XL Catlin Applies for License to Open Reinsurance Branch in India

XL Catlin announced it has begun the licensing process to establish a reinsurance branch in India.

The decision to pursue market entry into India aligns with XL Catlin’s strategy of establishing a presence in emerging and developing markets where economic activity is increasing and the re/insurance market would benefit from its global expertise, the company said in a statement.

The application has been filed with the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India and seeks to establish a reinsurance branch office of XL Insurance Co. SE (XLICSE). Pending all necessary regulatory approvals, the company expects to be able to commence operations in India later this year.

With significant economic development over recent years, India overtook China in terms of GDP growth during 2015, XL Catlin said, noting that economic reforms and improved infrastructure have led to a growing middle class and increased private consumption, which benefits the local economy and raises living standards.

“I am extremely pleased to have Brendan Plessis, our head of Emerging Markets, leading our team effort to establish a business in India,” said Greg Hendrick, XL Catlin’s chief executive of the Reinsurance segment.

“The development we’re seeing there means that the market represents significant opportunities for XL Catlin. I believe we have what it takes to respond to the reinsurance needs of companies and brokers in this vast, growing economy,” he added.

“We find that in India there is a huge desire to have seamless access to reinsurance capacity. The local market needs a reinsurer with global scale and technical capabilities, with underwriters based locally who understand the risks and can offer breadth of product,” Hendrick went on to say.

Mike McGavick, XL Catlin’s chief executive officer, said: “The re/insurance market in India is primed for development. This is the right time for us, and getting the right people on the ground, offering the right solutions will define our success.

“Traditionally, the reinsurance market has been under-represented in the region, but we are now in a position to be in the first tier of global foreign reinsurers opening owned branches in India. Meeting the regulatory requirements is a key priority for us, as we move forward to demonstrate our commitment to this growing market.”

XL Catlin has had service operations in India since opening its first offices there in Gurgaon in 2004, delivering a range of business support services. In addition to a representative office in Mumbai, XL Catlin also has colleagues spread across offices in Gurgaon & Bengaluru.

Source: XL Catlin

Topics Legislation Reinsurance Market AXA XL