Navigating market trends and championing inclusion

The captive insurance industry is facing a wide range of challenges as delegates mass for the opening of the Captive Insurance Companies Association (CICA)’s annual conference, which this year is being held in Tucson, Arizona.

Anne Marie Towle, chief executive officer of Global Risk & Captive Solutions at Hylant, told Captive International that the insurance market continues to evolve, and identified key areas experiencing significant shifts. “We just put out our first quarter predictions with the overall insurance market, but how that ties into captives is really important,” she explained. While some lines of coverage are stabilising, others remain challenging.

One of the most pressing concerns is auto liability in the United States. “It’s still a deepening area,” Towle noted, attributing this to the rising importance of transportation and shipping. “Securing cost-effective auto liability and auto physical damage insurance is really important. So that’s a hot area.” 

The construction industry is another focal point, with growing interest in risk financing solutions for companies ranging from sub-contractors to general contractors.

Property insurance, though slightly stabilising, remains a major concern, particularly in catastrophe-prone regions. “We’re not seeing the double-digit, triple-digit increases that we did, but it’s still very difficult for organisations to place property risk in cat-prone areas,” Towle said. Coastal regions, including the Gulf Coast, continue to pose a struggle, prompting businesses to explore alternative risk management strategies.

Employee benefits are another expanding area, particularly in global organisations. “Whether you’re looking at international benefits or focusing on medical stop-loss in the US, there's more attention being paid to voluntary benefits as well,” she added. Organisations are increasingly adopting an enterprise-wide approach, integrating risk management and HR strategies for a holistic solution.

Hard market and captive solutions

When asked about the heightened interest in auto liability and transportation, Towle attributed it to the ongoing hard market. “It’s been a hard market for auto, very similar to professional liability and medical malpractice for physicians we have seen over different time periods,” she explained. “We’ve seen what we call ‘nuclear verdicts’ here in the US, where auto liability and auto accidents are driving up pricing. That’s pushing companies to explore alternative solutions.”

Captives, in particular, are gaining traction. “Some organisations want to tailor and manuscript something specific for their organisation, which is why captives remain an attractive option,” Towle said. The ability to maintain control and customise coverage continues to be a major driver for companies seeking alternative risk financing solutions.

Fostering inclusion and development

Beyond market trends, Towle is deeply passionate about empowering professionals through CICA initiatives like Amplify Women and Next Gen. “Amplify Women is celebrating nearly six years now,” she explained.  As the current chair of Amplify Women, “We’ve grown tremendously, and our newsletter just went out last week. Between Amplify Women and Next Gen, there are over 500 subscribers to their newsletter and events.”

Amplify Women was born out of a need for greater professional development and support, particularly for women in the captive insurance industry. “I’ve had struggles at different points in my career, and the support of other women and male allies has been invaluable,” Towle reflected. “The initiative focuses on networking, professional growth, and providing support—whether someone wants to elevate into leadership or stay where they are but still have a strong support system.”

Creating an inclusive environment is a core mission of Amplify Women. “It’s about feeling comfortable in our industry, being welcoming, and helping people achieve their goals,” she said. “Some may want to advance into leadership, while others are content in their current roles. Both paths are valid, and we need to support them equally.”

The importance of mentorship and career growth

A strong advocate for mentorship, Towle emphasised the importance of guiding young professionals in their careers. “I’ve always been intentional about hiring younger talent and giving them opportunities. That’s one reason why we sponsor the CICA student essay contest,” she explained. “It’s a great way for interns to test-drive us, and for us to test-drive them, to see if it’s a match.”

Next Gen, an initiative closely aligned with Amplify Women, also plays a crucial role in professional development. “It was started shortly after Amplify Women, and there’s a lot of crossover. We focus on networking, education, and mentoring young professionals to give them visibility in the industry,” Towle said. “I always tell people to build their own personal board of directors—mentors who can support them throughout their careers.”

For Towle, paying it forward is a personal mission. “Before I retire, I want to pass on my experiences, tips, and insights. Not everything will work for everyone, but if people can take soundbites and leverage them for their future, that’s a win.”

As Towle looks ahead, she remains optimistic about the continued impact of Amplify Women and Next Gen. “This year at CICA, there’s more focus than ever on personal and professional growth. Surrounding yourself with people who support you, achieving your goals, and ultimately giving back—that’s what truly matters.”

Her dedication to shaping the industry, fostering mentorship, and championing inclusion is a testament to the evolving landscape of captive insurance. “I want to leave a legacy,” she concluded. “It’s about ensuring the next generation has the tools, resources, and confidence to thrive in this industry.”

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