Category: Captives & ART · Reviewed by Chrissie Anderson, Client Executive · Last reviewed 2026-06-05
PCC is the standard abbreviation for protected cell company, a corporate structure pioneered by Guernsey in 1997 in which a single legal entity is divided into legally segregated cells. Full treatment of the legal structure, regulatory basis, and practical operation of PCCs in insurance is in the principal entry.
Category: Captives and alternative risk transfer Also known as: Protected cell company Established: Guernsey Protected Cell Companies Ordinance 1997 Related concepts: Protected cell company, Cell captive, Captive insurance company
PCC is the universal abbreviation used in insurance industry, regulatory and academic writing for protected cell companies. The abbreviation is used both as a noun (“we are establishing a PCC in Guernsey”) and as an adjective (“the PCC structure provides cell segregation”).
When industry commentators refer to “PCC penetration” of the captive market they are referring to the proportion of captive structures organised as PCC cells rather than as stand-alone single parent captives. PCC adoption has grown steadily since the 1997 introduction and is now the dominant new-captive structure for mid-cap users.
This entry is part of the Apex Insurance Wiki. Last reviewed by Matt Bartlett on 2026-06-05. Next review: 2026-12-05.
Apex Insurance Brokers Limited. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, FRN 724952. Registered in England and Wales, Companies House 07014570. This entry provides general information about UK insurance concepts and is not regulated advice. Consult your insurance broker on your specific position.
Apex Insurance Brokers serves UK professional services firms and commercial businesses. Call 0117 325 0027, email hello@apexinsurancebrokers.co.uk, or request a quotation.
Get a quote