Like it or not, insurance supervision and regulation is here to stay. The protection of insurance policyholders' interests is now not only of paramount industry concern, with all the self-regulatory checks and procedures this necessarily imposes on the insurance provider, but is also a vital part of our political and economic life.

In developed countries, it is now widely accepted that it is insufficient for the insurance industryto be wholly self-regulating; the safeguards exisiting in such a system have, in the past, proved too unreliable and inconsistent with the real interests of the consumer. Complex and demanding supervisory regimes have gradually evolved, designed to champion and protect consumers' rights. Harsh legal penalties now exist for those firms failing to conduct their affairs in a "fit and proper manner" and supervosiry bodies have proved swift to act in excerciding their statutory powers against offending companies.

In developing countries, where little or no government-led supervision exists, the main question is: "What will the future regulation mean for the insurance company and the policyholder?" The evidence is that those companies embracing supervisory frameworks and legislation not only become better managed but are seen to be the consumers' friend, a company caring about the long-term interests of ALL policyholders, not just its own. A Government which works towards "Cleaning-up" its local insurance industry will rightly be regarded as acting responsibly and in the moral interests of its ccitizens.

This important Conference brings togather a diverse gathering of distinguished international insurance experts, people with current and direct experience in shaping the legislative, financial, actuarial and management practice of modern day insurance business worldwide.

The Conference aim is not only to inform and debate how present insurance supervision operates on a practical day-to-day basis, but also to focus attention on the business need and marketing value to insurance firms who, working closely and constructively with legislators, can fulfill the high expectations and, thereby, their legal obligations to the policyholder.

Key-note speeches will be made by the Conference Delegates and attendees will have ample opportunity to discuss the issues presented with the speakers, both in an informal and formal setting.

If you are a government official involved in insurance industry regulations, a Senior Executive responsible for corporate strategy, an insurance actuary, an insurance lawyer, underwriter, auditor or a re-insurance executive or anyone with a professional interest in the international insurance business, attendance at the Conference is a must.