Zurich underwrites policy that enables the International Finance Corporation to expand its Global Trade Finance Program by $500 million

Schaumburg, Ill., December 5, 2011 – Zurich, a leading property and casualty insurance provider globally and in North America, today announced it's Credit and Political Risk group has joined with eight other leading insurers to underwrite a trade credit policy that enables the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to expand its emerging market trade transactions by more than $500 million.

The policy will underwrite IFC's Global Trade Finance Program (GTFP) that extends and complements the capacity of banks to deliver trade financing in emerging markets where trade credit may be difficult to obtain. The policy helps protect IFC against the risk of default by a local bank.

The new trade credit and credit insurance policy was brokered by Marsh Inc.

"With this is agreement, Zurich is able to review and underwrite a large number of risks located in challenging countries to support our clients," said Anne Marie Thurber, head of Zurich Credit and Political Risk in North America. "Being a leading insurer on the project enables us to demonstrate our ability to be there for our clients when they need it, even in challenging locations."

The policy covers more than 50 banks in Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bangladesh, Belarus, Brazil, Bulgaria, China, Ghana, Honduras, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Madagascar, Moldova, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Russia, Senegal, Turkey, Ukraine, Vietnam and West Bank and Gaza.

About Zurich
Zurich Financial Services Group (Zurich) is a leading multi-line insurance provider with a global network of subsidiaries and offices in Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific and the Middle East as well as other markets. For more information about Zurich, go to http://www.zurichna.com/zna/media/news-releases/archive/boilerplate.htm.

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Media contact:
Steve McKay
Media and Public Relations Director
Zurich in North America
Zurich American Insurance Company
Tower 1, Floor 11
1400 American Lane
Schaumburg, Illinois 60196
Email: steven.mckay@zurichna.com
Office: 847-706-2265
Cell: 847-738-0620