XL Re Approved to Begin Local Operations in Brazil

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil —XL Re, the global reinsurance operations of XL Capital Ltd., has received regulatory approval to serve the Brazilian insurance market as a local reinsurer incorporated in Brazil and regulated by Brazilian authorities. In June 2008, XL Re was approved to operate as an admitted reinsurer—a reinsurer incorporated and regulated outside Brazil, but with local representation.

The new local reinsurer, XL Re Brazil, will operate full offices in Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, according to regional operating officer, Carlos Caputo, who will manage all XL Re operations in Brazil.

James Veghte, chief executive of XL Re, says, "This approval signals the beginning of XL Re's service to the entire Brazilian insurance market from both admitted and local reinsurance platforms. Our two-platform approach speaks to our long-term commitment to the Brazilian market, and positions us to be a market leader. We look forward to providing Brazil an array of services and business specialties in a new reinsurance environment."

The law that ended Brazil's 69-year regulated reinsurance monopoly grants local reinsurers right of first-refusal for 100% of ceded reinsurance—60% of which must be placed in the local market until 2010. Up to 40% of business must be placed in the local market thereafter.

Source: XL Re