FORTY under 40: Hartley Hartman
Hartley Hartman, manager – captive business development, Risk Partners.
Hartley Hartman began his career in 2010 as a staff accountant at AIG captive management services in Burlington, VT, where he was introduced to the world of captive insurance. In 2013, he transitioned into auditing, joining Johnson Lambert LLP as an insurance-focused auditor. While there – primarily based in Charleston, SC – he progressed to the role of senior audit manager, gaining extensive experience in financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and risk management for captive insurers.
In 2021, he joined Risk Partners as manager of captive business development. In this role, he focuses on developing and executing captive strategies for clients while also working to expand awareness and utilisation of captive insurance solutions.
Beyond his day-to-day responsibilities, he remains actively involved in the industry. He serves as a faculty member for the International Center for Captive Insurance Education (ICCIE), contributes to the Tennessee Captive Insurance Association’s annual conference committee, and sits on the board of the South Carolina Captive Insurance Association. Additionally, he is a licensed CPA in South Carolina and hold the Associate in Captive Insurance (ACI) designation.
How did you first become involved in captive insurance?
Like many in the industry, I didn’t actively seek out a career in captive insurance – it found me. During my junior year of college, I was searching for an internship to complement my accounting degree when I came across a listing for an account manager position with AIG (formerly Chartis). I didn’t know much about the role at the time, let alone captive insurance, but I applied anyway. That part-time internship carried me through the rest of my college years and transitioned into a full-time job after graduation.
Before starting, I’d never even heard of captive insurance, and I wasn’t particularly well versed in traditional insurance accounting, either. But I quickly realised how dynamic and fascinating the industry could be. I was fortunate to have a great mentor at AIG who not only introduced me to the nuances of the business but also helped me see the vast opportunities for growth.
What drew me in – and what has kept me here – is the flexibility and creativity captives provide. Every day presents new challenges and solutions – something I genuinely enjoy. Looking back, I might have stumbled into the captive space by chance, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
What are the greatest challenges of working in this industry, and what do you find most rewarding?
One is education and awareness. Captives offer tremendous flexibility and financial benefits, yet many businesses either don’t fully understand them or dismiss them as too complex. A large part of my role involves demystifying captives – helping clients and stakeholders understand not just how they work, but how they can be leveraged strategically. Regulatory changes and evolving market conditions also add to the complexity, requiring constant learning and adaptation.
That said, the challenge is also what makes this industry so rewarding. I love being able to guide businesses through the process, helping them realise the potential of captives to enhance risk management, improve financial outcomes and gain greater control over their insurance programmes. Seeing a client go from uncertainty to confidence – knowing they’ve found a solution tailored to their needs – is incredibly fulfilling.
Additionally, the collaborative nature of the industry is something I deeply appreciate. Whether it’s working with clients, regulators, or industry peers, there’s a keen sense of community and shared expertise. Building lasting relationships keeps me engaged and excited for the future.
Would you recommend the captive insurance industry to young people as a future career path?
Absolutely. The industry is a hidden gem when it comes to career opportunities. It’s a dynamic and evolving field that offers a unique blend of finance, risk management and problem-solving – making it an exciting option for young professionals looking for a career that is both intellectually stimulating and rewarding.
One of the biggest advantages of the captive space is its versatility. Whether someone has a background in accounting, law, underwriting, actuarial science or even business development, there’s a place for them in this industry. Captives also provide exposure to a wide range of industries, from healthcare to manufacturing to technology, which keeps the work fresh and engaging.
Another reason I’d recommend this path is the opportunity for growth. Because captive insurance is still relatively niche, there’s a strong demand for knowledgeable professionals, and those who enter the industry can advance quickly.
For young professionals looking for a career that combines stability, innovation and long-term growth potential, captive insurance is an excellent choice. I might not have actively sought out this industry at first, but I’m grateful to have found it – and I would encourage others to explore the opportunities it has to offer.
What developments do you see ahead for captives?
The insurance industry continues to evolve, and I see several key developments shaping its future.
First, the use of captives for emerging and non-traditional risks is expanding. Businesses are increasingly looking at captives to manage risks that may be difficult or expensive to insure in the commercial market – such as cyber liability, supply chain disruptions and environmental risks. As these challenges grow, captives will play an even more critical role in providing customized risk solutions.
Another major development is the increasing integration of medical stop loss coverage into captives. With rising healthcare costs, more companies are turning to captives to gain greater control over their employee benefits programmes. This trend is likely to continue as businesses seek cost-effective and flexible alternatives to traditional insurance.
Regulatory changes will also influence the industry’s direction. As captives gain more mainstream acceptance, we’re seeing continued scrutiny from regulators. More states are strengthening their captive laws, making the landscape even more competitive. Keeping up and maintaining compliance will remain a key focus for captive owners and managers.
Additionally, advancements in technology and data analytics are transforming how captives operate. From improved risk modeling to AI-driven claims management, technology is making captives more efficient and strategic. These innovations will enable captives to refine underwriting, enhance decision-making and provide even greater value to their parent companies.
Captives offer tremendous flexibility and financial benefits, yet many businesses either don’t fully understand them or dismiss them
Do you think your long-term future remains in the captives market?
Yes, I absolutely see my long-term future in the captive insurance industry. From the moment I was introduced to captives, I was drawn to the flexibility, problem-solving opportunities, and the ability to create tailored risk management solutions for businesses. Over the years, I’ve seen firsthand how captives empower companies to take control of their insurance programmes in ways traditional insurance simply can’t match.
Another reason I plan to stay in the industry is the constant evolution of captives. With emerging risks, regulatory changes, and new applications for captives there’s always something new to learn and new challenges to tackle. It’s not a static industry, which is both exciting and rewarding.
Beyond that, the insurance community is incredibly collaborative. I’ve had the opportunity to work with some of the brightest minds in risk management, and its emphasis on education, mentorship, and professional development makes it a wonderful place to build a long-term career.
So, while I may not have originally planned for a career in captives, I can confidently say that this industry has provided me with growth, purpose and a strong professional network – making it clear this is where I belong for the long haul.
Click here to read Captive International’s third FORTY Under 40 2025 publication.
Did you get value from this story? Sign up to our free daily newsletters and get stories like this sent straight to your inbox.
