The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in transforming the economy and its benefits for Closed Pension Entities (EFPC) was the theme of the 9th ENCONT – National Meeting of EFPC Accountants, which took place in person in São Paulo on November 21st and 22nd. The panels discussed the use of AI in optimizing internal processes (such as compliance, finance, accounting and IT), in addition to the use of this technology in the rapid analysis of large volumes of data, which assist and ensure greater agility in the daily procedures inherent to pension funds.
Ricardo Pena, CEO of the National Superintendence of Supplementary Pensions (PREVIC), participated in the opening of the event. When highlighting the importance of having a system governed by lean and simplified regulations, as a way to achieve greater legal certainty and speed in strategic actions, he reinforced the role of PREVIC Resolution 23/2023 (updated in 2024) in the advancement of the system. Ricardo highlighted the segmentation of entities as a measure used to raise the level of governance and service offered by EFPC to its participants and beneficiaries. And he indicated the use of AI as a necessary mechanism for the future of entities.
“PREVIC is, in partnership with MCTI and Finep, developing two projects that use artificial intelligence as an ally for monitoring and supervising EFPCs. The first is aimed at improving and enhancing the collection of direct and indirect data on investments made by pension funds. While the second technological solution aims to monitor the actuarial risks of EFPCs, which will increase the security of all users of the system,” explained Ricardo.
The artificial intelligence projects undertaken by PREVIC were detailed by the general coordinator of Monitoring at the National Superintendence of Supplementary Pensions, Rodrigo Possas, during the Panel “AI in the quality of accounting information”. “There are two projects that use this technology. One is focused on investments, which seeks to detect atypicalities. In other words, investments that were made outside the market standard and the EFPC itself. The other deals with the solvency of pension funds. Therefore, through it, it will be possible to monitor actuarial risk, mortality tables, life expectancy tables, among other data. This will allow us to anticipate possible solvency problems in pension funds, resulting in improvement actions and minimizing risks, including possible settlements”, said Rodrigo.
Investment policy
The promotion of EFPCs, through the expansion of the investment menu of pension funds, was also on the agenda of debates at the 9th Meeting. During the “Investment Policy” Panel, PREVIC’s Director of Standards, Alcinei Rodrigues, presented the draft that the agency sent to the Ministry of Finance in April, regarding updates to CMN Resolution 4994/2022. “Several items of CVM Resolution 175/2022 come into effect this November. That is why it is so imperative that the National Monetary Council’s regulations be adjusted. So that EFPCs can have access to investment funds and other guarantees such as, for example, limited liability. Enabling entities to achieve their fiduciary duty to make the best possible return, within the risk ratio versus return”, reinforced Alcinei.
The director of standards highlighted that the PREVIC draft provides for greater adherence of CMN 4994 to CVM 175, such as adaptation of nomenclature, ESG aspects and compatibility with rules for investments abroad. Regarding this alignment with international practices, Alcinei pointed out the diversification of assets such as carbon credits, Fiagro and CBIO, in addition to the resumption of investments in real estate, with its own limitations, and revoking the deadline established for the sale of these assets. “What PREVIC seeks is to make the environment more attractive and safer for EFPCs to invest. Portfolio diversification, with assets in real estate, is a possibility, not a requirement. In other words, each pension fund must weigh issues such as size, complexity and investment appetite. What the autarchy has been doing is working to enable the expansion of this menu”, he explained.
Actuarial management
Fundamental to ensuring the financial balance and transparency of EFPCs, actuarial management is the tool used to monitor and control the risks of a pension plan, enabling the payment of future benefits. And it was on this topic that PREVIC's Actuarial Affairs coordinator, Christian Catunda, spoke on the panel “Actuarial Management: Actuarial Aspects of Benefit Plans”.
In a brief introduction to the topic, addressing the actuarial management of benefit plans in its three component stages (actuarial risk management, actuarial assessment and issuance of actuarial documents), and the characteristics of the three types of benefit plans (DB, DC and CV plans), Christian recalled that “the actuary works with the future, projecting scenarios based on assumptions that must be constantly monitored. Therefore, aspects such as increased longevity, adoption of new technologies, adaptation to changes in regulation and the need to diversify investments are challenges and trends that need to be addressed”.
The National Superintendence of Supplementary Pensions also participated in the Panel “Updating the EFPC Standards”, which had Cláudia Asthon, General Coordinator of Accounting Guidance at PREVIC, as moderator. The debate covered standards that have been changed or are in the process of being updated, such as Sanctioning Decree 4942/2003; CNPC Resolution 48/2021 (which deals with the PGA); CNPC Resolution 43/2021 (on marking of titles); CMN Resolution 4994/2022; in addition to PREVIC Resolution 25/2024, and adjustments to accounting planning, function and operation, being formulated by the General Coordination of Accounting Standards of the autarchy.
The 9th ENCONT is a joint event between Abrapp and Ancep, with institutional support from UniAbrapp, Sindapp, ICSS and Conecta.
