Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 865 0040About
Provided by Torys LLP
Torys is recognized as having one of the leading financial institution regulatory practices in Canada. We regularly advise life and property & casualty insurers and reinsurers on insurance regulatory matters involving local and federal regulators and are engaged from the ground up on new product development and distribution strategies.
We are frequently involved in applications for ministerial and superintendent approvals submitted through OSFI. Whether the application is in respect of a change in control, a substantial investment, a federal continuance and/or merger, unregistered related party reinsurance or another type of application, our lawyers have developed invaluable relationships with members of OSFI at all levels.
Torys is primary regulatory counsel to three of Canada's largest insurance companies; we also represent retail and institutional insurance advisers and firms in regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings before financial services and insurance regulators.
We have experience in the issues that are often part of today's insurance disputes, acting as primary corporate and/or litigation counsel to the largest insurers in Canada.
We apply our outstanding trial and appellate litigation experience towards complex and high-profile insurance disputes, appearing before all levels of courts, arbitration panels and regulatory bodies. We advise insurers and insureds on a wide range of insurance, reinsurance and business litigation and arbitration matters.
Chambers Review
Torys stands out for its deep experience of insurance regulatory law, both federal and provincial, frequently advising on regulatory investigations, registration proceedings, compliance and governance matters. The Toronto-based insurance team is equally adept at advising on major M&A and securities transactions, as well as issues relating to digital insurance platforms. Its lawyers act on behalf of insurers in coverage disputes and professional liability matters. The firm has a particularly strong reputation in the life insurance sector and also acts for other large insurers and financial services companies.
Work Highlights
- Torys assisted Intact Financial Corporation in the post-acquisition integration of RSA Insurance Group, providing additional insurance and reinsurance regulatory advice. The overall matter was valued at CAD12.3 billion.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"I think Torys is a fantastic one-stop shop."
"They are experts in their field and are able to provide advice on unique, Canada-wide issues."
"The ever-changing world of insurance regulation and supervisory interaction requires extremely sophisticated advice, which Torys delivers."
"We are always confident that Torys will be able to handle a tough situation with many layers of complexity."
"I think Torys is a fantastic one-stop shop."
"They are experts in their field and are able to provide advice on unique, Canada-wide issues."
"The ever-changing world of insurance regulation and supervisory interaction requires extremely sophisticated advice, which Torys delivers."
"We are always confident that Torys will be able to handle a tough situation with many layers of complexity."
Notable Practitioners
Toronto-based Blair Keefe is a highly acclaimed lawyer in the insurance market, as well as a strong feature of the wider Canadian financial services sector. His broad experience encompasses a wide range of mandates from regulatory investigations to securities offerings and M&A.
"Blair is the best OSFI-facing lawyer in Canada, hands down."
Well regarded for her regulatory expertise, Toronto lawyer Jill McCutcheon provides a range of services to an array of industry-leading insurers, from compliance advice to digital product launch and disputes guidance.
"Jill McCutcheon is an expert in her field, with many years of experience behind her, adding to her level of sophistication and commercial awareness."
"She has always been very supportive and she understands our business needs."
"Jill is nothing short of excellent."
Kelly Morris, based in Toronto, advises clients on transactional and regulatory insurance matters. She notably assists domestic and foreign insurers, amongst other clients.
"Kelly Morris is dependable and knows insurance legislation like the back of her hand."
"She provides an excellent level of service and is a pleasure to work with."
David Outerbridge plays a key role representing clients in major life insurance class action proceedings. He also acts in coverage disputes, reinsurance disputes and professional liability insurance.
Eli Monas is an up-and-comerwith a growing reputation for his expertise in the insurance sector. He notably assists with regulatory insurance and reinsure matters.
"Eli Monas has excellent technical skills and understanding of the industry and of the regulators."
Ranked Lawyers at
Torys LLP
Nationwide - Canada