CONNECTICUT INSURANCE DEPARTMENT
CONCLUDES NAIC INTERNATIONAL FELLOWS PROGRAM
WITH FAREWELL TO MAREK SZALA

HARTFORD – The Connecticut Insurance Department (CID) successfully concluded its 2023 International Fellows Program with Marek Szala, the Head of the Capital Requirements Methodology and Risk Analysis Unit at Poland's Financial Supervision Authority, facilitated by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) International Fellows Program. Marek, who holds degrees in mathematics specializing in economics, insurance, forecasting, and data analysis, actively collaborated with CID from October 16th to November 17th, marking the completion of a highly productive knowledge exchange that significantly contributed to fostering global regulatory partnerships.

Commissioner Andrew N. Mais expressed his appreciation, stating, "We are immensely grateful for Marek Szala's participation in the NAIC International Fellows Program. His involvement significantly contributed to our department's regulatory initiatives, and we extend our warmest wishes for his future endeavors."

Marek Szala, reflecting on the culmination of the program, expressed his appreciation, stating, “My experiences from the five weeks in Connecticut are filled with heartfelt gratitude for the warm welcome and remarkable hospitality extended by the CID team. This invaluable opportunity allowed for the exchange of experiences and insights into insurance regulation, enabling us to explore the similarities and differences within our respective supervisory systems.”

Highlights of Marek's Fellowship at CID:

Throughout his tenure, Marek focused on reinsurance procedures and their incorporation into capital requirements, particularly concerning catastrophic events. He engaged with various CID divisions, gaining insights into the department's operations, examining risk management systems, and attending supervisory colleges.

Marek's engagement extended across divisions including Financial Regulation, Actuarial, Property & Casualty, Life & Health, Market Conduct, Consumer Affairs, Captive, and Legal Divisions. He participated in insurer meetings, gaining in-depth knowledge of diverse insurance products, and explored risk mitigation techniques.

In addition to CID's operational insights, Marek visited insurers under examination and participated in detailed presentations on catastrophe reinsurance, economic capital modeling, and risk-focused examination coordination.

Bill Arfanis, Director of the Financial Regulation Field Examinations division at CID, emphasized the fellowship's importance, stating, “Marek Szala's involvement notably enhanced our regulatory practices, furthering international cooperation and reinforcing our dedication to achieving global regulatory excellence”.

About NAIC's International Fellows Program:

Established in 2005, the NAIC International Fellows Program facilitates international exchanges among insurance regulators worldwide, advancing regulatory expertise and strengthening global partnerships.

For further information, please contact the Connecticut Insurance Department at insurance@ct.gov or 860-297-3900.

Contact: Mary Quinn
Communications, Director
Cell: (959) 529-4904
Mary.Quinn@ct.gov