The New York Department of Financial Services (“DFS”) sent “308 Letters” to the largest insurers it regulates yesterday, requiring information on their cyber security, according to a press release issued by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo. 
Read More NY Demands Info on Insurers’ Cyber Threats

Program:

Insurance Linked Securities: The Convergence of Insurance and the Capital Markets

Discussion of the legal and regulatory issues for various ILS structures including CAT Bonds, ILW’s and Side Cars.

Read More PLEASE JOIN US – 12th Annual Half-Day Insurance and Reinsurance Seminar – Complimentary Seminar

Legislation was introduced this week to prevent foreign-controlled insurers operating in the United States from reducing their U.S. tax bill by reinsuring with their non-U.S. affiliates.
Read More House and Senate Introduce Bills Deferring Tax Deductions for Foreign Insurers

Earlier this week, the Connecticut House passed HB 5072, limiting the abilities of insurance companies or their representatives to “steer” insureds to specific automotive glass repair facilities. The new legislation follows a trend in Connecticut to dissuade insurers from directing insureds to use specific facilities. Connecticut’s existing laws prevent appraisers from requiring that specific locations or companies be used for automotive repairs. 
Read More Connecticut Considering Auto Glass Repair Disclosure Bill

The Financial Stability Oversight Council released its third annual report on April 25, 2013, which fulfills its Congressional mandate under the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act to annually report on its activities, describe significant financial market and regulatory developments, analyze potential emerging threats, and make recommendations for additional steps that should be taken to strengthen the financial system. 
Read More FSOC Issues Its Third Annual Report

On May 9, 2013, the Office of Foreign Asset Control (“OFAC”) announced a settlement with the American Steamship Owners Mutual Protection and Indemnity Association, Inc. (the “American Club”) under the OFAC sanction programs against Cuba, Sudan and Iran. The American Club is a non-profit international marine mutual insurance association of merchant ship owners and charterers with its principal offices in New York. 
Read More Shipping Insurer Settles with OFAC under Iranian, Cuban and Sudanese Sanctions

At Connecticut’s first Captive Insurance Day at the Capitol May 14, 2013, representatives of the Connecticut Insurance Department (the “CID”), the Connecticut Captive Insurance Association, the Department of Economic and Community Development, and the co-chairs of the Connecticut General Assembly’s Insurance and Real Estate Committee emphasized Connecticut’s continuing efforts to attract new captive insurers to the state, including through SB 1093
Read More Connecticut Continues Efforts to Attract Captives

In PHL Variable Insurance Company v. The P. Bowie 2008 Irrevocable Trust (May 13, 2013), the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit issued an order holding that a life insurer may retain premium in a case involving a stranger originated life insurance transaction.
Read More Court Allows Insurer to Retain Premium in a STOLI Case

On May 7, 2013, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (“CFPB”) announced the first criminal prosecution of a debt-relief service provider that arose specifically from an investigation conducted by the CFPB. Pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act of 2010, the CFPB was created to supervise banks, credit unions and other financial companies, such as debt-relief service providers and consumer credit reporting firms, and to enforce federal consumer financial laws. 
Read More CFPB Refers First Debt Collection Case For Criminal Prosecution