2 July 2025
Linklaters advises Resolution Life on its US$1bn landmark block reinsurance transaction in Hong Kong SAR
Linklaters advised Resolution Life, a global life insurance group focusing on reinsurance and the acquisition and management of portfolios of life insurance policies, on its US$1bn block reinsurance transaction with a leading life insurer in Hong Kong. The transaction marks Resolution Life’s first reinsurance transaction in the jurisdiction.
The reinsurance agreement covers an in-force portfolio of participating whole life and annuity policies and transfers materially all risks associated with the guaranteed benefits of these policies from the cedant to Resolution Life, including market, policyholder behaviour and mortality risks.
The Linklaters cross-jurisdictional team was led by Tokyo-based partner and global co-head of the insurance sector Tracy Whiriskey along with Hong Kong-based partner and chairman of global corporate practice Matthew Middleditch.
Linklaters’ global co-head of the insurance sector Tracy Whiriskey commented:
“We are honoured to have supported Resolution Life on this strategic transaction, and we greatly value our longstanding relationship and the continued trust they place in our team. This transaction marks a significant milestone for Resolution Life and underscores the increasing demand for innovative reinsurance solutions in the region, as well as the growing opportunities for international insurers in Asia. We are proud to have leveraged our cross-border sector expertise to help deliver a successful outcome, and we look forward to further supporting the development of the insurance market in Asia.”
Linklaters has a well-established reputation in the insurance sector, offering full spectrum support across a range of market-leading practice areas. The firm has been guiding clients through evolving regulatory changes and requirements impacting the insurance industry. In Asia, the team has advised Resolution Life on its acquisition by Nippon Life Insurance Company and Resolution Life on its block and flow reinsurance transactions in Japan. The team has also recently advised Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. on its acquisition of a c. 15% stake in and strategic partnership with M&G plc, and Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company on its c. 5% stake in and strategic partnership with L&G plc. and acquisition of US life insurance companies including Banner Life Insurance Company.
The reinsurance agreement covers an in-force portfolio of participating whole life and annuity policies and transfers materially all risks associated with the guaranteed benefits of these policies from the cedant to Resolution Life, including market, policyholder behaviour and mortality risks.
The Linklaters cross-jurisdictional team was led by Tokyo-based partner and global co-head of the insurance sector Tracy Whiriskey along with Hong Kong-based partner and chairman of global corporate practice Matthew Middleditch.
Linklaters’ global co-head of the insurance sector Tracy Whiriskey commented:
“We are honoured to have supported Resolution Life on this strategic transaction, and we greatly value our longstanding relationship and the continued trust they place in our team. This transaction marks a significant milestone for Resolution Life and underscores the increasing demand for innovative reinsurance solutions in the region, as well as the growing opportunities for international insurers in Asia. We are proud to have leveraged our cross-border sector expertise to help deliver a successful outcome, and we look forward to further supporting the development of the insurance market in Asia.”
Linklaters has a well-established reputation in the insurance sector, offering full spectrum support across a range of market-leading practice areas. The firm has been guiding clients through evolving regulatory changes and requirements impacting the insurance industry. In Asia, the team has advised Resolution Life on its acquisition by Nippon Life Insurance Company and Resolution Life on its block and flow reinsurance transactions in Japan. The team has also recently advised Dai-ichi Life Holdings, Inc. on its acquisition of a c. 15% stake in and strategic partnership with M&G plc, and Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance Company on its c. 5% stake in and strategic partnership with L&G plc. and acquisition of US life insurance companies including Banner Life Insurance Company.
