FORTY under 40: Lauren Robertson

 Lauren Robertson, Chief financial analyst–captives, South Carolina DOI

Lauren Robertson began her career in insurance at State Farm Insurance Company where she sold property & casualty and life & health insurance; this is where she developed a passion for insurance. After four years with State Farm, she accepted a position in the consumer services division at the South Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI).

In this role she assisted consumers in South Carolina with their insurance needs. An opening for a financial analyst in the Captive Insurance Division (CID) became available and although she knew very little about captive insurance, she was interested in learning more of the financial side of insurance. For over six years, she has served as a financial analyst, business plan analyst, supervising financial analyst and chief financial analyst in the CID.

As the chief financial analyst, she led a team of six analysts responsible for the analysis and ongoing regulation of over 200 captive insurance companies. She also assists with the licensing of new captives.

How did you become involved in captive insurance?

There was an opening within the DOI for a financial analyst in the CID. At the time, I was getting an MBA and was interested in learning more about the financial side of insurance companies.

“With captives we can mould and create programmes unique to the needs of a specific company.”

What are the biggest challenges of working in this industry, and what do you find most rewarding?

One of the biggest challenges lately has been attracting and retaining talent. I find it most rewarding getting new people involved and excited about this industry.

Would you recommend the captive insurance industry to young people as a future career path?

Captive insurance allows us the ability to be flexible, creative, and innovative. Traditional insurance can be rigid, whereas with captives we can mould and create programmes unique to the needs of a specific company.

What developments do you see ahead for captives?

More innovation and captives continuing to take a larger piece of the overall market due to the enhanced control and inherent flexibility they afford their owners.

Do you think your long-term future remains in the captives market?

Certainly! I love that captive insurance is a niche industry that touches so many business sectors. I am passionate about insurance and alternative risk solutions for companies. I do have some exciting news coming soon about my future plans in the industry, so stay tuned.

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