Newly formed Bermuda insurer and reinsurer Arch Capital Group Ltd. (Arch) has filed a Form S-3 shelf registration statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission which permits the company to raise capital.

The form enables Arch to issue various types of securities, including unsecured debt securities, preference shares and common shares, from time to time, up to an aggregate of $500,000,000. The shelf registration statement, once declared effective, will enable Arch to cost effectively and efficiently access public debt and/or equity capital markets in order to meet the company's future capital needs.

Peter A. Appel, Arch president & CEO said: "We believe a universal shelf registration is an efficient and practical way to access the public capital markets. This filing provides us with the ability to react quickly to market opportunities as they arise and have available registered debt and equity securities to raise capital at times when it is most advantageous in addressing the business needs of our company."