Montana State Auditor James Brown Joins Key National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) Committees to Shape Industry Standards

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Selected committees focus on innovation, cybersecurity, and the needs of Native communities Helena, Montana—James Brown, the Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, has been appointed to the following national committees by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) for 2025: Property and Casualty Insurance (c) Committee: Focuses on developing … Read more

Montana State Auditor James Brown, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Joins $106 Million Multi-State Settlement with Vanguard over Big Tax Bills, Remediation to Investors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana — James Brown, Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, announced today that the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI) has joined a task force of state securities regulators and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in a $106 million settlement with Vanguard Marketing Corporation … Read more

Montana State Auditor James Brown, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, Sends Offer of Assistance to California Insurance Commissioner

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana—James Brown, the Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities and Insurance, sent a letter to California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara offering assistance as the California Department of Insurance deals with the aftermath of the devastating wildfires that have wiped out entire communities in the greater Los Angeles area. In his … Read more

Montana State Auditor James Brown, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance Announces $17 Million Multi-State Enforcement Settlement with Edward Jones

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana—James Brown, Montana State Auditor and Commissioner of Securities & Insurance, a member of the North American Securities Administrators Association (NASAA), announced a $17 million settlement with Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P. (Edward Jones). This settlement is a result of an investigation into the broker-dealer’s supervision of customers paying front-load … Read more

Montana State Auditor-Elect James Brown Announces Agency Senior Management Team

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress contact: James Brown jim@jamesbrownformontana.com or 406-925-1745 DILLON, Montana—James Brown, Montana State Auditor-Elect, announces his leadership appointments to the agency’s senior management team. On November 5, 2024, James Brown of Dillon was elected as Montana’s 18th State Auditor, Commissioner of Securities and Insurance. He will be sworn into office on January 6, 2025. … Read more

Commissioner Downing Announces $5 Million in Additional Payments to Montana Consumers Following State Farm’s Review of Certain Loss of Use and Third-Party Liability Claims

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Mont.—Troy Downing, the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), is pleased to report that State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. (State Farm) has reviewed an additional 18,000 claims after being fined $4 million in a CSI administrative action for unfair claims settlement practices. These reviews resulted in an additional $5.2 … Read more

CSI Works to Improve Revocation and Surrender ProcessFor Montana Bail Bonds Professionals

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Mont.— Commissioner Troy Downing is pleased to announce a significant update to the revocation and surrender process for bail agents across Montana. This new procedure introduces a single, standardized surrender form to be used statewide, now available through the CSI website portal HERE. The CSI is working with detention centers and … Read more

Montana is Open for Innovation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Mont.—Troy Downing, the Montana Commissioner of Securities and Insurance (CSI), announced that the CSI has approved its first innovation waiver. The State Auditor announced that it granted the first waiver to Montana State Fund. Montana State Fund (MSF) applied for a waiver of certain regulatory requirements to facilitate implementing a program … Read more

Wildfire Season is Here: Commissioner Downing Reminds Montanans how to Protect Property and File and Insurance Claim

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana – On Wednesday July 10, 2024, the Horse Gulch Wildfire grew rapidly near Canyon Ferry Lake and claimed the life of a wildland firefighter pilot, Juliana Turchetti. “Our deepest condolences go out to this brave pilot, her family, and friends during this difficult time,” said Commissioner Troy Downing. “We are … Read more

Montana: 1 OF 4 States Helping Securities Fraud Victims with the CSI Restitution Fund, Honoring the Late Lynne Egan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Helena, Montana – In 2023, consumers reported losing more than $4.6 billion to investment scams nationwide, according to the Federal Trade Commission. To date, national data indicates investment-related fraud in 2024 is among the fastest-growing types in the United States. Unfortunately, once money is scammed it is often gone for good. For … Read more