You may have heard about Richard Smith being grilled in Congress this week over a huge data breach that exposed millions of Americans’ personal information. I just want assure you that I am not THAT Richard Smith!

I think our industry has been very focused on cyber security for some time now, both in their businesses and as an opportunity to craft a captive solution for their clients – and I have certainly blogged it to death so enough said. That still has not stopped the NAIC from proposing to adopt a Data Security Model Law this year. If you have not seen it you can download it here:

Data Security Model Law (click here to view)

And although it becomes another “thing” to deal with in our industry, there is no doubt that a cybersecurity plan is a necessary element of any good captive management plan. I give Vermont’s insurance commissioner, Mike Pieciak, and his dauntless captive team high marks for keeping the NAIC’s model act as manageable as possible.

In the meantime, this Mr. Smith will be heading to Washington this fall to meet with congressional staff and leaders on the hill about issues impacting captive insurance.  Hopefully, I will get a little warmer welcome than my namesake!

Thank you and I look forward to hearing from you.

Rich Smith
VCIA President