Swiss Re

In July 2014, Swiss Re launched the Swiss Re Institute with the goal of conducting proprietary research on risk management, insurance, and climate science to innovate the reinsurance industry. The institute was designed to serve as a think tank that produces knowledge, insights, and tools to improve understanding of global risks and enable Swiss Re to develop better solutions for its clients. Through this initiative, Swiss Re aimed to solidify its position as a leader in insurance research.

In April 2015, Swiss Re became one of the first foreign reinsurers to be granted a license to operate independently in China's domestic market. This strategic move allowed Swiss Re to provide reinsurance services directly to Chinese insurance companies, paving the way for its expansion in one of the fastest-growing insurance markets in the world. Swiss Re aimed to leverage this opportunity to strengthen its global footprint and capitalize on the rapid growth of China's insurance sector.

In March 2016, Swiss Re completed the acquisition of Guardian Financial Services, a UK-based life insurance company, in a deal valued at $2.4 billion. Guardian managed approximately 900,000 policies and the acquisition was aimed at boosting Swiss Re's Admin Re business in the UK. This move allowed Swiss Re to expand its closed life and pensions book, strengthen its position in the market, and leverage synergies between the two companies' operations.

In June 2018, Japanese conglomerate SoftBank Group acquired a minority stake in Swiss Re, purchasing $2.5 billion worth of shares. This investment, which amounted to just under a 10% stake, was part of SoftBank's strategy to diversify its investment portfolio and engage with major global reinsurance players. The partnership provided Swiss Re with opportunities to access new technologies and potential collaborations across SoftBank's extensive network, enhancing innovation and growth prospects.

In December 2019, Swiss Re announced it was selling its UK life assurance arm, ReAssure, to Phoenix Group Holdings for $4.1 billion. The move was part of Swiss Re's strategy to streamline its business and focus on its core reinsurance operations. The sale allowed Swiss Re to release capital and reduce its stake in ReAssure, of which it owned 75%, while Phoenix leveraged the acquisition to boost its presence in the UK market.

On September 22, 2020, Swiss Re celebrated the 75th anniversary of its headquarters building in Zurich, a landmark of modernist architecture designed by Swiss architect Hans Hofmann. The building, inaugurated in 1945, has been a symbol of Swiss Re's resilience and long-standing presence in the insurance and reinsurance sectors. The anniversary was marked by a series of events and publications highlighting the building's architectural significance and the company's history.

In December 2020, Swiss Re unveiled a comprehensive reorganization of its business structure aimed at sharpening client focus and operational excellence. The reorganization involved the creation of three distinct business units: Reinsurance, Corporate Solutions, and Life Capital. Swiss Re implemented these changes to simplify operations, improve customer interaction, and enhance agility in addressing emerging global risks, particularly in light of challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In January 2021, Swiss Re announced its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change. This strategic pivot involves reducing operational emissions and increasing investments in sustainable properties and financial products. Swiss Re launched several initiatives to phase out thermal coal from its reinsurance portfolios and introduced carbon metrics to assess its investment strategies, thus reinforcing its role as a leader in sustainable finance.

In May 2021, Swiss Re issued a series of catastrophe bonds totaling USD 1.5 billion, marking one of the largest deals of its kind at the time. These bonds provide Swiss Re with a multi-year protection against natural disasters in the U.S., including earthquakes and storms. The transaction reflects Swiss Re's innovative approach to risk management and its commitment to using alternative capital markets to enhance its financial flexibility and capacity to cover major catastrophic events.

On July 14, 2022, Swiss Re joined the Net-Zero Insurance Alliance, a global coalition of insurers committed to accelerating the transition to a net-zero emissions economy. As part of this alliance, Swiss Re aims to set science-based targets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with its underwriting portfolios. This commitment further aligns Swiss Re with international sustainability efforts and enhances its reputation as a leader in environmentally responsible finance.