Swiss Re : Everything you need to know

Swiss Reinsurance Company, known as Swiss Re, is a global reinsurance leader based in Zurich. In 2024, it posted $3.2 billion net income and a 90 percent combined ratio in property reinsurance. 

History of Swiss Re 

The firm was founded in 1863 after a massive fire destroyed the Swiss town of Glarus. Local insurers realized they lacked enough support for big disaster losses. That event sparked the creation of Switzerland’s first reinsurance company in Zurich. 

Other key moments in Swiss Re’s growth include: 

• 2004: bought Life Assurance Holding Corp. to build its UK-based Admin Re business 
• 2006: became world’s largest reinsurer after acquiring GE Insurance Solutions 
• 2009: raised equity and secured $2.6 billion from Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway 
• 2016: faced major exposure from Canada’s costly Fort McMurray wildfire 
• 2020: sold its ReAssure unit to Phoenix Group for £3.2 billion 
• 2022: acquired Champlain Re to expand its legacy reinsurance operations 
• 2023: purchased flood risk firm Fathom to strengthen climate data in reinsurance 

In 2024, the company reported strong profits across all reinsurance business lines. Its recent focus includes digital tools, better risk models, and resilience-driven research. 

Reinsurance products and services 

Swiss Re helps insurers manage risk, grow capital, and improve performance through the following offerings: 

Property & casualty reinsurance 

This business unit supports clients with protection against property, casualty, and specialty risks: 

• structured reinsurance solutions: customized programs to manage capital and reduce portfolio volatility 
• SwiftRe®: fast digital tool for mid-sized clients needing single-risk reinsurance 
• facultative reinsurance: tailored coverage for individual, complex, or high-value risks 
• aggregate covers: protection against multiple events over a set timeframe 
• parametric insurance: event-based payouts using agreed triggers like earthquakes or hurricanes 

Swiss Re also offers climate risk models and disaster loss data to support pricing and preparedness. 

Life & health reinsurance 

This unit provides capital and tools for clients covering mortality, longevity, and health risks: 

• financial market reinsurance: stabilizes capital during market volatility in life portfolios 
• structured reinsurance: tailored capital solutions to manage insurer liabilities 
• automated underwriting tools: digital platforms like Magnum to simplify life risk assessment 
• in-force optimization: analytics to unlock value from current life insurance blocks 
• behavioral analytics: tools to improve claims handling and customer insights 

Swiss Re partners with life insurers to improve underwriting and develop inclusive health products. 

Reinsurance solutions 

This division offers services and tech that support the full insurance value chain: 

• risk consulting and analytics: expert advice to measure, manage, and transfer risks 
• data-driven insights: predictive models to improve pricing and capital use 
• automated claims processing: digital tools to streamline and speed up claims workflows 
• software solutions: tech platforms for pricing, portfolio, and exposure management 
• customized consulting: strategic input for underwriting, claims, and capital optimization 

Swiss Re offers these reinsurance products and services through these core business units. Its reinsurance support spans 80 offices across 29 countries with deep sector expertise. 

Culture and core values 

Swiss Re fosters a culture rooted in collaboration, innovation, and inclusivity. Employees are encouraged to contribute to meaningful work that addresses global risks and challenges. 

Workplace environment and benefits 

Its motto, “we’re smarter together,” reflects a culture that values impact, growth, and belonging. This inclusive work environment comes with key employee benefits: 

• flexible work model: choose when, where, and how to work with “Own the Way You Work” 
• paid time off: includes vacation days, parental leave, and purchased leave options 
• wellbeing support: health checks, mental health tools, and fitness programs 
• financial rewards: competitive pension, bonuses, and employee share plans 
• career development: learning tools, early talent programs, and internal growth opportunities 
• family support: parenting resources and support for work-life balance 
• recognition programs: celebrate long-term commitment through awards and peer feedback 

Swiss Re’s culture helps people succeed while making a real difference in the world. 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion  

The firm brings together different cultures, skills, and generations to strengthen its global team. ERGs lead inclusion efforts in many regions and business areas. It also applies these values to client work, like its holistic approach to mental health in life underwriting. 

Swiss Re’s governance 

The company runs on fairness, accountability, and clear separation between board and executive roles. Its governance system includes checks and balances across Swiss Re and its global subsidiaries. 

The future at Swiss Re 

The firm stayed strong in 2024 despite changes in the market and global economic pressure. Its reinsurance businesses in P&C and L&H remained stable and well managed. This shows its promise to lead risk protection with solid capital and long-term focus. 

Swiss Re is setting new net income targets after strong results in 2024. It aims for over $4.4 billion in profit and tighter control of reinsurance costs. These plans reflect their push to improve returns, which may shape future business strategies.