From: Captive.com/IRMI
At the 2026 Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA) International Conference in Palm Desert, a session titled “Let’s Take a Look Under the Hood—Captive Examinations (Intermediate: 201)” examined how regulatory examinations are conducted, what regulators are looking for, and how captive owners and service providers can prepare for the process.
The panel brought together perspectives from a regulator, adviser, accountant, and captive owner, including Dan Petterson of the Vermont Department of Financial Regulation, Jay Curtis of Aon, Nathan Robnett of Aprio, and Josh Bicknell of Revantage.
The discussion focused on how examinations fit within broader regulatory oversight, how practices differ across domiciles, and what separates a smooth examination from a difficult one.
The panel began by clarifying that examinations are only one part of the regulatory process. While some domiciles conduct examinations on a regular cycle, others rely more heavily on ongoing analysis, financial filings, and business plan reviews. As Mr. Robnett noted, “Examinations don’t happen every year,” and in some jurisdictions may only occur periodically or when specific issues arise.
