Starr International Insurance (Asia) Limited has received approval from the Philippine Insurance Commission to establish a branch office to provide general insurance.

Starr’s Philippine operation will be located in Manila and will serve as a branch of Hong Kong based Starr International Insurance (Asia) Limited.

“Starr has a long and distinguished history in the Philippines and we look forward to renewing this relationship,” said Maurice R. Greenberg, chairman and CEO, Starr Insurance Holdings Inc. “Obtaining this license is another important step in Starr’s continued growth in this part of the world.”

Starr Companiesis the worldwide marketing name for the operating insurance and travel assistance companies and subsidiaries of Starr International Co. Inc. and for the investment management business of C.V. Starr & Co. Inc. Starr Companies is a global, privately-held insurance and investments organization.

Starr Companies provides insurance products worldwide, with significant access to the U.S. excess and surplus marketplace for certain lines of business.