Supporting Financial Regulators by Collaborating with IREF & the Katie School of Insurance
The Griffith Foundation recently hit the road for an essential in-person program: the 2024 Insurance Regulators Education Foundation (IREF) Financial Regulators Program at Illinois State University’s Katie School of Insurance. This annual event, hosted from June 16-22, 2024, gathered 24 junior and mid-level insurance regulators from states across the country to delve into the critical issues surrounding financial regulation and insurer solvency.
Participants, hailing from states as varied as California, Texas, and Vermont, engaged in a dynamic, multi-day workshop designed to enhance their understanding of complex regulatory topics. Through interactive sessions and collaborative learning, attendees strengthened their skills while also expanding their professional networks.
A cornerstone of Griffith’s mission is to provide policymakers with objective, reliable information. At this year’s IREF program, Griffith produced or contributed to several key sessions, including discussions on reinsurance, business interruption risks, catastrophe modeling, and financial examination efficiencies. A standout moment of the event was a "fireside chat" featuring Frank Tomasello, Executive Director of the Griffith Foundation, alongside Jon Godfread, Commissioner of North Dakota and President-Elect of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), and Jennifer Hammer, former Director of the Illinois Department of Insurance. This discussion provided attendees with unique insights into the current landscape and future of financial regulation.
In addition to the diverse range of topics covered, participants had the opportunity to engage with expert speakers on specific regulatory challenges such as captives, surplus lines, and the role of guaranty systems in preventing insolvency. The event concluded with a session on catastrophe resilience and modeling, highlighting the importance of preparing for potential disasters in an era of increasing environmental and financial risks.
Griffith’s collaboration with IREF and the Katie School of Insurance on this event reinforces our commitment to equipping public policymakers with the tools and knowledge they need. By co-facilitating sessions at educational programs like this, Griffith continues to demonstrate its role as a trusted source for objective information. This program is just one example of how we bring high-quality, impactful programming to jurisdictions in need.
Stay tuned for more insights from our road trips as we continue to deliver valuable educational experiences across the country.