The Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision (IVASS) issued a warning after reports of counterfeit surety bond insurance policies and draft policies bearing the name Athora Belgium NV/SA, which the insurer has disowned. IVASS noted it had already flagged the marketing in Italy of counterfeit policies in Athora Belgium’s name in press releases dated 8 May 2023 and 25 July 2024. Athora Belgium NV/SA, supervised in Belgium by the National Bank of Belgium, had been authorised to operate in Italy under the freedom to provide services regime in non-life lines, including branch 15 (Surety), and in life business, but renounced its authorisation for non-life lines in Italy on 28 January 2025 and therefore no longer operates in the surety line. IVASS urged customers to verify, before paying premiums, that quotes and contracts relate to duly authorised insurers and intermediaries by checking the relevant registers and warning lists published on the IVASS website.
Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision (IVASS) 2025-02-12
Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision warns of counterfeit Athora Belgium surety policies and draft contracts circulating in Italy
The Italian Institute for Insurance Supervision (IVASS) issued a warning regarding counterfeit surety bond insurance policies falsely attributed to Athora Belgium NV/SA, which the insurer has disowned. Athora Belgium, previously authorised to operate in Italy, renounced its non-life authorisation on 28 January 2025. IVASS advises customers to verify the legitimacy of insurers and intermediaries through its published registers and warning lists.