IRB-Brasil Resseguros SA (IRB(Re)), a Brazilian reinsurer that provides risk transfer and reinsurance solutions to insurance companies in Brazil and abroad, has launched a series of initiatives aimed at expanding its international presence while expanding its activities in the domestic market.
In a separate market announcement in June, IRB(Re) outlined plans to establish a new international reinsurance business and confirmed the creation of two insurance companies in Brazil, reflecting its ambition to diversify its revenue streams and expand its business platform.
On June 8, 2026, IRB(Re) announced that it had begun the regulatory processes required to support the expansion of its international business. The company said the move was in line with its goals to increase premium volume and strengthen its position in the global reinsurance industry.
As part of these efforts, IRB(Re) submitted an application to Swiss financial regulator FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority) on May 29, 2026, seeking approval to establish a reinsurer specializing in property and casualty (P&C) business. The proposed business will focus on non-life reinsurance activities.
IRB(Re) also disclosed plans to establish a reinsurance-focused structure in Malta using the protected cell company model. According to the company, the entity will operate with technical and operational support from IRB(Re). The application for authorization was submitted to the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) on June 8, 2026.
The company noted that both projects still require regulatory approval before operations. IRB(Re) said it will continue to inform shareholders and the market of any significant developments related to the approval process.
In another announcement on June 3, 2026, IRB(Re) confirmed the establishment of two insurance subsidiaries through its holding company IRB Holding SA. The newly established businesses are IRB(Seg) Corporate Seguradora SA and IRB(Seg) Vida e Previdência Seguradora SA
IRB(Re) said the new company was established to operate in different sectors of the insurance market. IRB(Seg) Corporate Seguradora SA was established to carry out property and casualty insurance activities, while IRB(Seg) Vida e Previdência Seguradora SA will focus on life insurance and private pension products.
IRB(Re) said the formation of the two insurance companies represents the next phase of the company’s development after completing its turnaround plan. The company said the expansion into insurance will not change its main role as a reinsurer serving cedants in the Brazilian market.
IRB(Re) believes that direct participation in the insurance industry will allow it to expand its revenue streams while also creating opportunities for greater integration between its insurance and reinsurance operations. The company further noted that the strategy reflects a broader industry pattern in which financial conglomerates maintain a presence in the insurance and reinsurance markets.
Brazil’s insurance and reinsurance regulator SUSEP has given prior approval for the formation of the new entity, the company added. However, final authorization from regulators is still required before any company can begin underwriting operations.
Taken together, these announcements indicate IRB(Re)’s intention to expand the scope of its traditional reinsurance activities through international market development and the establishment of a direct presence in the Brazilian insurance industry.
