Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Gains South Africa Licence
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions said that its new wholly-owned subsidiary, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Advisors South Africa Pty Ltd, is now licenced by the South African Financial Services Board (FSB) to operate in the country as a financial services provider (FSP).
Under its FSP licence, the company will originate, advise on and bind direct commercial insurance business in South Africa through an intermediary agreement with Guardrisk Insurance Company, a South African-licenced non-life insurer well-known in the local market for its reputation and solid financial standing.
Swiss Re Corporate Solutions expects to begin operations during Q2 of 2015 from an office in Johannesburg. The company will provide commercial insurance services to mid- and large-sized corporate clients, focusing on property, mining and engineering risks, as well as customised solutions for the agriculture and energy sectors.
“South Africa is a key high growth market for us, based on the scale and sophistication of its commercial insurance sector,” said Tony Buckle, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions’ head of Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA). “The Johannesburg office will be our first local representation in Africa, and it will be a cornerstone of our strategy to provide locally relevant solutions to clients.”