XL Re Approved to Be Local Reinsurer in Brazil

New York, New York - December 08, 2008

RIO DE JANEIRO, December 8, 2008 – XL Re, the global reinsurance operations of XL Capital Ltd (NYSE:XL), today announced it has received regulatory approval to serve the Brazilian insurance market as a local reinsurer incorporated in Brazil and regulated by Brazilian authorities. In June, XL Re was approved to operate as an admitted reinsurer – a reinsurer incorporated and regulated outside Brazil, but with local representation.The new local reinsurer, XL Re Brazil, will operate full offices here and in Sao Paulo, according to Regional Operating Officer, Carlos Caputo, who will manage all XL Re operations in Brazil.James H. Veghte, Chief Executive of XL Re, said: "This approval signals the beginning of XL Re's service to the entire Brazilian insurance market from both admitted and local reinsurance platforms. Our two-platform approach speaks to our long-term commitment to the Brazilian market and positions us to be a market leader. We look forward to providing Brazil an array of services and business specialties in a new reinsurance environment."The law that ended Brazil's 69-year regulated reinsurance monopoly grants local reinsurers right of first-refusal for 100 percent of ceded reinsurance – 60 percent of which must be placed in the local market until 2010. Up to 40 percent of business must be placed in the local market thereafter.About XL Re"XL Re" is the global brand used by XL Capital Ltd's reinsurance operations. The XL Re companies have more than 350 employees in 11 countries. More information about XL Re companies is available at www.xlre.com. Through its operating subsidiaries, XL Capital Ltd is a leading provider of global insurance and reinsurance coverages to industrial, commercial and professional service firms, insurance companies, and other enterprises on a worldwide basis. More information about XL Capital Ltd is available at www.xlgroup.com.