Regulators Form Panels To Address Top Concerns.

Five new NAIC working groups will develop a uniform approach to implementing provisions of the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act.

* Definition of Insurance: Defining insurance in light of such issues as debt-cancellation products. Chairman: Bill Kirven, Colorado commissioner.

* Consumer Protection: Developing consumer-protection standards that can be applied uniformly. Chairman: Nat Shapo, Illinois commissioner.

* Privacy: Creating rules governing consumer privacy provisions. Chairwoman: Kathleen Sebelius, Kansas commissioner.

* Coordinating With Federal Regulators: Exploring all aspects of state cooperation with federal authorities. Chairwoman: Terri Vaughan of Iowa.

* NARAB: Tracking implementation of agent-licensing laws, creating an electronic-licensing system using the NAIC's Insurance Regulatory Information Network. Chairwoman: Vaughan.

Four new groups will focus on streamlining state regulation. They are:

* Market Conduct Issues: Evaluating the merits of establishing voluntary uniform national standards. Chairman: Steve Larson, Maryland commissioner.

* Speed to Market: Developing uniform standards for policy form and rate filings and working on an electronic repository for filings. Co-chairs: Commissioners Frank Fitzgerald, Michigan, and Diane Koken, Pennsylvania.

* National Treatment of Companies: Developing a state-based system that provides the same efficiencies as a federal charter for insurers. Co-chairs: Commissioners George Nichols, Kentucky, and Betsy Costle, Vermont.

* Financial Services Holding Company Analysis, Examination and Review: Studying implication of Gramm--Leach-Bliley on state regulatory authority and recommending changes for consistency with the functional regulatory system established in federal law. Co-chairs: Commissioners Jose Montemayor, Texas, and Al Gross, Virginia.