122 Foreign Regulators to Participate in 2021 NAIC International Fellows Program
WASHINGTON (April 19, 2021) - This week, 122 regulators from 37 countries will take part in the week-long National Association of Insurance Commissioners Spring Virtual International Fellows Program (April 19 – 23). Given the virtual format, this is the largest number of fellows for the Program since its inception in 2005.
The intensive week-long course will allow for participants to learn about all aspects of U.S. State-Based Insurance Regulation. Virtual sessions will include recorded lectures by NAIC technical experts to support the strong interest foreign regulators have in learning about the U.S. Insurance State-Based System.
NAIC program coordinators look forward to resuming the in-person program in the future and working with states hosting future fellows.
International Fellows Program Background
Building on the success of the China Intern-Pilot Program in 2004, the NAIC developed a formal International Internship Program in 2005 to advance working relations with foreign markets, emphasizing the exchange of regulatory techniques and technology. The program was formally renamed the International Fellows program in 2010. The Fellows participate in a week-long orientation program in Kansas City, Mo., focusing on the broad principles of insurance regulation in the United States. Each Fellow then travels to a different state for five weeks, working in technical areas of their specialization under the supervision of a state insurance department staff member, who serves as a mentor and host.
Note: Last year’s Spring International Fellows Program was canceled due to Covid-19, and this year’s Spring International Fellows Program is being held in a virtual format like the organization’s 2020 Fall International Fellows Program.
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.