Introduction and methodology

Creating a captive is not easy—but keeping one running smoothly requires the support of the service providers across the US who make everything work behind the scenes every day of the year.

Here at Captive International we have always wanted to make sure that those engaged in the behind-the-scenes work are identified, acknowledged and celebrated.

So, for the third year running we’ve conducted an industry-wide survey to recognise the best-in-class service providers across the full spectrum of the US captive insurance industry.

Our first US Awards were released in the challenging and uncertain times of 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic sweeping the globe and forcing employees to adapt to a new way of working and doing business. In-person meetings were no longer on the agenda, with conversations taking place virtually.

That doesn’t mean that relationships weren’t built during this time—service providers and captive owners alike acclimatised quickly to maintain old connections and foster new relationships.

Now, as we continue to open back up and return to some kind of normality with face-to-face meetings once more, it’s these relationships, built amid challenging times, that will keep the captive insurance industry flourishing and full of new growth.

Building on the foundations of the previous US Awards, this year has proved to be a blockbuster. With hundreds of nominations, every category was extremely competitive, evidencing the vast array of talent across the industry and the breadth and depth of captive insurance expertise within service providers.

We can’t recognise and honour every service provider—the pages of this publication would surely go into the hundreds. However, the awards seek to commend those providers that have made the biggest and best impression on the captives industry.

At Captive International we hope that by highlighting the few, we can pay tribute to the many and the extraordinary work undertaken by all those across the industry.

Reader feedback

For the third year running, the awards are based on feedback received from the captives industry, and in particular from readers of Captive International. The winners and highly commendeds in each category were selected based on responses to a comprehensive online questionnaire, as well as phone interviews with select contacts.

Respondents were asked to name up to three firms or individuals, depending on the question, that they have experience of working with based on their competence, expertise and innovation. Domiciles, firms and individuals were ranked out of 10, with respondents providing the reasoning behind their votes.

The votes were tallied, the results were checked thoroughly and the winners and highly commendeds confirmed.

On the following pages, you’ll find the details of the winners and highly commended organisations and people in each of the categories. Many of the firms honoured, and all three of the domiciles, have submitted thought-provoking articles and insights into the work they do.

Congratulations to all the winners and highly commendeds, as well as all the other service providers who work tirelessly for their clients, but did not attract as many votes this time around. Captive International thanks all those who took part in voting for these awards, and we look forward to building on this success for years to come.

All that’s left to say to the winners, highly commendeds and everyone else across the captive insurance industry is “thank you”—and to keep doing what you’re doing.