Under 2010's Dodd-Frank regulation reforms, the Federal Insurance Office (FIO) is being set up to monitor insurers, but not regulate them.
The FIO was put into Dodd-Frank to appease opponents of central regulation by keeping real power out of Washington's hands. But it also gave some hope to big insurers who want a single regulator by giving them a foothold they may be able to expand later.
"We don't have any announcements to make at this time," said Colleen Murray, spokeswoman for the U.S. Treasury Department, which must name the FIO director under Dodd-Frank.
Prior to his appointment, Director McRaith worked fifteen years in private practice as an attorney in Chicago. Director McRaith represented national and regional financial institutions, including insurers, in finance-related litigation. McRaith is Secretary/Treasurer of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).