Hot Topic Breakfast Presentations

The insurance industry has been divided for years about how insurers are regulated, and the economic crisis has tilted the scale toward some level of federal involvement in the future.

Proponents of a federal system believe that state regulation is inadequate and that one-stop regulatory approval provides a broader representation of insurance interests and stronger regulatory oversight of systemic risk. Proponents of state regulation believe the merits of a state system that provides stronger consumer protection outweigh the virtues of a single regulator and have proposed principles to improve the current state regulatory system.

During “Hot Topic” breakfast presentations, two leading spokespersons of the opposing viewpoints will share their perspectives as well as their understanding of the direction the U.S. government is headed now as the federal versus state regulation battle once again heats up. Mr. Sonnichsen will present the state insurance regulators’ viewpoint on federal insurance regulation on Tuesday, November 3, at 8:00 a.m. Mr. Wood will present the viewpoint of those favoring federal insurance regulation on Wednesday, November 4, at 8:00 a.m.

Tuesday, November 3, 8:00-8:45 a.m.
Federal Regulation—Vote "No!"

Ethan A. Sonnichsen, Director, Government Relations, National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC)

Wednesday, November 4, 8:00-8:45 a.m.
Federal Regulation—Vote "Yes!"

Joel Wood, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, The Council of Insurance Agents and Brokers (CIAB)