Department profile
Torys LLP

Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory

Canada Guide 2026 : Nationwide - Canada


Torys LLP

Rankings

About

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

Provided by Chambers

Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory - Nationwide - Canada

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For
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

Provided by Chambers

  • Torys represented Vienna Insurance Group in a claim against Infrassure for breach of contract and breach of obligations under a retrocession agreement.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The insurance team is in a class of its own. They are dialed into market trends, with a pulse on regulator priorities.

    Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory respondentCanada
  • Torys' ability to align legal strategy with broader business goals adds significant value. Their insights often extend beyond the legal lens to support strategic decision-making.

    Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory respondentCanada
  • The firm has a high awareness of legal and business considerations that underlie litigation.

    Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory respondentCanada
  • Torys' litigation and advocacy skills are unmatched and the firm couples access and coordination with top-level subject matter expertise.

    Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory respondentCanada
  • Torys has a clear view of business needs and the ability to provide quick, on-point and easy-to-understand legal advice in a complex framework.

    Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory respondentCanada

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Blair W Keefe
    Band 1Blair W Keefe

    Blair W Keefe

    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.
    • I am always confident in the advice provided by Blair. His knowledge is unparalleled and his advice is sage.

      Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory respondentCanada
    • Blair is an expert in his field.

      Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory respondentCanada
    • Blair Keefe is smart, approachable and focused on results.

      Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory respondentCanada
  • Band 3Eli Monas
    Band 3Eli Monas

    Eli Monas

    Eli Monas is a partner based in Torys' Toronto office with a growing reputation for his expertise in the insurance sector. He notably assists with regulatory insurance and reinsure matters.

    • Eli provides exceptional service.

      Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory respondentCanada
    • He is always approachable, very solutions-minded and practical. He simplifies what is a very dense and challenging topic.

      Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory respondentCanada
    • Eli Monas understands our business, structure and challenges faced. He is attentive in identifying and solving problems.

      Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory respondentCanada
  • Band 4David Outerbridge
    Band 4David Outerbridge

    David Outerbridge

    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.
    • David approaches each question in a strategic, practical manner. His ability to translate the most complex law into simple, persuasive arguments is remarkable.

      Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory respondentCanada

Ranked Individuals at Torys LLP (3)

Nationwide - Canada

Members

Provided by Torys LLP

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