Trust Framework
Citation Standards
The Institute follows a documented citation standard so that every quantitative claim can be traced to its source. The standard applies across all guides, indices, and observatory publications.
Primary over secondary
Where a statistic exists at both a primary (NAIC, FEMA, BLS, CMS, SOA) and secondary (aggregator) source, the primary source is cited. Secondary citations are acceptable only when primary data is paywalled or unavailable.
Vintage
Every cited statistic carries its year of publication. Statistics older than five years are flagged for re-validation. Forward-looking projections are labeled as such with the underlying assumptions disclosed.
Attribution format
Industry data is attributed in-line with the publishing body (e.g., 'NAIC, 2024'). Proprietary internal data is labeled as such with a link to the relevant methodology.
Quotations and paraphrasing
Direct quotations are reserved for material excerpted verbatim from a primary source. Paraphrased findings retain attribution and a link to the source where the source is publicly available.
Forward-looking statements
Forecasts, projections, and trend statements are labeled distinctly from observed statistics. Assumptions are stated explicitly so readers can evaluate the projection.
Conflict and disclosure
Where cited data comes from a source with a material commercial relationship to the platform, the relationship is disclosed inline and on the Research Disclosure page.