QBE will locate its new European subsidiary in Brussels under preparations for the UK’s exit from the European Union.

The Brussels operation is expected to be ready operationally for the 2019 renewals.

The Australian insurer already has a branch in the Belgian capital, which is also the EU’s de facto political capital.

“QBE has a long-established presence in Belgium… a factor that influenced the final decision, alongside Belgium’s central geographical and political role in the EU, combined with a solid and constructive local regulator,” the insurer says.

“This development will enable QBE to support customers and brokers across the EU from our existing offices in eight European countries, and also handle European business placed in the London market.”

QBE’s European operations headquarters will remain in London.