Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory | Canada

McCarthy Tétrault acts across the insurance space on high-value transactions as well as insurance coverage matters. Its M&A and joint venture expertise is supported by an extensive regulatory practice, and by litigators who can handle a diverse range of insurance coverage matters such as E&O liability claims. It also assists international insurers and reinsurers with cross-border transactions and the regulatory considerations of the establishment of operations in Canada. The firm additionally advises on insurance regulatory and licensing issues as well as acting as counsel on demutualisation mandates.

Stikeman Elliott enjoys an excellent reputation due to its capacity to handle large-scale transactional and regulatory insurance matters, as well as complex litigation. Its insurance and reinsurance group acts for national and international clients on domestic and cross-border transactions and disputes. The team has deep expertise in M&A and public offerings in the insurance sector and provides additional expertise in insurtech transactions, including the launch of digital portals and products.

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.

Blake, Cassels & Graydon is one of the leading insurance and reinsurance practices in Canada. It has extensive transactional and regulatory capabilities, as well as the ability to advise on big-ticket litigation. The firm supports clients across Canada in coverage disputes, indemnity claims and product liability litigation, and is additionally recognised for its experience defending insurers in class action litigation. On the transactional side the team represents clients in M&A and financing matters, as well as in cross-border insurance arrangements, reinsurance programmes, pensions de-risking and demutualisation transactions.

Fasken possesses a significant insurance regulatory practice, often advising international clients on Canadian entry requirements. The firm is often retained by industry associations for guidance on proposed legislative changes, providing impact assessments and response advice. Its lawyers regularly act on M&A transactions, both domestic and cross-border, with particular strength representing property and casualty insurers. The team also advises on insurance defence and coverage claims and wins praise from clients for its knowledge of the reinsurance industry.

Cassels Brock & Blackwell stands out for its representation of foreign insurers and reinsurers in relation to their Canadian operations, including in respect of both federal and provincial licensing and incorporation issues. The firm and its lawyers regularly act as chief agent for the Canadian branches of international insurance companies. It has an extensive practice assisting with the regulatory aspects of major insurance M&A transactions, including cross-border mandates, as well as offering advice on product design and demutualisations.

Dentons Canada advised United American Insurance Company in an assumption reinsurance and withdrawal transaction involving the disposition of the entire life book of business to Assumption Life for fair market value, which was subject to both provincial and federal regulatory approval.

Gowling WLG hosts a sizeable insurance team that demonstrates notable skill in litigation, transactional and regulatory matters. The firm acts for a range of insurers, policyholders and plaintiffs on a variety of contentious matters, including property and liability coverage claims, and professional negligence matters. It also regularly assists clients with insurance sector transactions, including cross-border M&A and the accompanying regulatory considerations.