streamlining Miscellaneous E&O Data The newly launched Miscellaneous E&O Working Group is asking Agents/Brokers, Carriers, and Software providers that write, place, underwrite or support Miscellaneous E&O to contribute their E&O applications to help the group determine the common data requirements. Chaired by ACORD Board member Keith Savino of Warwick Resource Group and the PIA, working group participants included ACORD members (carriers, agents, brokers and solution provides), AUGIE leaders and representatives of other associations all interested in streamlining applications along with specific E&O supplements. To take part in the group be sure you're registered at and then and ask to be added to the list for the Specialty Lines Miscellaneous E&O Business Group For questions or to submit your E&O applications for use in this effort, contact Brian Marable, Program Manager and Member Relations. Policy Life Cycle Working Group Holds Open Meeting at Forum A special face-to-face Policy Life Cycle Working Group meeting will be held at this year's ACORD Implementation Forum. The group chairs, Pat Graham of Prudential and Laura D'Anna of EbixExchange along with ACORD Program Manager Yolanda Austin, encourage everyone to get involved and take part in this meeting, whether onsite or by phone. This is an open meeting to discuss current usage of the new business transaction and further needs within the policy lifecycle. The feedback provided will enable the working group to plot future directions and plan next steps. The meeting will be held on: Friday, November 6, :30 AM till noon Dial in capabilities will be available for those not able to attend in person To take part in this open meeting: Attend the meeting onsite during the ACORD Implementation Forum by registering at workinggroups@acord.org and ask to be registered for the meeting. Dial in instructions will be sent to you prior to the event.

ACORD Implementation Forum - See What It Has for YOU! 3-6 November 2009, Marriott Harbor Beach, Ft.

He has consultant experience in a wide range of industries including energy, insurance, finance and banking, telemarketing, high tech, logistics and trucking, retailing, hospitality, tourism,

From your own personal strategy to an enterprise strategy or industry-wide perspective, he will be providing attendees with new insights and tools to help them think and plan for the future as well

9 ACORD Implementation Forum - See What It Has for YOU! 3-6 November 2009, Marriott Harbor Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, FL Strategic Alchemist Keynotes Forum This year, Strategic Alchemist David Goldsmith will be the keynote speaker at the ACORD Implementation Forum. He has consultant experience in a wide range of industries including energy, insurance, finance and banking, telemarketing, high tech, logistics and trucking, retailing, hospitality, tourism, manufacturing, and aerospace. David's specialty is strategy and strategic thinking on all levels. From your own personal strategy to an enterprise strategy or industry-wide perspective, he will be providing attendees with new insights and tools to help them think and plan for the future as well as see how integral ACORD standards are for success. Leading up to the Forum, David will be talking to a number of members to gain new perspectives on our industry so that Forum attendees will receive the latest information and thinking. Still time to Register! Online registration ends October 27, After that, you can still register onsite! Click here to register today! Click the image to see a video from David Goldsmith ACE Testing at the ACORD Implementation Forum During this November's ACORD Implementation Forum, those taking part in the ACORD Certified Expert program will have two opportunities to be tested and move closer to earning their designation. Exams will be administered on Tuesday, November 3 and Friday, November 6. If you are interested in being part of this testing, please ACE@acord.org. Expert Cafe This year, ACORD is introducing the Expert Cafe where each table will focus on a specific topic. Have lunch with others who share your interest and exchange ideas with peers and experts. When you arrive in Fort Lauderdale, you'll see boards where the different tables will be listed. Place your name on any open seat in the topic of your choice. Be sure to do it early. Tables are limited to 12 people!

10 "You Drive" Sessions There are always detailed topics or questions that can't be covered during regular sessions so ACORD has set up special "You Drive" sessions where your suggestions, topics, and ideas lead the way. Have questions about the Framework? Want to know more about AML? Need to know more about solving implementation issues? This is where to discuss it all! View the sessions Reserve your room Register today ACORD, Two Blue Hill Plaza, Pearl River, NY Unsubscribe: If you do not wish to receive this newsletter or other types of from ACORD, please visit sign in, and select Manage Profile and then Update Mailing List. Feedback: Feedback on any content published is welcomed and can be directed to Michael Carroll at If you believe others in your organization would like to subscribe please forward this edition to them with the SUBSCRIBE instructions below. Subscribe: To subscribe, first register on Once registered, sign in and select Manage Profile and then Update Mailing List. Past Issues: Want past issues Go to: The ACORD name, and logo are registered marks of ACORD Corporation. Third party marks are the property of their respective owners.

Industry Standard Processes to Operational Excellence

Industry Standard Processes to Operational Excellence Session 477 2 Panelists: John Canavan, Head of Global CSS, Guy Carpenter Shawn Sylvester, Senior Vice President Global Business Services, Endurance