NAIC Member Discusses the Importance of the State-Based Regulatory System in Fostering Innovation and Consumer Protection
On May 28, Rhode Island Department of Business Regulation Director and NAIC President-Elect Elizabeth Kelleher Dwyer joined a strategic dialogue session titled “Europe on the Global Stage: Influence or Irrelevance?” at Insurance Europe's 16th International Conference in Brussels, Belgium. Insurance Europe is the trade association of European insurers and reinsurers.
During the dialogue, panelists discussed Europe’s evolving position in the economic and political arenas and how that is affecting the insurance regulatory agenda. Panelists also discussed how to foster robust consumer protection with an environment that supports innovation and availability in the insurance sector.
Director Dwyer explained how the U.S. state-based system of insurance regulation is nimble, as it allows each jurisdiction’s regulatory environment to be better tailored to suit its specific market but within a consistent national regime. She also touched on the importance of reexamining financial oversight regulations and practices to ensure they evolve and remain fit for purpose as risks and markets change.
(Above: NAIC President-Elect Dwyer [second from right] during the May 28th strategic dialogue session.)
About the National Association of Insurance Commissioners
As part of our state-based system of insurance regulation in the United States, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) provides expertise, data, and analysis for insurance commissioners to effectively regulate the industry and protect consumers. The U.S. standard-setting organization is governed by the chief insurance regulators from the 50 states, the District of Columbia and five U.S. territories. Through the NAIC, state insurance regulators establish standards and best practices, conduct peer reviews, and coordinate regulatory oversight. NAIC staff supports these efforts and represents the collective views of state regulators domestically and internationally.