The Superintendency of Banking, Insurance and Private Pension Fund Administrators of Peru has granted operating authorization to Nacional de Seguros S.A., making it the 18th insurance company in the Peruvian market. The new entrant will focus on general insurance, with emphasis on surety and bond insurance. The authorization followed technical, legal and prudential review of the firm’s business model, the suitability of its shareholders and main officers, and compliance with capital and risk management requirements under current rules. Nacional de Seguros is a subsidiary of Colombia-incorporated Nacional de Seguros S. A. Compañía de Seguros Generales. Before formally starting operations, it must demonstrate that its shares representing capital stock have been listed on a stock exchange, as required by law.