Regulatory Initiatives of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners

Efforts by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) to promote sound and uniform regulatory processes across the states are being put to the test as pressure builds from both the 1999 Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act and competitive forces for more efficient and streamlined insurance regulatory processes. One factor affecting the ultimate success of these efforts is the level of confidence state regulators will have in their counterparts' willingness and ability to adequately obtain, assess, and validate information provided by industry applicants in making regulatory decisions. Each state will be required to rely on the actions of regulators in other states to a greater degree than ever before. Whether regulators ultimately achieve uniformity in some areas or even attain reciprocity, continuing weaknesses in some states' regulatory framework can undermine the system. NAIC and state regulators believe that the development of more uniform and streamlined methods for obtaining licensing approval on individuals, products, and insurance companies in multiple states can enhance the ability of insurers to compete with other financial service entities while at the same time maintaining or improving the quality of insurance regulation. Both the timely completion and degree of success for many of NAIC's financial modernization initiatives remain uncertain.