Insurance: Transactional & Regulatory
Canada Guide 2025 : Nationwide - Canada
Band 2
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+1 416 863 2400About
Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Blakes is a recognized leader in the insurance industry, representing major domestic and foreign insurance companies and insurance distributors, as well as foreign and offshore reinsurers globally. Blakes preeminent M&A expertise includes the insurance sector where we advise on all aspects of sale and purchase transactions. Having the largest and most active Financial Services Regulatory practice in Canada, better enables us to effectively advise on current regulatory frameworks and any draft legislation and regulatory practices that may affect our clients. We regularly represent parties before the federal Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) and provincial regulators.
Our lawyers are well equipped to provide sophisticated legal advice on all aspects of insurance business, operations, structure, investments, acquisitions, corporate governance and risk management. We are particularly skilled at advising on financings, restructurings, onshore and offshore reinsurance arrangements and related trusts, and pension de-risking transactions. We are the leading Canadian counsel on pension de-risking transactions, including advising a reinsurer involved in Canada’s first longevity insurance transaction.
When disputes arise, the Blakes Litigation & Dispute Resolution team represents both insurers and insureds at all court levels and before administrative tribunals and government commissions, routinely prosecuting and defending specialized insurance claims.
Chambers Review
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.
Work Highlights
- Blake, Cassels & Graydon represented Emani European Mutual Association in a CAD15 million matter regarding the payment of a loss by its insurer, Infrassure.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Everyone that I have worked with at Blake, Cassels & Graydon is responsive and deserving of their good reputation."
"The law firm understands the history of our business and, as such, is ideally suited for handling complex matters."
"The Blake team has exceptional depth, creativity and pragmatism, supported by strong regulatory and governmental relationships which compliment its insight and reinforce its effectiveness."
"Everyone that I have worked with at Blake, Cassels & Graydon is responsive and deserving of their good reputation."
"The law firm understands the history of our business and, as such, is ideally suited for handling complex matters."
"The Blake team has exceptional depth, creativity and pragmatism, supported by strong regulatory and governmental relationships which compliment its insight and reinforce its effectiveness."
Notable Practitioners
Based in the firm's Calgary office, David Tupper is an experienced commercial litigator who represents an impressive roster of industry-leading insurers in claims relating to the energy sector in Alberta and BC.
"David is excellent."
"He is my first pick for any large commercial coverage litigation."
Toronto-based partner Paul Belanger is a highly experienced regulatory lawyer with considerable insurance expertise. He also well-regarded for his work in the financial services industry.
"Paul Belanger's range and depth on technical issues is matched with his creative and pragmatic approach."
"Paul is invaluable for our organisation as he provides well thought-out advice."
"He is extraordinarily practical, direct, efficient and no-nonsense in his advice. He is always a pleasure to deal with."
Based out of Toronto, Bonny Murray is a respected insurance attorney noted for her regulatory expertise. She is particularly known for her work in the financial services industry.
"Bonny Murray has been helpful with every issue we have discussed. She is very timely and responsive."
Matthew Liben has notable expertise in litigation, frequently acting as insurer-side counsel on a wide-range of insurance coverage disputes.
Up-and-coming partner Keith Marlowe, based in Calgary, handles insurance coverage claims and assists clients with the procurement and renewal of insurance programmes, D&O policies and casualty issues.
Ranked Lawyers at
Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP
Nationwide - Canada
Members
Provided by Blake, Cassels & Graydon LLP