Sara K. Manske

Guiding Insurers Through Global Regulatory Change & IAIG Preparedness

To help her clients confidently navigate the complexities of global insurance regulation, Sara stays at the forefront of international developments. She provides strategic guidance on international regulatory and solvency standards, including emerging international capital requirements, risk management and governance standards and financial stability regulation. A core focus of her practice is advising insurance groups on the implications of becoming (or avoiding designation as) an Internationally Active Insurance Group (IAIG). Sara leads the firm’s initiative in this area, helping clients understand what it means to be regulated as an IAIG, prepare for potential designation, and implement necessary governance, capital and compliance changes. She also counsels boards and executive teams on how to mitigate or avoid the designation where appropriate.

Sara is highly engaged in “horizon-scanning” activities — closely monitoring international regulatory trends and developments to proactively alert clients to upcoming changes that may affect their business. Whether a new rule is on the verge of release or a shift in supervisory approach is anticipated, Sara ensures her clients understand the potential impact and are prepared to act. She also regularly attends regulatory and standard-setting meetings — including those of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC), the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS), the European Insurance and Occupational Pensions Authority (EIOPA) and the Financial Stability Board (FSB). This helps Sara to remain a trusted and informed advisor, helping clients stay ahead of evolving global insurance regulation.

Cross-Border & Non-admitted Insurance Regulatory Counsel

Sara advises on non-admitted insurance programs and cross-border insurance structures, guiding international companies on how to lawfully offer insurance products in the United States without holding traditional licenses. She assists clients in structuring surplus line placements, ensuring compliance with federal and state eligibility requirements, and navigating the complex regulatory considerations unique to non-admitted insurance. Sara also counsels on issues such as permitted coverages, tax obligations, and reporting requirements, providing strategic guidance to help clients enter and succeed in the US insurance market.

Complex Insurance M&A, Regulatory Oversight & Compliance Reviews

When she’s not winging her way around the globe, Sara advises clients on the regulatory aspects of mergers and acquisitions, including obtaining complex, multistate approvals and licenses required for these transactions. She also counsels on high-stakes compliance audits and helps companies critically assess and restructure their internal compliance systems.
As part of her broader regulatory practice, Sara helps companies — particularly those operating across all 50 states — navigate the intricacies of US insurance regulation. She provides practical, business-oriented advice to ensure compliance in a way that is both effective and operationally feasible. Her work includes multistate licensing, regulatory strategy and compliance planning, particularly for fast-moving Insurtech startups entering or expanding in the market.

Her ongoing work includes supporting clients with comprehensive 50-state regulatory surveys, advising on insurance cancellation and nonrenewal laws, and counseling on state-specific filing and reporting requirements. Sara also assists with product development and compliance strategies, helping clients navigate rate and form filings, licensing, and other regulatory obligations. Through this broad-based guidance, she enables clients to operate confidently and efficiently in a highly fragmented regulatory landscape.

Insurance Marketing Compliance & Global Program Structuring

Sara leads the firm’s niche practice in insurance advertising and marketing compliance. She regularly advises clients on emerging questions in digital marketing, including the use of social media, influencer partnerships and novel online promotions — helping them stay creative while staying within regulatory guardrails.

She also leads the firm’s internal team focused on travel insurance and program structuring, helping clients design compliant and innovative travel protection products.

Prior Experience

Sara is a homegrown Faegre Drinker attorney. She started with the firm straight out of law school, and when headhunters come sniffing, she tells them she has the best gig on the block — she’s not leaving!

Personal Interests

Outside of work, Sara embraces her role as “momager” to her two teenagers. A passionate traveler, she especially enjoys spending time in the firm's London office and describes a safari in South Africa as one of her favorite vacations. If she weren’t an attorney, Sara would likely be a nutritionist or travel agent — roles that reflect her love of planning, wellness and discovering new places.