IRB-Brasil Resseguros S.A., known as IRB(Re), the Brazilian reinsurance company that provides risk transfer and reinsurance solutions to insurers in Brazil and overseas, has introduced a number of initiatives aimed at broadening its international footprint while also extending its activities within its domestic market.
In separate market announcements released in June, IRB(Re) outlined plans to establish new international reinsurance operations and confirmed the creation of two insurance companies in Brazil, reflecting its ambitions to diversify revenue sources and expand its business platform.
On the 8th of June 2026, IRB(Re) announced that it had begun the regulatory processes required to support the expansion of its international operations. The company said the move is aligned with its objective of increasing premium volumes and strengthening its position within the global reinsurance sector.
As part of these efforts, IRB(Re) submitted an application on the 29th of May 2026 to Switzerland’s financial regulator, FINMA (Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority), seeking approval to establish a reinsurance company specialising in property and casualty (P&C) business. The proposed operation would focus on non-life reinsurance activities.
IRB(Re) also disclosed plans to establish a reinsurance-focused structure in Malta using a Protected Cell Company model. According to the company, the entity will operate with technical and operational support from IRB(Re). An application for authorisation was submitted to the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA) on the 8th of June 2026.
The company noted that both projects remain subject to regulatory approval before operations can commence. IRB(Re) stated that it will continue to inform shareholders and the market of any material developments relating to the approval process.
In a separate announcement issued on the 3rd of June 2026, IRB(Re) confirmed the incorporation of two insurance subsidiaries through its holding company, IRB Holding S.A. The newly formed businesses are IRB(Seg) Corporate Seguradora S.A. and IRB(Seg) Vida e Previdência Seguradora S.A.
IRB(Re) said the new companies have been created to operate in distinct segments of the insurance market. IRB(Seg) Corporate Seguradora S.A. has been established to conduct property and casualty insurance activities, while IRB(Seg) Vida e Previdência Seguradora S.A. will focus on life insurance and private pension products.
According to IRB(Re), the formation of the two insurers represents the next stage of the company’s development following the completion of its turnaround programme. The company stated that the expansion into insurance does not alter its principal role as a reinsurer serving cedants in the Brazilian market.
IRB(Re) believes that direct participation in the insurance sector will allow it to broaden the sources from which it generates revenue, while also creating opportunities for greater integration between its insurance and reinsurance operations. The company further noted that the strategy mirrors a broader industry model in which financial groups maintain operations across both insurance and reinsurance markets.
The company added that Brazil’s insurance and reinsurance regulator, SUSEP, has already granted prior approval for the incorporation of the new entities. However, final authorisation from the regulator is still required before either company can begin underwriting business.
Taken together, the announcements signal IRB(Re)’s intention to expand beyond its traditional reinsurance activities, both through international market development and by establishing a direct presence in Brazil’s insurance sector.
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