NAIC Forum Focuses on Global Insurance Risks, AI, Resilience

State insurance regulators and international industry leaders gathered in Washington, DC, on May 7–8 for the 2026 National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) International Insurance Forum, where discussions centered on emerging risks, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, catastrophe resilience, and regulatory modernization.  

The NAIC said the event drew a record 300 registrants from 20 jurisdictions, with speakers representing 6 continents. Topics included consumer education, closing protection gaps, political uncertainty, evolving business models, microinsurance, and the use of technology to reduce health risks.  

Virginia Insurance Commissioner and NAIC President Scott White opened the forum by emphasizing the importance of international regulatory coordination as insurers and regulators confront increasingly global challenges. 

"Our sector is being reshaped by risks, challenges, and opportunities that cross state and international borders, including increasingly severe natural catastrophes, rapid technological changes, evolving investment markets, and shifting consumer expectations," Mr. White said.  

Mr. White said regulators worldwide face the challenge of balancing consumer protection with innovation and market stability. He pointed to the NAIC's growing international engagement, noting that members and staff participated in 35 international events in 2025 and recently became an associate member of the Association of Insurance Supervisors of Latin America. 

The forum also featured leadership from the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS), with discussions focused on global resiliency efforts and approaches to narrowing natural catastrophe protection gaps. White, who serves as vice chair of the IAIS Executive Committee, recognized outgoing IAIS Secretary General Jonathan Dixon for nearly a decade of leadership.  

During his keynote address, Mr. White identified "leadership, modernization, and resilience" as the central priorities guiding the US state-based regulatory system. 

"Leadership, modernization, and resilience are not isolated goals—they are mutually reinforcing," Mr. White said. "Together, they form a blueprint for a regulatory system capable of protecting consumers, supporting innovation, and strengthening markets in an era of rapid change."  

Mr. White outlined several NAIC initiatives, including investments in predictive analytics, data architecture, and artificial intelligence evaluation tools designed to help regulators assess insurers' use of algorithms. He also highlighted efforts to strengthen catastrophe modeling guidance, climate disclosure frameworks, and resilience programs aimed at reducing losses before disasters occur. 

The NAIC said its International Fellows Program, now in its 21st year, also reached record participation levels this spring, with 209 fellows from 42 jurisdictions taking part virtually.  

The organization announced that the 2027 NAIC International Insurance Forum will be held in Washington, DC, on May 27–28.