The Puerto Rico International Insurers Association (PRIIA) issued the following statement in response to the filing in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico of a voluntary bankruptcy petition under Title III of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA). Enacted by the United States Congress and signed into law by President Obama in 2016, PROMESA provides the legal framework for local Puerto Rico government entities to restructure debt obligations.
“Puerto Rico’s International Insurance Center operates under laws and regulations that insulate its member companies and their clients from any changes to Puerto Rico that Title III bankruptcy may bring about. Regulation of companies operating in the Center is provided by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance of Puerto Rico, which receives funding from fees paid by its regulated entities. There is no change to the tax, regulatory, or other legal status of any licensed insurer operating in the Center as a result of the Title III filing. Puerto Rico’s international insurers are open for business.”
In addition to the statement above, PRIIA member and CEO of Advantage Insurance Inc., Walter Keenan, added: “PROMESA was enacted to help grow Puerto Rico’s economy. The International Insurance Center has brought jobs and investment capital to Puerto Rico and will continue to play an important role in the Commonwealth’s return to prosperity. PROMESA recognizes the importance of growth engines, such as the International Insurance Center, and the law expressly preserves and continues the benefits our clients and companies enjoy today.”
Ralph Rexach, a PRIIA member and former Puerto Rico Commissioner of Insurance, explained: “Companies considering Puerto Rico’s compelling tax incentives and modern system of insurance regulation should know that the Title III filing does not change what Puerto Rico has to offer. Insurance companies operating within the International Insurance Center receive contractual tax incentive grants that guarantee favorable taxation for at least 15 years. PRIIA member companies and potential new entrants to the Center can have confidence in the continuity of Puerto Rico’s tax treatment provisions under both Puerto Rico and United States law.”
About PRIIA
The Puerto Rico International Insurers Association (PRIIA) is the industry trade group representing insurance carriers, service providers and other participants in Puerto Rico’s International Insurance Center. Founding members of PRIIA include Advantage Insurance Inc.; Madison Re I.I.; Ryan, LLC; and U.S. Commonwealth Life, A.I. More information about PRIIA and Puerto Rico’s International Insurance Center can be found at http://www.PRIIA.org.