Swiss Re Corporate Solutions licensed in South Africa

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions’ subsidiary Swiss Re Corporate Solutions Advisors South Africa has been licensed as a financial services provider in South Africa.

Under the licence, the company will originate, advise on and bind direct commercial insurance business in South Africa through an intermediary agreement with Guardrisk Insurance Company.

Guardrisk Insurance is a South African-licenced non-life insurer, with a Fitch rating of 'AA+' (South Africa-specific).

Swiss Re Corporate Solutions expects to begin operations during the second quarter of 2015 from its newly established Johannesburg office.

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.

Tony Buckle, Swiss Re Corporate Solutions' head of Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: "South Africa is a key high growth market for us, based on the scale and sophistication of its commercial insurance sector. 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."

Herman Schoeman, managing director of Guardrisk Insurance, added: “We are excited about the relationship with Swiss Re Corporate Solutions and the opportunity to collaborate on delivering customised solutions for clients in South Africa."