Bermuda-based digital certificate provider QuoVadis yesterday announced that Renaissance Re has adopted use of its certificates, reportedly in a move to increase the company's capabilities to conduct electronic business.

Tony Nagel, chief executive officer of QuoVadis said: "With their strengths in modelling and sophisticated systems, we find it natural that Ren Re should lead the way in adoption of this key technology."

QuoVadis, which claims to be the first offshore commercial certificate authority, provides digital certificate solutions to offshore entities.

Digital certificates reportedly create legally binding digital signatures, allowing business to be transacted over the Internet.

QuoVadis said the certificates, which cannot be forged, are a form of electronic identification that ensure online privacy and secure access to web sites and networks.

Renaissance Re's chief operating officer Bill Riker said: "Like most companies, Ren Re is reliant on e-mail and other electronic tools to communicate effectively with our clients and employees around the world.

"Digital certificates are an effective tool for us to seek efficiency without sacrificing security, identity and privacy," Mr. Riker said.

Bermuda-based Renaissance Re is a global provider of insurance and reinsurance.