With so much attention focused on the insurance industry and its regulatory framework, it is important to take advantage of opportunities to learn more about state regulation as it evolves and responds to its own challenges and also to better understand the ultimate impact on insurance companies. The IRES Foundation provides such an opportunity to understand both the regulatory structure and how insurers need to prepare and respond to its changes and challenges at The National School on Market Regulation to be held this year in Scottsdale, AZ from April 10th through the 12th. From learning more about how insurers can develop their own “Market Analysis Unit” to meeting the challenges in managing multiple exams, this event equips attendees with a wealth of material focused on the industry’s compliance needs. With the increased role of the Market Conduct Annual Statement (MCAS) across the states, attendees will appreciate the two special sessions exclusively developed to explain the new processes for both the life insurance and property and casualty insurance industry.
In addition to the presentations on market analysis, exam processes, and MCAS, NAIC staff will be providing attendees with key information on the basics of this organization’s workings. Hot topics are also covered, with a session on Stranger Originated Annuities which includes steps insurers can take to not only identify such situations, but also processes to prevent their issuance. The special session on the use of credit scoring information by insurers is sure to be of interest to many attendees. Multiple opportunities are available to insurance professionals to attend designated state spotlight sessions, as well as to arrange private appointments with state regulators to discuss specific issues and to listen to the “Commissioners Panel”. Emerging issues are also covered including Enterprise Risk Management (ERM), federal insurance issues, and the use of social media by insurers. I am very pleased at being a member of the panel which will be presenting information on ERM. This annual National School on Market Regulation certainly delivers a compliance-focused agenda with an assembled group of experienced regulators and industry personnel that will provide a focused learning experience for its attendees.
