Rooted in resilience: Arundo Re marks 25 years in Canada

In a market defined by volatility, from record-breaking CAT losses and economic uncertainty to shifting customer expectations, consistency matters. For a quarter century, Arundo Re has provided just that to Canadian P&C insurers: steady reinsurance support built on deep relationships and trust.

Now, with a refreshed identity and a continued focus on long-term value, the reinsurer is doubling down on what it does best: staying the course, even as the industry changes around it.

“We’re not just offering capacity, we’re offering continuity, insight and proximity,” says Bertrand Labilloy, CEO of Arundo Re. “And nowhere is that more evident than in Canada.”

New name, same commitment

Arundo Re officially rebranded from CCR Re in early 2025, completing a strategic evolution that began nearly a decade ago. The change, says Labilloy, reflects the company’s transition from a former division of France’s state-owned CCR to a fully independent, international reinsurance company headquartered in Paris.

“The rebranding was the final step in a long transformation,” he explains. “We’re now a fully-fledged global reinsurer, with the structure, tools and autonomy to offer far more than capacity.”

But the rebrand wasn’t just cosmetic. “Arundo” references a fable by French poet Jean de La Fontaine, where a flexible reed survives a storm while a rigid oak falls – symbolizing humility, agility and resilience.

“These are the values we live by,” says Labilloy. “Arundo is also an anagram of ‘around.’ Our signature is: Always around.”

This rings especially true for the Canadian market: it’s a new name, but the same trusted reinsurer.

“Same team, same strategy, same commitment,” adds Pierre Dionne, SVP and Chief Agent of Arundo Re Canada. “There are no plans to change how we approach reinsurance in Canada. We’re as steady as ever.”

A Canadian presence built to last

Arundo Re’s Canadian branch — its only international office with full local underwriting authority — celebrates 25 years this fall.

“Many clients have been with us since day one,” says Dionne, who has been with the company for 23 of those years. “It’s a testament to our stable partnership.”

“We’re very proud of the respect our Toronto-based team has earned for their efficiency, deep local expertise and strong relationships,” adds Labilloy.

Reinsurance supporting resilience

The Canadian P&C sector is no stranger to turbulence.

“The trends we’re seeing, including intense drought and wildfire seasons, aren’t unique to Canada,” says Dionne. “But they are intensifying. And it’s clear the status quo isn’t sustainable.”

To help clients adapt, Arundo Re is working with brokers to explore solutions like second prepaid reinstatements and structured drop-down covers for high-frequency CAT events. But beyond structures, the company advocates for more fundamental change.

“We’re firm believers in build back better,” Dionne says. “Even if it costs more up front, it’s worth it in the long run for both the insurer and the reinsurer.”

That long-term mindset is also why Arundo Re supports the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR) and its efforts to improve adaptation strategies, from wildfire response to flood resiliency.

Built on relationships

As a medium-sized reinsurer by choice, Arundo Re sees strength in staying nimble, collaborative and close to clients.

“We’re not trying to become the biggest player,” Labilloy says. “That allows us to be a relationship-based reinsurer, not just a transactional one.”

That philosophy translates into impressive loyalty: nearly 90% of Arundo Re’s portfolio is renewed annually, and 30% of clients have stayed over a decade.

That commitment shows up across the full reinsurance structure, especially in Canada.

“Reinsurers should support clients across all treaty layers, not just the high ones that rarely see losses,” says Dionne. “In Canada, events like hail, ice storms and wildfires increasingly hit populated areas. These working-layer losses need to be paid, or the whole market suffers. We show up consistently, whether the loss is frequent or severe. ”

Global expertise, local impact

With operations in over 100 countries, Arundo Re brings international tools and expertise to the Canadian market without losing its local touch.

“Canada is our largest foreign market, accounting for about 10% of our business,” says Labilloy. “So our clients here benefit from everything we build globally, whether it’s automation that lowers costs or advanced CAT modelling chains.”

At Arundo Re, agility isn’t just a buzzword. “We’re able to roll out innovation at least as quickly as the biggest reinsurers, and often more affordably,” he says.

Looking ahead

In July 2025, Arundo Re’s final ties to CCR ended when SMABTP (Société Mutuelle d’Assurance du Bâtiment et des Travaux Publics) and MACSF (Mutuelle d’Assurance du Corps de Santé Français) acquired full ownership. Now backed by two privately held mutuals, Arundo Re is supported by stable, long-term capital.

“Our shareholders aren’t driven by quarterly earnings,” says Labilloy. “That gives us and our clients stability and a consistent approach to sustainable growth over time.”

With a growth target of €2 billion in gross written premiums by 2027, Arundo Re is looking to deepen its role in the Canadian market.

“We grew our insurance revenue by 70% between 2022 and 2024,” Dionne says. “Now it’s time to solidify our position, build capital, and be ready for the next big event — because it will come. And after 25 years here, we’re just as committed to supporting Canada for the next 25.”