As filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 7, 2005

Registration Statement Nos. 333-            , 333-            -01 and 333-            -02

Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement

Nos. 333-117261, 333-117261-01 and 333-117261-02

Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement

Nos. 333-108200, 333-108200-01 and 333-108200-02

UNITED STATES SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

Form S-3

REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933

REINSURANCE GROUP OF AMERICA, INCORPORATED

RGA CAPITAL TRUST III

RGA CAPITAL TRUST IV

(Exact name of registrants as specified in their respective charters)

1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway

Chesterfield, Missouri 63017-6039

(636) 736-7000

(Address, including zip code, and telephone number, including area code, of registrants’ principal executive offices)

Copies to:

     Approximate date of commencement of proposed sale to the public: From time to time after the Registration Statement becomes effective.

     If the only securities being registered on this form are being offered pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box:    o

     If any of the securities being registered on this form are to be offered on a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of 1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following box:    þ

     If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

     If this Form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c) under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same offering.    o

     If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434, please check the following box.    o

CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE

(footnotes on following page)

     The Registrant hereby amends this Registration Statement on such date or dates as may be necessary to delay its effective date until the Registrant shall file a further amendment which specifically states that this Registration Statement shall thereafter become effective in accordance with Section 8(a) of the Securities Act of 1933 or until this Registration Statement shall become effective on such date as the Commission, acting pursuant to said Section 8(a), may determine.

(footnotes from previous page)

      Pursuant to Rule 429 under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, the prospectus contained herein will also be used in connection with Registration Statement Nos. 333-108200, 333-108200-01 and 333-108200-02 and Nos. 333-117261, 333-117261-01 and 333-117261-02, previously filed by the Registrants on Form S-3 and declared effective on October 16, 2003 and December 29, 2004, respectively. This Registration Statement, which is a new registration statement, also constitutes Post-Effective Amendment No. 5 to Registration Statement Nos. 333-108200, 333-108200-01 and 333-108200-02, and Post-Effective Amendment No. 1 to Registration Statement Nos. 333-117261, 333-117261-01, 333-117261-02, and such Amendment shall become effective concurrently with the effectiveness of this Registration Statement in accordance with Section 8(c) of the Securities Act of 1933.

SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED MARCH 7, 2005

PROSPECTUS

$1,000,000,000

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated

Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Depositary Shares, Common Stock,

Purchase Contracts, Warrants and Units

RGA Capital Trust III

RGA Capital Trust IV

Preferred Securities Fully, Irrevocably and Unconditionally Guaranteed

on a Subordinated Basis as described in this Document by

Reinsurance Group Of America, Incorporated

32,243,539 Shares of Common Stock

     Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated and RGA Capital Trust III and RGA Capital Trust IV may offer up to $1,000,000,000 of the securities listed above, including units consisting of any two or more of such securities, from time to time.

     Up to 32,243,539 shares of common stock may be sold from time to time in one or more offerings by the selling shareholders named in the “Selling Shareholders” section of this prospectus.

     When RGA, RGA Capital Trust III, RGA Capital Trust IV or the selling shareholders decides to sell a particular series of securities, we will prepare a prospectus supplement describing those securities. You should read this prospectus and any prospectus supplement carefully before you invest. This prospectus may not be used to offer or sell any securities by us or by the selling shareholders unless accompanied by a prospectus supplement.

         Investing in these securities involves risks. Consider carefully the risk factors beginning on page 1 of this prospectus.

     RGA, RGA Capital Trust III, RGA Capital Trust IV or the selling shareholders may offer securities through underwriting syndicates managed or co-managed by one or more underwriters, through dealers or agents or directly to purchasers. The prospectus supplement for each offering of securities will describe in detail the plan of distribution for that offering. The prospectus supplement for each offering of securities will also include information about the underwriters, dealers or agents who will participate in that offering. We will reflect any fundamental change to the terms of the offering in a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part. RGA, RGA Capital Trust III or RGA Capital Trust IV may offer and sell the securities listed above, and the selling shareholders may sell the shares of common stock, at fixed prices, market prices, prices relating to the market price, at varying prices determined at the time of sale, at negotiated prices or otherwise in accordance with the plan of distribution described in this prospectus and any applicable prospectus supplement. The selling shareholders and any underwriters, agents or broker-dealers that participate with the selling shareholders in the distribution of common stock registered hereunder may be deemed to be “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act of 1933, and any commissions received by them and any profit on the resale of the common stock may be deemed to be underwriting commissions or discounts under the Securities Act. For general information about the distribution of securities, please see “Plan of Distribution” in this prospectus.

     We will not receive any proceeds from sales of shares of common stock by the selling shareholders. We will bear all costs and expenses relating to the registration of such shares, which will be described in the prospectus supplement for any such offering.

     RGA’s common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RGA.” We have not yet determined whether any of the other securities that may be offered by this prospectus will be listed on any exchange, or included in any inter-dealer quotation system or over-the-counter market. If we decide to seek the listing or inclusion of any such securities upon issuance, the prospectus supplement relating to those securities will disclose the exchange, quotation system or market on or in which the securities will be listed or included.

     Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or passed upon the accuracy or adequacy of this prospectus. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The date of this prospectus is                     , 2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS

RISK FACTORS

      Investing in securities offered by this prospectus involves certain risks. Any of the following risks could materially adversely affect our business, results of operations, or financial condition and could result in a loss of your investment.

Risks Related to Our Business

A downgrade in our ratings or in the ratings of our insurance subsidiaries could adversely affect our ability to compete.

      Ratings are an important factor in our competitive position. Rating organizations periodically review the financial performance and condition of insurers, including our insurance subsidiaries. These ratings are based on an insurance company’s ability to pay its obligations and are not directed toward the protection of investors. Rating organizations assign ratings based upon several factors. While most of the factors considered relate to the rated company, some of the factors relate to general economic conditions and circumstances outside the rated company’s control.

      A.M. Best Company, Inc. has assigned RGA Reinsurance Company, which we refer to as “RGA Reinsurance,” and RGA Life Reinsurance Company of Canada, which we refer to as “RGA Canada,” financial strength ratings of “A+” (Superior). Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. has assigned RGA Reinsurance a financial strength rating of “A1”. Standard & Poor’s Corporate Ratings Services has assigned RGA Reinsurance, RGA International Reinsurance Company Limited and RGA Canada financial strength ratings of “AA-”. A downgrade in the ratings of our insurance subsidiaries could adversely affect their ability to sell products, retain existing business, and compete for attractive acquisition opportunities.

      Ratings are subject to revision or withdrawal at any time by the assigning rating organization. A rating is not a recommendation to buy, sell or hold securities, and each rating should be evaluated independently of any other rating. We believe that the rating agencies consider the ratings of a parent company when assigning a rating to a subsidiary of that company. The ability of our subsidiaries to write reinsurance partially depends on their financial condition and is influenced by their ratings. In addition, a significant downgrade in the rating or outlook of RGA, among other factors, could adversely affect our ability to raise and then contribute capital to our subsidiaries for the purpose of facilitating their operations as well as the cost of capital. Accordingly, we believe a ratings downgrade of RGA, or of our affiliates, could have a negative impact on our ability to conduct business.

      In response to MetLife, Inc.’s announcement that it was considering disposing of some or all of the 32,243,539 shares of our common stock that it holds in order to finance a portion of the purchase price for its acquisition of The Travelers Insurance Company, certain affiliated companies and substantially all of the international insurance business of Citigroup, Inc., which we refer to as the “Travelers Life & Annuity business,” Moody’s Investor Services, Inc. placed our ratings on review with direction uncertain, subject to a significant change in our capital structure, and Standard & Poor’s Corporate Ratings Services placed our ratings on credit watch with negative implications. In the event that MetLife and its affiliates, which we collectively refer to as “MetLife,” dispose of some or all of the shares of our common stock held by them, our financial strength ratings and those of our subsidiaries may be downgraded, thereby affecting our ability to finance our subsidiaries’ reinsurance operations and the ability of our subsidiaries to write reinsurance.

      We cannot assure you that any action taken by our ratings agencies would not result in a material adverse effect on our business and results of operations. In addition, it is unclear what impact, if any, a ratings change would have on the price of our common stock in the secondary market.

MetLife may retain a significant percentage of our outstanding common stock until the completion of any offering, and its interest may differ from the interests of RGA and our shareholders.

      At January 31, 2005, MetLife was the beneficial owner of approximately 51.6% of our outstanding common stock. As a result of MetLife’s ownership position, until it completes any disposition of some or all of

the 32,243,539 shares of our common stock beneficially owned by it, MetLife may continue to have the ability to significantly influence matters requiring shareholder approval, including without limitation, the election and removal of directors, and mergers, acquisitions, changes of control of our company and sales of all or substantially all of our assets. In the event MetLife retains significant share ownership, it would continue to be a substantial shareholder and control voting power that would allow it to prevent certain amendments to our articles of incorporation, which means that MetLife could continue to exert significant, although reduced, influence on us. In addition, at least so long as it is our majority shareholder, MetLife is required to consolidate our results of operations into MetLife’s financial statements. As a result, our board of directors, including the members who are also employed by or affiliated with MetLife, may consider not only the short-term and long-term impact of operating decisions on us, but also the impact of such decisions on MetLife and its affiliates. Your interests as a shareholder may conflict with the interests of MetLife, and the price of our common stock could be adversely affected by this influence or by the perception that MetLife may seek to sell shares of common stock in the future.

Adverse mortality or morbidity experience may negatively affect our financial results.

      Our reinsurance contracts expose us to mortality risk, which is the risk that the level of death claims may differ from that which we assumed in pricing our life, critical illness and annuity reinsurance contracts. Some of our reinsurance contracts expose us to morbidity risk, which is the risk that an insured person will become critically ill or disabled. Our risk analysis and underwriting processes are designed with the objective of controlling the quality of the business and establishing appropriate pricing for the risks we assume. Among other things, these processes rely heavily on our underwriting, our analysis of mortality and morbidity trends and lapse rates, and our understanding of medical impairments and their impact on mortality or morbidity. We also rely on original underwriting decisions made by, and information provided to us from, our insurance company customers. We cannot assure you that these processes or those of our customers will adequately control business quality or establish appropriate pricing.

      We expect mortality and morbidity experience to fluctuate somewhat from period to period, but believe they should remain fairly constant over the long term. Mortality or morbidity experience that is less favorable than the mortality or morbidity rates that we used in pricing a reinsurance agreement will negatively affect our net income because the premiums we receive for the risks we assume may not be sufficient to cover the claims. Furthermore, even if the total benefits paid over the life of the contract do not exceed the expected amount, unexpected increases in the incidence of deaths or illness can cause us to pay more benefits in a given reporting period than expected, adversely affecting our net income in any particular quarter or year.

If our risk management or investment strategy is not successful, we could suffer unexpected losses.

      Risk management and the success of our investment strategy are crucial to the success of our business. In particular, we structure our investments to match our anticipated liabilities under reinsurance treaties to the extent we believe necessary. If our calculations with respect to these reinsurance liabilities are incorrect, or if we improperly structure our investments to match such liabilities, we could be forced to liquidate investments prior to maturity at a significant loss.

      Our investment guidelines also permit us to invest up to 5% of our investment portfolio in below-investment grade fixed income securities. While any investment carries some risk, the risks associated with lower-rated securities are greater than the risks associated with investment grade securities. The risk of loss of principal or interest through default is greater because lower-rated securities are usually unsecured and are often subordinated to an issuer’s other obligations. Additionally, the issuers of these securities frequently have high debt levels and are thus more sensitive to difficult economic conditions, individual corporate developments and rising interest rates which could impair an issuer’s capacity or willingness to meet its financial commitment on such lower-rated securities. As a result, the market price of these securities may be quite volatile, and the risk of loss is greater.

      The success of any investment activity is affected by general economic conditions, which may adversely affect the markets for interest-rate-sensitive securities and equity securities, including the level and volatility

of interest rates and the extent and timing of investor participation in such markets. Unexpected volatility or illiquidity in the markets in which we directly or indirectly hold positions could adversely affect us.

We are a holding company, and our ability to pay principal, interest and/or dividends on securities is limited.

      We are a holding company, with our principal assets consisting of the stock of our insurance company subsidiaries. Our ability to pay principal and interest on any debt securities or dividends on any preferred or common stock depends in part on the ability of our insurance company subsidiaries, our principal sources of cash flow, to declare and distribute dividends or to advance money to us in the form of intercompany loans. Our principal insurance company subsidiaries in the U.S. and Canada are subject to various statutory and regulatory restrictions, applicable to insurance companies generally, that limit the amount of cash dividends, loans and advances that those subsidiaries may pay to us. As of December 31, 2004, the amount of dividends that may be paid to us by those subsidiaries, without prior approval from regulators, is approximately $121.7 million. As of December 31, 2004, those subsidiaries had cash and cash equivalents of approximately $64.4 million. As discussed below under the next heading, we cannot assure you that more stringent dividend restrictions will not be adopted. In addition to cash and liquid assets, these subsidiaries hold what we believe to be highly-liquid, fixed-maturity securities.

      As a result of our holding company structure, in the event of the insolvency, liquidation, reorganization, dissolution or other winding-up of one of our insurance subsidiaries, all creditors of that subsidiary would be entitled to payment in full out of the assets of such subsidiary before we, as shareholder, would be entitled to any payment. Our subsidiaries would have to pay their direct creditors in full before our creditors, including holders of common stock, could receive any payment from the assets of such subsidiaries.

Our insurance subsidiaries are highly regulated, and changes in these regulations could negatively affect our business.

      Our insurance subsidiaries are subject to government regulation in each of the jurisdictions in which they are licensed or authorized to do business. Governmental agencies have broad administrative power to regulate many aspects of the insurance business, which may include premium rates, marketing practices, advertising, policy forms, and capital adequacy. These agencies are concerned primarily with the protection of policyholders rather than shareholders or holders of debt securities. Moreover, insurance laws and regulations, among other things, establish minimum capital requirements and limit the amount of dividends, tax distributions, and other payments our insurance subsidiaries can make without prior regulatory approval, and impose restrictions on the amount and type of investments we may hold. The State of Missouri also regulates RGA as an insurance holding company.

      Recently, insurance regulators have increased their scrutiny of the insurance regulatory framework in the United States and some state legislatures have considered or enacted laws that alter, and in many cases increase, state authority to regulate insurance holding companies. In light of recent legislative developments, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, or “NAIC”, and state insurance regulators have begun re-examining existing laws and regulations, specifically focusing on insurance company investments and solvency issues, guidelines imposing minimum capital requirements based on business levels and asset mix, interpretations of existing laws, the development of new laws, the implementation of nonstatutory guidelines, and the definition of extraordinary dividends, including a more stringent standard for allowance of extraordinary dividends. We are unable to predict whether, when or in what form Missouri will enact a new measure for extraordinary dividends, and we cannot assure you that more stringent restrictions will not be adopted from time to time in other jurisdictions in which our insurance subsidiaries are domiciled, which could, under certain circumstances, significantly reduce dividends or other amounts payable to us by our subsidiaries unless they obtain approval from insurance regulatory authorities. We cannot predict the effect that any NAIC recommendations or proposed or future legislation or rule-making in the United States or elsewhere may have on our financial condition or operations.

We could be forced to sell investments at a loss to cover policyholder withdrawals, recaptures of reinsurance treaties or other events.

      Some of the products offered by our insurance company customers allow policyholders and contract holders to withdraw their funds under defined circumstances. Our insurance subsidiaries manage their liabilities and configure their investment portfolios so as to provide and maintain sufficient liquidity to support anticipated withdrawal demands and contract benefits and maturities under reinsurance treaties with these customers. While our insurance subsidiaries own a significant amount of liquid assets, a portion of their assets are relatively illiquid. Unanticipated withdrawal or surrender activity could, under some circumstances, require our insurance subsidiaries to dispose of assets on unfavorable terms, which could have an adverse effect on us. Reinsurance agreements may provide for recapture rights on the part of our insurance company customers. Recapture rights permit these customers to reassume all or a portion of the risk formerly ceded to us after an agreed upon time, usually 10 years, subject to various conditions. Recapture of business previously ceded does not affect premiums ceded prior to the recapture, but may result in immediate payments to our insurance company customers and a charge for costs that we deferred when we acquired the business but are unable to recover upon recapture. Under some circumstances, payments to our insurance company customers could require our insurance subsidiaries to dispose of assets on unfavorable terms.

Tax law changes or a prolonged economic downturn could reduce the demand for some insurance products, which could adversely affect our business.

      Under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, income tax payable by policyholders on investment earnings is deferred during the accumulation period of some life insurance and annuity products. To the extent that the Internal Revenue Code is revised to reduce the tax-deferred status of life insurance and annuity products, or to increase the tax-deferred status of competing products, all life insurance companies would be adversely affected with respect to their ability to sell such products, and, depending on grandfathering provisions, by the surrenders of existing annuity contracts and life insurance policies. In addition, life insurance products are often used to fund estate tax obligations.

      Congress has adopted legislation to reduce, and ultimately eliminate, the estate tax. Under this legislation, our life insurance company customers will face reduced demand for some of their life insurance products, which in turn could negatively affect our reinsurance business. We cannot predict what future tax initiatives may be proposed and enacted that could affect us.

      In addition, a general economic downturn or a downturn in the equity and other capital markets could adversely affect the market for many annuity and life insurance products. Because we obtain substantially all of our revenues through reinsurance arrangements that cover a portfolio of life insurance products, as well as annuities, our business would be harmed if the market for annuities or life insurance were adversely affected. In addition, the market for annuity reinsurance products is currently not well developed, and we cannot assure you that such market will develop in the future.

We are exposed to foreign currency risk.

      We have foreign currency risk on business denominated and investments in foreign currencies to the extent that the exchange rates of the foreign currencies are subject to adverse change over time. Approximately 35% of our revenues and 27% of our fixed maturity securities available for sale were denominated in currencies other than the U.S. dollar as of and for the year ended December 31, 2004. Fluctuations in exchange rates can negatively or positively impact premiums and earnings. We hold fixed-maturity investments denominated in foreign currencies as a natural hedge against liabilities based in those currencies. We generally do not hedge the foreign currency exposure associated with our net investments in foreign subsidiaries due to the long-term nature of these investments. We cannot predict whether exchange rate fluctuations will significantly harm our operations or financial results in the future.

Interest rate fluctuations could negatively affect the income we derive from the difference between the interest rates we earn on our investments and interest we pay under our reinsurance contracts.

      Significant changes in interest rates expose reinsurance companies to the risk of not earning income or experiencing losses based on the difference between the interest rates earned on investments and the credited interest rates paid on outstanding reinsurance contracts. Both rising and declining interest rates can negatively affect the income we derive from these interest rate spreads. During periods of rising interest rates, we may be contractually obligated to increase the crediting rates on our reinsurance contracts that have cash values. However, we may not have the ability to immediately acquire investments with interest rates sufficient to offset the increased crediting rates on our reinsurance contracts. During periods of falling interest rates, our investment earnings will be lower because new investments in fixed maturity securities will likely bear lower interest rates. We may not be able to fully offset the decline in investment earnings with lower crediting rates on our reinsurance contracts that have cash values. While we develop and maintain asset/liability management programs and procedures designed to reduce the volatility of our income when interest rates are rising or falling, we cannot assure you that changes in interest rates will not affect our interest rate spreads.

      Changes in interest rates may also affect our business in other ways. Lower interest rates may result in lower sales of certain insurance and investment products of our customers, which would reduce the demand for our reinsurance of these products.

We operate in a highly competitive industry, which could limit our ability to gain or maintain our market share in the industry.

      The reinsurance industry is highly competitive, and we encounter significant competition in all lines of business from other reinsurance companies, as well as competition from other providers of financial services. Our competitors vary by geographic market. We believe our primary competitors in the U.S. life reinsurance market are currently Transamerica Occidental Life Insurance Company, a subsidiary of Aegon, N.V., Swiss Re Life of America, Munich American Reinsurance Company and Scottish Re Group. We believe our primary competitors in the international life reinsurance markets are Swiss Re Life and Health Ltd., General Re, Munich Reinsurance Company and Hannover Reinsurance. Many of our competitors have greater financial resources than we do. Our ability to compete depends on, among other things, our ability to maintain strong financial strength ratings from rating agencies, pricing and other terms and conditions of reinsurance agreements, and our reputation, service, and experience in the types of business that we underwrite. However, competition from other reinsurers could adversely affect our competitive position.

      Our target market is large life insurers. We compete based on the strength of our underwriting operations, insights on mortality trends based on our large book of business, and responsive service. We believe our quick response time to client requests for individual underwriting quotes and our underwriting expertise are important elements to our strategy and lead to other business opportunities with our clients. We are currently transplanting our strategy in North America to other international locations and expect to support our North American clients as they expand internationally. Our business will be adversely affected if we are unable to maintain these competitive advantages or if our international strategy is not successful.

We depend on the performance of others, and their failure to perform in a satisfactory manner would negatively affect us.

      In the normal course of business, we seek to limit our exposure to losses from our reinsurance contracts by ceding a portion of the reinsurance to other insurance enterprises or reinsurers. We cannot assure you that these insurance enterprises or reinsurers will be able to fulfill their obligations to us. As of December 31, 2004, the reinsurers participating in our retrocession facilities were rated “B++”, the fifth highest rating out of fifteen possible ratings, or better by the A.M. Best Company. We are also subject to the risk that our clients will be unable to fulfill their obligations to us under our reinsurance agreements with them.

      We use the services of third-party investment managers to manage specialty assets where our investment management expertise is limited. We rely on these investment managers to provide investment advice and

execute investment transactions that are within our investment policy guidelines. Poor performance on the part of our outside investment managers could negatively affect our financial performance.

      For some reinsurance agreements, the ceding company withholds and legally owns and manages assets equal to the net statutory reserves, and we reflect these assets as funds withheld at interest on our balance sheet. In the event that a ceding company were to become insolvent, we would need to assert a claim on the assets supporting our reserve liabilities. We attempt to mitigate our risk of loss by offsetting amounts for claims or allowances that we owe the ceding company with amounts that the ceding company owes to us. We are subject to the investment performance on the withheld assets, although we do not directly control them. To mitigate some of this risk, we help to set, and monitor compliance with, the investment guidelines followed by these ceding companies. However, to the extent that such investment guidelines are not appropriate, or are not adhered to by the ceding companies, our risk of loss could increase, which could materially adversely affect our financial condition and results of operations. During 2004, interest earned on funds withheld represented 4.9% of our consolidated revenues. Funds withheld at interest totaled $2,734.7 million as of December 31, 2004.

      As with all financial services companies, our ability to conduct business depends on consumer confidence in the industry and our financial strength. Actions of competitors, and financial difficulties of other companies in the industry, and related adverse publicity, could undermine consumer confidence and harm our reputation.

Acquisitions and significant transactions involve varying degrees of inherent risk that could affect our profitability.

      We have made, and may in the future make, strategic acquisitions, either of selected blocks of business or other companies. Acquisitions may expose us to operational challenges and risks, including:

      A failure to successfully manage the operational challenges and risks associated with or resulting from significant transactions, including acquisitions, could adversely affect our financial condition or results of operations.

The availability and cost of collateral, including letters of credit, asset trusts and other credit facilities, could adversely affect our financial condition, operating costs, and new business volume.

      We reinsure, or retrocede, business to affiliated and unaffiliated offshore reinsurers to reduce the amount of regulatory reserves and capital we are required to hold in various jurisdictions, including the United States. A regulation in the U.S., commonly referred to as “Regulation XXX”, has significantly increased the level of regulatory, or statutory, reserves that U.S. life insurance and life reinsurance companies must hold on their statutory financial statements for various types of life insurance business, primarily certain level term life products. The reserve levels required under Regulation XXX increase over time and are normally in excess of reserves required under generally accepted accounting principles. The degree to which these reserves will increase and the ultimate level of reserves will depend upon the mix of our business and future production levels in the United States. Based on the assumed rate of growth in our current business plan, and the increasing level of regulatory reserves associated with some of this business, we expect the amount of required regulatory reserves to grow significantly.

      In order to reduce the impact of Regulation XXX, our principal U.S. operating subsidiary, RGA Reinsurance, has retroceded Regulation XXX related reserves to affiliated and unaffiliated reinsurers. As a general matter, for us to reduce regulatory reserves on business that we retrocede, including Regulation XXX related business, the affiliated or unaffiliated offshore reinsurer must provide an equal amount of collateral, usually in the form of a letter of credit from a commercial bank or by placing assets in trust for our benefit.

      In connection with these reserve requirements, we face the following risks:

      We cannot assure you that we will be able to implement actions to mitigate the impact of increasing regulatory reserve requirements.

Our obligations to pay claims, including settlements or awards, on closed or discontinued lines of business may exceed the reserves we have established to cover such claims and may require us to establish additional reserves, which would reduce our net income.

      As of December 31, 1998, we formally reported our accident and health division as a discontinued operation. The accident and health operation was placed into run-off, and all treaties were terminated at the earliest possible date. The nature of the underlying risks is such that the claims may take years to reach the reinsurers involved. Accordingly, we expect to pay claims out of existing reserves over a number of years as the level of business diminishes. We are a party to a number of disputes relating to the accident and health operation, some of which are currently in arbitration or may be subject to arbitration in the future. We have established reserves for some of these treaties based upon our estimates of the expected claims, including settlement or arbitration outcomes. We recorded a $24.0 million pre-tax charge during the third quarter of 2004 in connection with a negotiated settlement of all disputed claims associated with our largest identified accident and health exposure.

      In a number of cases, however, we are unable to determine our potential liability, if any, because of insufficient claims information. We are currently auditing ceding companies which have indicated that they anticipate asserting claims in the future against us, related to personal accident and workers’ compensation carve-out business, that are $24.5 million in excess of the amounts we have reserved for these claims, and we cannot assure you that exposure associated with this discontinued line of business will not exceed reserved amounts. If the amount of claims, including awards or settlements, resulting from this discontinued line of business, exceeds our current reserves, we may incur future changes to pay these claims and may need to establish additional reserves.

Claims resulting from the termination of pension business in Argentina could require us to establish additional reserves, which would adversely affect our net income.

      In 1994, we entered the reinsurance market for pension and disability benefits relating to the privatized pension program in Argentina, which we refer to as the “AFJP business.” Because of adverse experience on pension fund claims arising from the AFJP business, we ceased renewal of AFJP reinsurance treaties during

2001 and we no longer write AFJP business. In the fourth quarter of 2004, we established $10.0 million in additional reserves for the AFJP business because of higher than expected claim levels.

      The economic crisis in Argentina should have significantly reduced the claims payable by reinsurers of AFJP business. However, because of regulatory intervention by the Argentine government to support the AFJP system, the AFJP pension funds are not reflecting the significant deterioration in the market value of the Argentine government securities they hold. This has the effect of inflating the level of AFJP claim payments by reinsurers, and those amounts remain artificially high. This situation is exacerbated by the recent passage of a regulation that accelerates payment of inflated disability benefits relating to the AFJP business.

      These actions adversely affect us as a reinsurer. We have filed a request to arbitrate our dispute relating to alleged violations by the Argentine government of the investment treaty between Argentina and the United States. We cannot predict or determine the ultimate outcome of the contemplated arbitration or other remedies that we may pursue, the ultimate impact of the new deferred disability regulations, or provide reasonably predicted ranges of potential losses if the Argentine government continues with its present course of action. If the amount of claims resulting from this closed line of business exceeds our current estimates, we may establish additional reserves.

Natural disasters and disasters caused by humans, including the threat of terrorist attacks and related events, may adversely affect our business and results of operations.

      Natural disasters and terrorist attacks can adversely affect our business and results of operations because they accelerate mortality risk. Our results in 2004 were adversely affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004. At December 31, 2004, we recorded $7.5 million in policy claims and benefits, including an estimate for incurred but not reported claims. As of February 17, 2005, we had received 14 death claims totaling approximately $2.2 million due to this tragedy.

      The terrorist attacks on the United States and in other parts of the world and the threat of future attacks may have a continuing negative impact on our business. We cannot assure you that there will not be further terrorist attacks on the United States or other parts of the world. Political and economic instability in some regions of the world may also result and could negatively impact our business. We believe our reinsurance programs, including our catastrophe coverage, are sufficient to reasonably limit our net losses for individual life claims relating to potential future natural disasters and terrorist attacks. However, the consequences of further natural disasters, terrorist attacks and armed conflicts are unpredictable, and we may not be able to foresee events that could have an adverse effect on our business.

We have risks associated with our international operations.

      In 2004, approximately 26.2% of our net premiums and $44.3 million of income from continuing operations before income taxes came from our operations in Europe, South Africa and Asia Pacific. One of our strategies is to grow these international operations. International operations subject us to various inherent risks. In addition to the regulatory and foreign currency risks identified above, these risks include the following:

      We cannot assure you that we will be able to manage these risks effectively or that they will not have an adverse impact on our business, financial condition or results of operations.

Risks Related to Ownership of Our Common Stock

The market price for our common stock may be highly volatile.

      The market price for our common stock has fluctuated, ranging between $36.40 and $48.73 per share for the 52 weeks ended March 3, 2005. The overall market and the price of our common stock may continue to be volatile. There may be a significant effect on the market price for our common stock due to, among other things:

Future sales of our common stock or other securities may dilute the value of the common stock.

      Our board of directors has the authority, without action or vote of the shareholders, to issue any or all authorized but unissued shares of our common stock, including securities convertible into or exchangeable for our common stock and authorized but unissued shares under our stock option and other equity compensation plans. In the future, we may issue such additional securities, through public or private offerings, in order to raise additional capital. Any such issuance will dilute the percentage ownership of shareholders and may dilute the per share projected earnings or book value of the common stock. In addition, option holders may exercise their options at any time when we would otherwise be able to obtain additional equity capital on more favorable terms.

Limited trading volume of our common stock may contribute to its price volatility.

      Our common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange. During the twelve months ended February 28, 2005, the average daily trading volume for our common stock as reported by the NYSE was 129,919 shares. In the event MetLife disposes of some or all of its ownership stake in us, we expect our shares to be more widely held. However, even if there is a wider dissemination as a result of an offering of our common stock under this prospectus, we are uncertain as to whether a more active trading market in our common stock will develop. As a result, relatively small trades may have a significant impact on the price of our common stock.

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws may limit the ability of our shareholders to change our direction or management, even if they believe such a change would be beneficial.

      Our articles of incorporation and bylaws contain certain provisions that make it more difficult for our shareholders to replace directors even if the shareholders consider it beneficial to do so. In addition, these provisions may discourage certain types of transactions that involve an actual or threatened change of control. While these provisions are designed to encourage persons seeking to acquire control to negotiate with our board of directors, they could have the effect of discouraging a prospective purchaser from making a tender offer or otherwise attempting to obtain control and may prevent a shareholder from receiving the benefit of any premium over the market price of our common stock offered by a bidder in a potential takeover.

      In particular, our articles of incorporation and bylaws:

      Even in the absence of an attempt to effect a change in management or a takeover attempt, these provisions may adversely affect the prevailing market price of our common shares if they are viewed as discouraging changes in management and takeover attempts in the future.

ABOUT THIS PROSPECTUS

      This prospectus is part of a registration statement that we and RGA Capital Trust III and RGA Capital Trust IV, which we refer to as the “RGA Trusts” filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to as the “SEC,” utilizing a “shelf” registration process. Under this shelf process, we may, from time to time, sell any combination of the securities described in this prospectus in one or more offerings up to a total amount of $1,000,000,000 or the equivalent of this amount in foreign currencies or foreign currency units. In addition, the selling shareholders may sell some or all of their shares of common stock in one or more transactions from time to time pursuant to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part.

      You should rely only on the information provided in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement, including the information incorporated by reference. We have not, and the selling shareholders have not, authorized anyone to provide you with different information. You should not assume that the information in this prospectus, or any supplement to this prospectus, is accurate at any date other than the date indicated on the cover page of these documents.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION

      RGA is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. As a result, RGA files annual, quarterly and special reports, proxy statements and other information with the SEC. Because our common stock trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RGA,” those materials can also be inspected and copied at the offices of that organization. Here are ways you can review and obtain copies of this information:

      We and the RGA trusts have filed with the SEC a registration statement under the Securities Act of 1933 that registers the distribution of these securities. The registration statement, including the attached exhibits and schedules, contains additional relevant information about us and the securities. The rules and regulations of the SEC allow us to omit certain information included in the registration statement from this prospectus. You can get a copy of the registration statement, at prescribed rates, from the sources listed above. The registration statement and the documents referred to below under “Incorporation of Certain Documents by Reference” are also available on our Internet website, http://www.rgare.com, under “Investor Relations — SEC filings”. Information contained in our Internet website does not constitute a part of this prospectus.

INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN DOCUMENTS BY REFERENCE

      The SEC allows us to “incorporate by reference” information into this prospectus. This means that we can disclose important information to you by referring you to another document filed separately with the SEC. The information incorporated by reference is considered to be a part of this prospectus, except for any information that is superseded by other information that is included in or incorporated by reference into this document.

      This prospectus incorporates by reference the documents listed below that we have previously filed with the SEC (File No. 1-11848). These documents contain important information about us.

      We incorporate by reference any additional documents that we may file with the SEC under Section 13(a), 13(c), 14 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (other than those made pursuant to Item 2.02 or Item 7.01 of Form 8-K or other information “furnished” to the SEC) between March 7, 2005, the date we most recently filed the registration statement to which this prospectus relates, and the termination of the offering of the securities. These documents may include periodic reports, like Annual Reports on Form 10-K, Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and Current Reports on Form 8-K, as well as Proxy Statements. Any material that we subsequently file with the SEC will automatically update and replace the information previously filed with the SEC.

      For purposes of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, any statement contained in a document incorporated or deemed to be incorporated by reference shall be deemed to be modified or superceded to the extent that a statement contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is deemed to be incorporated herein by reference modifies or supersedes such statement in such document. Any statement so modified or superseded shall not be deemed, except as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

      You can obtain any of the documents incorporated by reference in this prospectus from the SEC on its website (http://www.sec.gov). You can also obtain these documents from us, without charge (other than exhibits, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference), by requesting them in writing or by telephone at the following address:

Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated

1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway

Chesterfield, Missouri 63017-6039

Attention: Jack B. Lay

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(636) 736-7000

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

      This document contains or incorporates by reference a number of forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 relating to, among others:

      The words “intend,” “expect,” “project,” “estimate,” “predict,” “anticipate,” “should,” “believe” and other similar expressions also are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

      These forward-looking statements are inherently subject to risks and uncertainties, some of which cannot be predicted or quantified. Future events and actual results, performance and achievements could differ materially from those set forth in, contemplated by or underlying the forward-looking statements.

      Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from estimates or forecasts contained in the forward-looking statements include, among others:

      If one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or if underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated.

      These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date on which they are made. We may not update these forward-looking statements, even though our situation may change in the future, unless we are obligated under the federal securities laws to update and disclose material developments related to previously disclosed information. We qualify all of our forward-looking statements by these cautionary statements.

INFORMATION ABOUT RGA

      We are an insurance holding company that was formed on December 31, 1992. Through our operating subsidiaries, we are primarily engaged in life reinsurance in North America and select international locations. In addition, we provide reinsurance of non-traditional business including asset-intensive products and financial reinsurance. Through a predecessor, we have been engaged in the business of life reinsurance since 1973. As of December 31, 2004, we had approximately $14.0 billion in consolidated assets.

      Reinsurance is an arrangement under which an insurance company, the “reinsurer,” agrees to indemnify another insurance company, the “ceding company,” for all or a portion of the insurance risks underwritten by the ceding company. Reinsurance is designed to:

      We are a holding company, the principal assets of which consist of the common stock of our principal operating subsidiaries, RGA Reinsurance and RGA Canada, as well as investments in several other subsidiaries.

      We have five main operational segments segregated primarily by geographic region: United States, Canada, Europe and South Africa, Asia Pacific, and Corporate and Other. Our United States operations provide traditional life reinsurance and asset-intensive and financial reinsurance to domestic clients. Asset-intensive products include reinsurance of corporate-owned life insurance and reinsurance of annuities. Our Canada operations provide insurers with traditional reinsurance as well as assistance with capital management activity. Our Europe and South Africa and Asia Pacific operations provide primarily traditional life and critical illness reinsurance. Corporate and Other operations include investment income from invested assets not allocated to support segment operations and undeployed proceeds from our capital raising efforts, unallocated realized investment gains and losses, and the results of the AFJP business, which is currently in run-off, an insignificant amount of direct insurance operations in Argentina and RGA Technology Partners, a wholly-owned subsidiary that develops and markets technology solutions for the insurance industry.

      On January 6, 2000, Metropolitan Life Insurance Company acquired 100% of GenAmerica Financial Corporation (our predecessor parent), including its beneficial ownership of RGA shares (which was approximately 48% at December 31, 1999). On November 13, 2003, MetLife acquired 3,000,000 additional shares of our common stock pursuant to a public offering by us of 12,075,000 shares. These acquisitions, together with direct investments in RGA, made MetLife our majority shareholder, with beneficial ownership of approximately 51.6% of all outstanding shares as of January 31, 2005. On January 31, 2005, MetLife announced that it was considering disposing of some or all of the 32,243,539 shares of our common stock that it holds to finance a portion of its acquisition of the Travelers Life & Annuity business.

      Our executive office is located at 1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017-6039, and its telephone number is (636) 736-7000.

      In this prospectus, “we,” “us,” “our,” the “Company” and “RGA” refer to Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated.

      This prospectus provides you with a general description of the securities we, the RGA trusts and the selling shareholders may offer. Each time we or either of the RGA trusts sell securities, we will provide a prospectus supplement that will contain specific information about the terms of that offering. We will file each prospectus supplement with the SEC. The prospectus supplement may also add, update or supplement information contained in this prospectus. You should read both this prospectus and any prospectus supplement together with additional information described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 11.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE RGA TRUSTS

      Each of the RGA trusts is a statutory trust formed under Delaware law. Each RGA trust exists for the exclusive purposes of:

      All of the common securities of each trust will be directly or indirectly owned by RGA. The common securities will rank equally, and payments will be made proportionally, with the preferred securities. However, if an event of default under the amended and restated trust agreement of the respective RGA trust has occurred and is continuing, the cash distributions and liquidation, redemption and other amounts payable on the common securities will be subordinated to the preferred securities in right of payment. We will directly or indirectly acquire common securities in an amount equal to at least 3% of the total capital of each RGA trust. The preferred securities will represent the remaining 97% of such trusts’ capital.

      RGA will guarantee the preferred securities of each RGA trust as described later in this prospectus.

      Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, each RGA trust has a term of up to 55 years but may terminate earlier, as provided in its amended and restated trust agreement. Each RGA trust’s business and affairs will be conducted by the trustees appointed by us. According to the amended and restated trust agreement of each RGA trust, as the holder of all of the common securities of an RGA trust, we can increase or decrease the number of trustees of each trust, subject to the requirement under Delaware law that there be a trustee in the State of Delaware and to the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The amended and restated trust agreement will set forth the duties and obligations of the trustees. A majority of the trustees of each RGA trust will be employees or officers of or persons who are affiliated with RGA, whom we refer to as “administrative trustees.”

      One trustee of each RGA trust will be an institution, which we refer to as the “property trustee,” that is not affiliated with RGA and has a minimum amount of combined capital and surplus of not less than $50,000,000, which will act as property trustee and as indenture trustee for the purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act of 1939, under the terms of the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the property trustee will maintain exclusive control of a segregated, non-interest bearing “payment account” established with The Bank of New York to hold all payments made on the junior subordinated debt securities for the benefit of the holders of the trust securities of each RGA trust. In addition, unless the property trustee maintains a principal place of business in the State of Delaware and otherwise meets the requirements of applicable law, one trustee of each RGA trust will be an institution having a principal place of business in, or a natural person resident of, the State of Delaware, which we refer to as the “Delaware trustee.” As the direct or indirect holder of all of the

common securities, RGA will be entitled to appoint, remove or replace any of, or increase or reduce the number of, the trustees of each RGA trust, except that if an event of default under the junior subordinated indenture has occurred and is continuing, only the holders of preferred securities may remove the Delaware trustee or the property trustee. RGA will pay all fees and expenses related to the RGA trust and the offering of the preferred securities and the common securities.

      Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the property trustee for each RGA trust will be The Bank of New York. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the Delaware trustee for each RGA trust will be The Bank of New York (Delaware), an affiliate of The Bank of New York, and its address in the state of Delaware is White Clay Center, Route 273, Newark, Delaware 19771. The principal place of business of each RGA trust is c/o Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated, 1370 Timberlake Manor Parkway, Chesterfield, Missouri 63017-6039, telephone (636) 736-7000.

      The RGA trusts will not have separate financial statements. The statements would not be material to holders of the preferred securities because the trusts will not have any independent operations. Each of the trusts exists solely for the reasons provided in the amended and restated trust agreement and summarized above. Unless otherwise provided in the applicable prospectus supplement, RGA will pay all fees and expenses related to each RGA trust and the offering of its preferred securities, including the fees and expenses of the trustee.

USE OF PROCEEDS

      Unless otherwise stated in the prospectus supplement, we will use the net proceeds from the sale of any securities offered by RGA for general corporate purposes, including the funding of our reinsurance operations. Except as otherwise described in a prospectus supplement, the proceeds from the sale by any RGA trust of any preferred securities, together with any capital contributed in respect of common securities, will be loaned to RGA in exchange for RGA’s junior subordinated debt securities. Unless otherwise stated in the prospectus supplement, we will use the borrowings from the RGA trusts for general corporate purposes, including the funding of our reinsurance operations. Such general corporate purposes may include, but are not limited to, repayments of our indebtedness or the indebtedness of our subsidiaries. Pending such use, the proceeds may be invested temporarily in short-term, interest-bearing, investment-grade securities or similar assets. The prospectus supplement relating to an offering will contain a more detailed description of the use of proceeds of any specific offering of securities.

      We will not receive any proceeds from any sales of our common stock by the selling shareholders. Pursuant to a registration rights agreement with MetLife, all expenses incurred with registering the shares of common stock owned by the selling shareholders, which will be described in the prospectus supplement for any such offering, will be borne by us. However, we will not be obligated to pay any underwriting fees, discounts or commissions in connection with the registration and sale by the selling shareholders.

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND

RATIO OF COMBINED FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERENCE DIVIDENDS TO EARNINGS

      The following information sets forth RGA’s ratios of earnings to fixed charges and earnings to fixed charges, including interest credited under reinsurance contracts, for the periods indicated. For purposes of computing the consolidated ratio of earnings to fixed charges, earnings consist of net earnings from continuing operations adjusted for the provision for income taxes, minority interest and fixed charges. Fixed charges consist of interest and discount on all indebtedness, distribution requirements of wholly-owned subsidiary trust preferred securities and one-third of annual rentals, which we believe is a reasonable approximation of the interest factor of such rentals. We have not paid a preference security dividend for any of the periods presented, and accordingly have not separately shown the ratio of combined fixed charges and preference dividends to earnings for these periods.

      The information below regarding RGA’s ratio of earnings to fixed charges excluding interest credited under reinsurance contracts is not required; however, we believe it provides useful information on the coverage of fixed charges that are not related to our products.

DESCRIPTION OF DEBT SECURITIES OF RGA

      The following description of the terms of the debt securities sets forth the material terms and provisions of the debt securities to which any prospectus supplement may relate. The particular terms of the debt securities offered by any prospectus supplement and the extent, if any, to which such general provisions may apply to the debt securities so offered will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to such debt securities. The debt securities will be either our senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities, or our junior subordinated debt securities issued in connection with the issuance by an RGA trust of its trust preferred securities.

The Indentures

      The senior debt securities will be issued in one or more series under a Senior Indenture, dated as of December 19, 2001, between us and The Bank of New York, as trustee. The subordinated debt securities will be issued in one or more series under a subordinated indenture, to be entered into by us with a financial institution as trustee. The junior subordinated debt securities will be issued in one or more series under a Junior Subordinated Indenture, dated as of December 18, 2001, between us and The Bank of New York, as trustee. The statements herein relating to the debt securities and the indentures are summaries and are subject to the detailed provisions of the applicable indenture. Each of the indentures will be subject to and governed by the Trust Indenture Act of 1939. The description of the indentures set forth below assumes that we have entered into the indentures. We will execute the subordinated indenture when and if we issue senior or subordinated debt securities. We will execute the junior subordinated indenture when and if we issue junior subordinated debt securities in connection with the issuance by an RGA trust of its preferred securities. See “Description of Preferred Securities of the RGA Trusts” below. The descriptions below do not restate the indentures and do not contain all the information you may find useful. We urge you to read the indentures because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as a holder of our debt securities. If you would like to read the indentures, they are on file with the SEC, as described under “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 11. Whenever we refer to particular sections or defined terms in an indenture, those sections and definitions are incorporated by reference.

General

      The indentures do not limit the aggregate amount of debt securities which we may issue. We may issue debt securities under the indentures up to the aggregate principal amount authorized by our board of directors from time to time. Except as may be described in a prospectus supplement, the indentures will not limit the amount of other secured or unsecured debt that we may incur or issue.

      The debt securities will be our unsecured general obligations. The senior debt securities will rank with all our other unsecured and unsubordinated obligations. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the subordinated debt securities will be subordinated and junior in right of payment to all our present and future senior indebtedness to the extent and in the manner set forth in the subordinated indenture. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the junior subordinated debt securities that we may issue to one of the RGA trusts will be subordinated and junior in right of payment to all our present and future indebtedness, including any senior and subordinated debt securities issued under the senior

or subordinated indenture to the extent and in the manner set forth in the junior subordinated indenture. See “— Subordination under the Subordinated Indenture and the Junior Subordinated Indenture,” beginning on page 25. The indentures will provide that the debt securities may be issued from time to time in one or more series. We may authorize the issuance and provide for the terms of a series of debt securities pursuant to a supplemental indenture.

      We are a holding company. As a result, we may rely primarily on dividends or other payments from our operating subsidiaries to pay principal and interest on our outstanding debt obligations, and to make dividend distributions on our capital stock. The principal source of funds for these operating subsidiaries comes from their current operations. We can also utilize investment securities maintained in our portfolio for these payments.

      Applicable insurance regulatory and other legal restrictions limit the amount of dividends and other payments our subsidiaries can make to us. Our subsidiaries have no obligation to guarantee or otherwise pay amounts due under the debt securities. Therefore, the debt securities will be effectively subordinated to all indebtedness and other liabilities and commitments of our subsidiaries, including claims under reinsurance contracts, debt obligations and other liabilities incurred in the ordinary course of business. As of December 31 2004, we had a carrying value of approximately $349.7 million of senior unsecured indebtedness that would rank equally with any senior debt securities, and our subsidiaries had approximately $11.4 billion of outstanding liabilities, including $56.1 million of outstanding indebtedness, that effectively would be senior to our senior debt securities. At that time, we also had a carrying value of approximately $158.4 million of junior subordinated indebtedness that we had issued to RGA Capital Trust I in connection with its issuance of our Trust PIERS® units in December 2001, which would rank equally with any other junior subordinated debt that we might issue, but which is subordinated and junior in right of payment to our senior and subordinated debt securities. We will disclose material changes to these amounts in any prospectus supplement relating to an offering of our debt securities. In the event of a default on any debt securities, the holders of the debt securities will have no right to proceed against the assets of any insurance subsidiary. If the subsidiary were to be liquidated, the liquidation would be conducted under the laws of the applicable jurisdiction. Our right to receive distributions of assets in any liquidation of a subsidiary would be subordinated to the claims of the subsidiary’s creditors, except to the extent any claims of ours as a creditor would be recognized. Any recognized claims of ours would be subordinated to any prior security interest held by any other creditors of the subsidiary and obligations of the subsidiary that are senior to those owing to us.

      The applicable prospectus supplement relating to the particular series of debt securities will describe specific terms of the debt securities offered thereby, including, where applicable:

      Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, the debt securities will not be listed on any securities exchange.

      None of our shareholders, officers or directors, past, present or future, will have any personal liability with respect to our obligations under the indenture or the debt securities on account of that status. (Section 1.14 of each indenture).

Form and Denominations

      Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities will be issued only in fully registered form, without coupons, and will be denominated in U.S. dollars issued only in denominations of U.S. $1,000 and any integral multiple thereof. (Section 3.2 of each indenture).

Global Debt Securities

      Unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement for a particular series of debt securities, each series of debt securities will be issued in whole or in part in global form that will be deposited with, or on behalf of, a depositary identified in the prospectus supplement relating to that series. Global securities will be registered in the name of the depositary, which will be the sole direct holder of the global securities. Any person wishing to own a debt security must do so indirectly through an account with a broker, bank or other financial institution that, in turn, has an account with the depositary.

      Special Investor Considerations for Global Securities. Under the terms of the indentures, our obligations with respect to the debt securities, as well as the obligations of each trustee, run only to persons who are registered holders of debt securities. For example, once we make payment to the registered holder, we have no further responsibility for that payment even if the recipient is legally required to pass the payment along to an individual investor but fails to do so. As an indirect holder, an investor’s rights relating to a global security will be governed by the account rules of the investor’s financial institution and of the depositary, as well as general laws relating to transfers of debt securities.

      An investor should be aware that when debt securities are issued in the form of global securities:

      Neither we nor the trustees have any responsibility for any aspect of the depositary’s actions or for its records of ownership interests in the global security, and neither we nor the trustees supervise the depositary in any way.

      Special Situations When the Global Security Will Be Terminated. In a few special situations described below, the global security will terminate, and interests in the global security will be exchanged for physical certificates representing debt securities. After that exchange, the investor may choose whether to hold debt securities directly or indirectly through an account at the investor’s bank or brokerage firm. In that event, investors must consult their banks or brokers to find out how to have their interests in debt securities transferred to their own names so that they may become direct holders.

      The special situations where a global security is terminated are:

      A prospectus supplement may list situations for terminating a global security that would apply only to a particular series of debt securities. When a global security terminates, the depositary, and not us or one of the trustees, is responsible for deciding the names of the institutions that will be the initial direct holders.

Original Issue Discount Securities

      Debt securities may be sold at a substantial discount below their stated principal amount and may bear no interest or interest at a rate which at the time of issuance is below market rates. Important federal income tax consequences and special considerations applicable to any such debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Indexed Securities

      If the amount of payments of principal of, and premium, if any, or any interest on, debt securities of any series is determined with reference to any type of index or formula or changes in prices of particular securities or commodities, the federal income tax consequences, specific terms and other information with respect to such debt securities and such index or formula and securities or commodities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Foreign Currencies

      If the principal of, and premium, if any, or any interest on, debt securities of any series are payable in a foreign or composite currency, the restrictions, elections, federal income tax consequences, specific terms and other information with respect to such debt securities and such currency will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

Optional Redemption, Prepayment or Conversion in Certain Events

      The prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities which provides for the optional redemption, prepayment or conversion of such debt securities on the occurrence of certain events, such as a change of control of RGA, will provide:

Payment

      Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, payments in respect of the debt securities will be made in the designated currency at the office or agency of RGA maintained for that purpose as RGA may designate from time to time, except that, at the option of RGA, interest payments, if any, on debt securities in registered form may be made by checks mailed to the holders of debt securities entitled thereto at their registered addresses. (Section 3.7 of each indenture).

Payment of Interest With Respect to Registered Debt Securities

      Unless otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, payment of any installment of interest on debt securities in registered form will be made to the person in whose name such debt security is registered at the close of business on the regular record date for such interest. (Section 3.7 of each indenture).

Transfer and Exchange

      Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, debt securities in registered form will be transferable or exchangeable at the agency of RGA maintained for such purpose as designated by RGA from time to time. Debt securities may be transferred or exchanged without service charge, other than any tax or other governmental charge imposed in connection with such transfer or exchange. (Section 3.5 of each indenture).

Consolidation, Merger, Conveyance, Sale of Assets and Other Transfers

      We may not consolidate with or merge with or into or wind up into, whether or not we are the surviving corporation, or sell, assign, convey, transfer or lease our properties and assets substantially as an entirety to any person, unless:

      Upon the consolidation, merger or sale, the successor corporation formed by the consolidation, or into which we are merged or to which the sale is made, will succeed to, and be substituted for us under each indenture. (Section 10.2 of each indenture).

      Unless a prospectus supplement relating to a particular series of debt securities provides otherwise, the indenture and the terms of the debt securities will not contain any covenants designed to afford holders of any debt securities protection in a highly leveraged or other transaction involving us, whether or not resulting in a change of control, which may adversely affect holders of the debt securities.

Option to Extend Interest Payment Period

      If indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will have the right, as long as no event of default under the applicable series of debt securities has occurred and is continuing, at any time and from time to time during the term of the series of debt securities to defer the payment of interest on one or more series of debt securities for the number of consecutive interest payment periods specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, subject to the terms, conditions and covenants, if any, specified in the prospectus supplement, provided that no extension period may extend beyond the stated maturity of the debt securities. Material United States federal income tax consequences and special considerations applicable to these debt securities will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, at the end of the extension period, we will pay all interest then accrued and unpaid together with interest on accrued and unpaid interest compounded semiannually at the rate specified for the debt securities to the extent permitted by applicable law. However, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, during the extension period neither we nor any of our subsidiaries may:

      Prior to the termination of any extension period, as long as no event of default under the applicable indenture has occurred and is continuing, we may further defer payments of interest, subject to the above limitations set forth in this section, by extending the interest payment period; provided, however, that, the extension period, including all previous and further extensions, may not extend beyond the maturity of the debt securities.

      Upon the termination of any extension period and the payment of all amounts then due, we may commence a new extension period, subject to the terms set forth in this section. No interest during an extension period, except at the end of the extension period, will be due and payable, but we may prepay at any time all or any portion of the interest accrued during an extension period. We do not currently intend to exercise our right to defer payments of interest by extending the interest payment period on the debt securities. In the case of our junior subordinated debt securities, if the property trustee is the sole holder of such debt securities, we will give the administrative trustees and the property trustee notice of our selection of an extension period two business days before the earlier of (1) the next succeeding date on which distributions on the preferred securities are payable or (2) the date the administrative trustees are required to give notice to the New York Stock Exchange, or other applicable self-regulatory organization, or to holders of the preferred securities of the record or payment date of the distribution, but in any event, at least one business day before such record date. The administrative trustees will give notice of our selection of the extension period to the holders of the preferred securities. If the property trustee is not the sole holder of such debt securities, or in the case of the senior and subordinated debt securities, we will give the holders of these debt securities notice of our selection of an extension period at least two business days before the earlier of (1) the next succeeding interest payment date or (2) the date upon which we are required to give notice to the New York Stock Exchange, or other applicable self-regulatory organization, or to holders of such debt securities of the record or payment date of the related interest payment. (Article XVIII of the subordinated and junior subordinated indentures).

Modification or Amendment of the Indentures

      Supplemental Indentures Without Consent of Holders. Without the consent of any holders, we and the trustee may enter into one or supplemental indentures for certain purposes, including:

      Supplemental Indentures with Consent of Holders. If we receive the consent of the holders of at least a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of each series affected, we may enter into supplemental indentures with the trustee for the purpose of adding any provisions to or changing in any manner or eliminating any of the provisions of each indenture or of modifying in any manner the rights of the holders under the indenture of such debt securities and coupons, if any. As long as any of the preferred securities of an RGA trust remain outstanding, no modification of the related junior subordinated indenture may be made that requires the consent of the holders of the related junior subordinated debt securities, no termination of the related junior subordinated indenture may occur, and no waiver of any event of default under the related junior subordinated indenture may be effective, without the prior consent of the holders of a majority of the aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities of such RGA trust.

      However, unless we receive the consent of all of the affected holders, we may not enter into supplemental indentures that would, with respect to the debt securities of such holders:

      It is not necessary for holders of the debt securities to approve the particular form of any proposed supplemental indenture, but it is sufficient if the holders approve the substance thereof. (Section 11.2 of each indenture).

      A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other provision of the indenture to which it relates with respect to one or more particular series of debt securities and coupons, if any, or which modifies the rights of the holders of debt securities or any coupons of such series with respect to such covenant or other provision, will be deemed not to affect the rights under such indenture of the holders of debt securities and coupons, if any, of any other series. (Section 11.2 of each indenture).

      If the changes contained in a supplemental indenture are so significant as to involve the offering of a new security, then we will file a new registration statement containing the revised indenture.

Subordination under the Subordinated Indenture and the Junior Subordinated Indenture

      In the subordinated and junior subordinated indentures, RGA has covenanted and agreed that any subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities issued thereunder are subordinated and junior in right of payment to all present and future senior indebtedness to the extent provided in the subordinated indenture. (Section 17.1 of the subordinated and junior subordinated indentures). Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the subordinated and junior subordinated indentures define the term “senior indebtedness” with respect to each respective series of subordinated and junior subordinated debt securities, to mean the principal, premium, if any, and interest on:

      In the case of the junior subordinated indenture, unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, senior indebtedness also includes all subordinated debt securities issued under the subordinated indenture. The senior indebtedness will continue to be senior indebtedness and entitled to the benefits of the

subordination provisions irrespective of any amendment, modification or waiver of any term of the senior indebtedness or extension or renewal of the senior indebtedness. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the foregoing, senior indebtedness will not include (A) indebtedness incurred for the purchase of goods or materials or for services obtained in the ordinary course of business and (B) any indebtedness which by its terms is expressly made pari passu, or equal in rank and payment, with or subordinated to the applicable debt securities. (Section 17.2 of the subordinated and junior subordinated indentures).

      Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, no direct or indirect payment, in cash, property or securities, by set-off or otherwise, shall be made or agreed to be made on account of the subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities or interest thereon or in respect of any repayment, redemption, retirement, purchase or other acquisition of subordinated debt securities, if:

unless and until such default in payment or event of default has been cured or waived or ceases to exist. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the foregoing limitations will also apply to payments in respect of the junior subordinated debt securities in the case of an event of default under the subordinated indebtedness (Section 17.4 of the subordinated and junior subordinated indentures).

      Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, all present and future senior indebtedness, which shall include subordinated indebtedness in the case of our junior subordinated debt securities, including, without limitation, interest accruing after the commencement of any proceeding described below, assignment or marshaling of assets, shall first be paid in full before any payment or distribution, whether in cash, securities or other property, shall be made by RGA on account of subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities in the event of:

      Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, in any such event, payments or distributions which would otherwise be made on subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities will generally be paid to the holders of senior indebtedness, or their representatives, in accordance with the priorities existing among these creditors at that time until the senior indebtedness is paid in full. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, if the payments or distributions on subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities are in the form of RGA’s securities or those of any other corporation under a plan of reorganization or readjustment and are subordinated to outstanding senior indebtedness and to any securities issued with respect to such senior indebtedness under a plan of reorganization or readjustment, they will be made to the holders of the subordinated debt securities and then, if any amounts remain, to the holders of the junior subordinated debt securities. (Section 17.3 of the subordinated and junior subordinated indentures). No present or future holder of any senior indebtedness will be prejudiced in the right to enforce the subordination of subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities by any act or failure to act on the part of RGA. (Section 17.9 of the subordinated and junior subordinated indentures).

      Senior indebtedness will only be deemed to have been paid in full if the holders of such indebtedness have received cash, securities or other property which is equal to the amount of the outstanding senior indebtedness.

After payment in full of all present and future senior indebtedness, holders of subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of any holders of senior indebtedness to receive any further payments or distributions that are applicable to the senior indebtedness until all the subordinated debt securities are paid in full. In matters between holders of subordinated debt securities and any other type of RGA’s creditors, any payments or distributions that would otherwise be paid to holders of senior debt securities and that are made to holders of subordinated debt securities because of this subrogation will be deemed a payment by RGA on account of senior indebtedness and not on account of subordinated debt securities. (Section 17.7 of the subordinated and junior subordinated indentures).

      Subordinated indebtedness will only be deemed to have been paid in full if the holders of such indebtedness have received cash, securities or other property which is equal to the amount of the outstanding subordinated indebtedness. After payment in full of all present and future subordinated indebtedness, holders of junior subordinated debt securities will be subrogated to the rights of any holders of subordinated indebtedness to receive any further payments or distributions that are applicable to the subordinated indebtedness until all the junior subordinated debt securities are paid in full. In matters between holders of junior subordinated debt securities and any other type of RGA’s creditors, any payments or distributions that would otherwise be paid to holders of subordinated debt securities and that are made to holders of junior subordinated debt securities because of this subrogation will be deemed a payment by RGA on account of subordinated indebtedness and not on account of junior subordinated debt securities. (Section 17.7 of the junior subordinated indenture).

      The subordinated and junior subordinated indentures provide that the foregoing subordination provisions may be changed, except in a manner which would be adverse to the holders of subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities of any series then outstanding. (Sections 11.1 and 11.2 of the subordinated and junior subordinated indentures). The prospectus supplement relating to such subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities would describe any such change.

      The prospectus supplement delivered in connection with the offering of a series of subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities will set forth a more detailed description of the subordination provisions applicable to any such debt securities.

      If this prospectus is being delivered in connection with the offering of a series of subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities, the accompanying prospectus supplement or information incorporated by reference will set forth the approximate amount of indebtedness senior to such subordinated or junior subordinated indebtedness outstanding as of a recent date. The subordinated and junior subordinated indentures place no limitation on the amount of additional senior indebtedness that may be incurred by RGA. RGA expects from time to time to incur additional indebtedness constituting senior indebtedness. At December 31, 2004, RGA had a carrying value of approximately $405.8 million of short-and long-term indebtedness, including approximately $56.1 million of outstanding short- and long-term indebtedness of our subsidiaries. The indebtedness of our subsidiaries would effectively rank senior to all of RGA’s senior, subordinated and junior subordinated debt securities. The remaining $349.7 million of our outstanding short- and long-term indebtedness would rank equally with the senior debt securities and prior in right of payment to the subordinated and junior subordinated debt securities. At December 31, 2004, RGA had a carrying value of approximately $158.4 million of debt which would rank equal to or junior in right of payment to the subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities.

Events of Default

      An event of default with respect to any series of debt securities issued under each of the indentures means:

      Within 90 days after a default in respect of any series of debt securities, the trustee, or property trustee, if applicable, must give to the holders of such series notice of all uncured and unwaived defaults by us known to it. However, except in the case of default in payment, the trustee may withhold such notice if it determines that such withholding is in the interest of such holders. (Section 6.2 of each indenture).

      If an event of default occurs in respect of any outstanding series of debt securities, the trustee of the senior or subordinated indentures, the property trustee under the junior subordinated indenture or the holders of at least 25% in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of that series may declare the principal amount, or, if the debt securities of that series are original issue discount securities or indexed securities, such portion of the principal amount as may be specified in the terms of those securities, of all of the debt securities of that series to be due and payable immediately by written notice thereof to us, and to the trustee or property trustee, if applicable, if given by the holders of the debt securities. However, with respect to any debt securities issued under the subordinated or junior subordinated indenture, the payment of principal and interest on such debt securities shall remain subordinated to the extent provided in Article XVII of the subordinated and junior subordinated indentures. In addition, at any time after such a declaration of acceleration but before a judgment or decree for payment of the money due has been obtained, the holders of a majority in principal amount of outstanding debt securities of that series may, subject to specified conditions, rescind and annul such acceleration if all events of default, other than the non-payment of accelerated principal, or premium, if any, or interest on debt securities of such series have been cured or waived as provided in the indenture. (Section 5.2 of each indenture).

      The holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of a series, on behalf of the holders of all debt securities of that series, may waive any past default and its consequences, except that they may not waive an uncured default in payment or a default which cannot be waived without the consent of the holders of all outstanding securities of that series. (Section 5.13 of each indenture).

      Within four months after the close of each fiscal year, we must file with the trustee a statement, signed by specified officers, stating whether or not such officers have knowledge of any default under the indenture and, if so, specifying each such default and the nature and status of each such default. (Section 12.2 of each indenture).

      Subject to provisions in the applicable indenture relating to its duties in case of default, the trustee, or property trustee, if applicable, is not required to take action at the request of any holders of debt securities, unless such holders have offered to the trustee reasonable security or indemnity. (Section 6.3 of each indenture).

      Subject to such indemnification requirements and other limitations set forth in the applicable indenture, if any event of default has occurred, the holders of a majority in principal amount of the outstanding debt securities of any series may direct the time, method and place of conducting proceedings for remedies available to the trustee, or exercising any trust or power conferred on the trustee, in respect of such series. (Section 5.12 of each indenture).

Defeasance; Satisfaction and Discharge

      Legal or Covenant Defeasance. Each indenture provides that we may be discharged from our obligations in respect of the debt securities of any series, as described below. These provisions will apply to any registered securities that are denominated and payable only in U.S. dollars, unless otherwise specified in a prospectus supplement. The prospectus supplement will describe any defeasance provisions that apply to other types of debt securities. (Section 15.1 of each indenture).

      At our option, we may choose either one of the following alternatives:

      In either case, we will be so discharged upon the deposit with the trustee, in trust, of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations that, through the payment of interest and principal in accordance with their terms, will provide money in an amount sufficient in the opinion of a nationally recognized firm of independent public accountants to pay and discharge each installment of principal, including any mandatory sinking fund payments, premium, if any, and interest on the debt securities of that series on the stated maturity of those payments in accordance with the terms of the indenture and those debt securities. This discharge may occur only if, among other things, we have delivered to the trustee an opinion of counsel or an Internal Revenue Service ruling to the effect that the holders of the debt securities of that series will not recognize income, gain or loss for U.S. federal income tax purposes as a result of the defeasance. (Section 15.2 of each indenture).

      In addition, with respect to the subordinated and junior subordinated indentures, in order to be discharged, no event or condition shall exist that, pursuant to certain provisions described under “— Subordination under the Subordinated Indenture and the Junior Subordinated Indenture” above, would prevent us from making payments of principal of, and premium, if any, and interest on subordinated or junior subordinated debt securities and coupons at the date of the irrevocable deposit referred to above. (Section 15.2 of the subordinated and junior subordinated indentures).

      Covenant Defeasance and Events of Default. In the event we exercise our option to effect covenant defeasance with respect to any series of debt securities and the debt securities of that series are declared due and payable because of the occurrence of any event of default, the amount of money and/or U.S. Government Obligations on deposit with the trustee will be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of their stated maturity but may not be sufficient to pay amounts due on the debt securities of that series at the time of the acceleration resulting from the event of default. However, we will remain liable for those payments.

      “U.S. Government Obligations” means securities which are (1) direct obligations of the United States for the payment of which its full faith and credit is pledged, or (2) obligations of a person controlled or supervised by and acting as an agency or instrumentality of the United States, the payment of which is unconditionally guaranteed as a full faith and credit obligation by the United States, which, in either case, are not callable or redeemable at the option of the issuer thereof, and will also include a depository receipt issued by a bank or trust company as custodian with respect to any such U.S. Government Obligation or a specific payment of interest on or principal of any such U.S. Government Obligation held by such custodian for the account of the holder of a depository receipt, provided that, except as required by law, such custodian is not authorized to make any deduction from the amount payable to the holder of such depository receipt from any amount received by the custodian in respect of the U.S. Government Obligation or the specific payment of

interest on or principal of the U.S. Government Obligation evidenced by such depository receipt. (Section 15.2 of each indenture).

      We may exercise our legal defeasance option even if we have already exercised our covenant defeasance option.

      There may be additional provisions relating to defeasance which we will describe in the prospectus supplement. (Section 15.1 of each indenture).

Conversion or Exchange

      Any series of the senior or subordinated debt securities may be convertible or exchangeable into common or preferred stock or other debt securities registered under the registration statement relating to this prospectus. The specific terms and conditions on which such debt securities may be so converted or exchanged will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Those terms may include the conversion or exchange price, provisions for conversion or exchange, either mandatory, at the option of the holder, or at our option, whether we have an option to convert debt securities into cash, rather than common stock, and provisions under which the number of shares of common or preferred stock or other securities to be received by the holders of debt securities would be calculated as of a time and in the manner stated in the applicable prospectus supplement. (Section 16.1 of each indenture).

Governing Law

      The indentures and the debt securities will be governed by, and construed in accordance with, the internal laws of the State of New York. (Section 1.11 of each indenture).

Regarding the Trustee

      We will designate the trustee under the senior and subordinated indentures in a prospectus supplement. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, The Bank of New York will be the trustee under the junior subordinated indenture relating to the junior subordinated debt securities which may be offered to the RGA trusts. We have entered, and from time to time may continue to enter, into banking or other relationships with such trustees or their affiliates, including The Bank of New York, which is a lender under a credit agreement and provides other banking and financial services to us.

      There may be more than one trustee under each indenture, each with respect to one or more series of debt securities. (Section 1.1 of each indenture). Any trustee may resign or be removed with respect to one or more series of debt securities, and a successor trustee may be appointed to act with respect to such series. (Section 6.10 of each indenture).

      If two or more persons are acting as trustee with respect to different series of debt securities, each trustee will be a trustee of a trust under the indenture separate from the trust administered by any other such trustee. Except as otherwise indicated in this prospectus, any action to be taken by the trustee may be taken by each such trustee with respect to, and only with respect to, the one or more series of debt securities for which it is trustee under the indenture. (Section 6.1 of each indenture).

Book-Entry Debt Securities

      Unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, The Depository Trust Company, or DTC, will act as securities depository for the debt securities. The debt securities will be issued as fully-registered securities in the name of Cede & Co. or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. This means that certificates will not be issued to each holder of debt securities. One fully-registered security certificate will be issued for each debt security, each in the aggregate principal amount of such security and will be deposited with DTC.

      Purchases of debt securities under the DTC system must be made by or through participants (for example, your broker) who will receive credit for the securities on DTC’s records. The ownership interest of

each actual purchaser of each debt security will be recorded on the records of the participant. Beneficial owners of the debt securities will not receive written confirmation from DTC of their purchase. Beneficial owners are, however, expected to receive written confirmations providing details of the transaction, as well as periodic statements of their holdings, from the participant through which the beneficial owner entered into the transaction. Transfers of ownership interests in the debt securities are to be accomplished by entries made on the books of participants acting on behalf of beneficial owners. Beneficial owners will not receive certificates representing their ownership interests in the debt securities except in the event that use of the book-entry system for the debt securities is discontinued.

      To facilitate subsequent transfers, all debt securities deposited by participants with DTC are registered in the name of DTC’s partnership nominee, Cede & Co., or such other name as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. The deposit of debt securities with DTC and their registration in the name of Cede & Co. or such other DTC nominee do not effect any change in beneficial ownership. DTC has no knowledge of the actual beneficial owners of the debt securities; DTC’s records reflect only the identity of the participants to whose accounts the debt securities are credited, which may or may not be the beneficial owners. The participants will remain responsible for keeping account of their holdings on behalf of their customers.

      Conveyance of notices and other communications by DTC to participants and by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by arrangements among them, subject to statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

      Proceeds, distributions or other payments on the debt securities will be made to Cede & Co., or such other nominee as may be requested by an authorized representative of DTC. DTC’s practice is to credit participants’ accounts upon DTC’s receipt of funds in accordance with their respective holdings shown on DTC’s records. Payments by participants to beneficial owners will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices, as is the case with securities held for the accounts of customers in bearer form or registered in “street name,” and will be the responsibility of such participant and not DTC, RGA or the RGA trusts, subject to any statutory or regulatory requirements as may be in effect from time to time.

      DTC may discontinue providing its services as depository with respect to the debt securities at any time by giving reasonable notice to us or the RGA trusts. Under such circumstances, in the event that a successor depository is not obtained, certificates representing the debt securities are required to be printed and delivered. We may decide to discontinue use of the system of book-entry transfers through DTC, or successor depository. In that event, certificates representing the debt securities will be printed and delivered.

      DTC is a limited-purpose trust company organized under the New York Banking Law, a “banking organization” within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the Federal Reserve System, a “clearing corporation” within the meaning of the New York Uniform Commercial Code and a “clearing agency” registered pursuant to the provisions of Section 17A of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. DTC holds and provides asset servicing for over 2 million issues of U.S. and non-U.S. equity issues, corporate and municipal debt issues and money market instruments from over 85 countries that DTC’s participants deposit with DTC.

      DTC also facilitates the post-trade settlement among participants of sales and other securities transactions in deposited securities, through electronic computerized book-entry transfers and pledges between participants’ accounts. This eliminates the need for physical movement of securities certificates. Participants include both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations and certain other organizations. DTC is a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation, or DTCC. DTCC is owned by a number of participants of DTC and members of the national Securities Clearing Corporation, Government Securities Clearing Corporation, MBS Clearing Corporation and Emerging Markets Clearing Corporation, as well as by the New York Stock Exchange, Inc., the American Stock Exchange LLC and the National Association of Securities Dealers, Inc. Access to the DTC system is also available to others such as both U.S. and non-U.S. securities brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies and clearing corporations that clear through or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or indirectly.

      The information in this section concerning DTC and DTC’s book-entry system has been obtained from sources that we believe to be reliable.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK OF RGA

      The following is a summary of the material terms of our capital stock and the provisions of our Second Restated Articles of Incorporation and bylaws. It also summarizes some relevant provisions of the Missouri General and Business Corporation Law, which we refer to as Missouri law. Since the terms of our articles of incorporation, and bylaws, and Missouri law, are more detailed than the general information provided below, you should only rely on the actual provisions of those documents and Missouri law. If you would like to read those documents, they are on file with the SEC, as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 11.

General

      Our authorized capital stock consists of 140,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $0.01 per share, and 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $0.01 per share.

Common Stock

      All of our outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable. Subject to the prior rights of the holders of any shares of preferred stock which later may be issued and outstanding, holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends as and when declared by us out of legally available funds, and, if we liquidate, dissolve, or wind up RGA, to share ratably in all remaining assets after we pay liabilities. We are prohibited from paying dividends under our credit agreement unless, at the time of declaration and payment, a default would not exist under the agreement. Each holder of common stock is entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters presented to a vote of shareholders, including the election of directors. Holders of common stock have no cumulative voting rights or preemptive rights to purchase or subscribe for any stock or other securities and there are no conversion rights or redemption or sinking fund provisions for the common stock.

      We may issue additional shares of authorized common stock without shareholder approval, subject to applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange. At our annual meeting of shareholders on May 26, 2004, our shareholders, including MetLife, adopted a proposal authorizing our board of directors to approve, during the three years following the date of the shareholder meeting, any sales to MetLife or its affiliates of our equity securities, including our common stock or other securities convertible into or exercisable for our common stock, in which the number of shares will not exceed the number of shares that would enable MetLife to maintain its then current ownership percentage of our common stock. Any such sale would be on substantially the same terms as a sale to unaffiliated third parties. The shareholder approval was obtained to comply with applicable New York Stock Exchange rules regarding issuances of common equity to a substantial shareholder such as MetLife.

      Mellon Investor Services LLC, Ridgefield Park, New Jersey is the registrar and transfer agent for our common stock. Our common stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol “RGA.”

Preferred Stock

      Our articles of incorporation vests our board of directors with authority to issue up to 10,000,000 shares of preferred stock from time to time in one or more series, with such voting powers, full or limited, or no voting powers, and such designations, preferences and relative, participating, optional or other special rights, and qualifications, limitations or restrictions thereof, as may be stated in the resolution or resolutions providing for

the issuance of such stock adopted from time to time by the board of directors. Our board of directors is expressly authorized to fix or determine:

      All shares of the same series of preferred stock will be identical and of equal rank except as to the times from which cumulative dividends, if any, on those shares will be cumulative. The shares of different series may differ, including as to rank, as may be provided in our articles of incorporation, or as may be fixed by our board of directors as described above. We may from time to time amend our articles of incorporation to increase or decrease the number of authorized shares of preferred stock.

      The material terms of any series of preferred stock being offered by us will be described in the prospectus supplement relating to that series of preferred stock. If so indicated in the prospectus supplement and if permitted by the articles of incorporation and by law, the terms of any such series may differ from the terms set forth below. That prospectus supplement may not restate the amendment to our articles of incorporation or the board resolution that establishes a particular series of preferred stock in its entirety. We urge you to read that amendment or board resolution because it, and not the description in the prospectus supplement, will define your rights as a holder of preferred stock. The certificate of amendment to our articles of incorporation or board resolution will be filed with the Secretary of State of the State of Missouri and with the SEC.

      Dividend Rights. One or more series of preferred stock may be preferred as to payment of dividends over our common stock or any other stock ranking junior to the preferred stock as to dividends. In that case, before any dividends or distributions on our common stock or stock of junior rank, other than dividends or distributions payable in common stock, are declared and set apart for payment or paid, the holders of shares of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to receive dividends when, as and if declared by our board of directors. We will pay those dividends either in cash, shares of common stock or preferred stock or otherwise, at the rate and on the date or dates indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement. With respect to each series of preferred stock entitled to cumulative dividends, the dividends on each share of that series will be cumulative from the date of issue of the share unless some other date is set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the series. Accruals of dividends will not bear interest. We are prohibited from paying dividends under our credit agreement unless, at the time of declaration and payment, a default would not exist under the agreement.

      Rights upon Liquidation. The preferred stock may be preferred over common stock, or any other stock ranking junior to the preferred stock with respect to distribution of assets, as to our assets so that the holders of each series of preferred stock will be entitled to be paid, upon voluntary or involuntary liquidation, dissolution or winding up and before any distribution is made to the holders of common stock or stock of junior rank, the amount set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. However, in this case the holders of preferred stock will not be entitled to any other or further payment. If upon any liquidation, dissolution or winding up our net assets are insufficient to permit the payment in full of the respective amounts to which the holders of all outstanding preferred stock are entitled, our entire remaining net assets will be distributed among the holders of each series of preferred stock in an amount proportional to the full amounts to which the holders of each series are entitled.

      Redemption. All shares of any series of preferred stock will be redeemable, if at all, to the extent set forth in the prospectus supplement relating to the series.

      Conversion or Exchange. Shares of any series of preferred stock will be convertible into or exchangeable for shares of common stock or preferred stock or other securities, if at all, to the extent set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement.

      Preemptive Rights. No holder of shares of any series of preferred stock will have any preemptive or preferential rights to subscribe to or purchase shares of any class or series of stock, now or hereafter authorized, or any securities convertible into, or warrants or other evidences of optional rights to purchase or subscribe to, shares of any series, now or hereafter authorized.

      Voting Rights. Except as indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, the holders of voting preferred stock will be entitled to one vote for each share of preferred stock held by them on all matters properly presented to shareholders. Except as otherwise provided in the amendment to our articles of incorporation or the directors resolution that creates a specified class of preferred stock, the holders of common stock and the holders of all series of preferred stock will vote together as one class. In addition, currently under Missouri law, even if shares of a particular class or series of stock are not otherwise entitled to a vote on any matters submitted to the shareholders, amendments to the articles of incorporation which adversely affect those shares require a vote of the class or series of which such shares are a part, including amendments which would:

      Most of our operations are conducted through our subsidiaries, and thus our ability to pay dividends on any series of preferred stock is dependent on their financial condition, results of operations, cash requirements and other related factors. Our subsidiaries are also subject to restrictions on dividends and other distributions contained under applicable insurance laws and related regulations.

      Depending upon the rights of holders of the preferred stock, an issuance of preferred stock could adversely affect holders of common stock by delaying or preventing a change of control of RGA, making removal of the management of RGA difficult, or restricting the payment of dividends and other distributions to the holders of common stock. We presently have no intention to issue any shares of preferred stock.

      As described under “Description of Depositary Shares of RGA,” we may, at our option, elect to offer depositary shares evidenced by depositary receipts, each representing an interest, to be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement for the particular series of the preferred stock, in a share of the particular series of the preferred stock issued and deposited with a preferred stock depositary. All shares of preferred

stock offered by this prospectus, or issuable upon conversion, exchange or exercise of securities, will, when issued, be fully paid and non-assessable.

Certain Effects of Authorized but Unissued Stock

      We may issue additional shares of common stock or preferred stock without shareholder approval, subject to applicable rules of the New York Stock Exchange, for a variety of corporate purposes, including raising additional capital, corporate acquisitions, and employee benefit plans. The existence of unissued and unreserved common and preferred stock may enable us to issue shares to persons who are friendly to current management, which could discourage an attempt to obtain control of RGA through a merger, tender offer, proxy contest, or otherwise, and protect the continuity of management and possibly deprive you of opportunities to sell your shares at prices higher than the prevailing market prices. We could also use additional shares to dilute the stock ownership of persons seeking to obtain control of RGA pursuant to the operation of the rights plan or otherwise. See also “— Certain Charter and Bylaw Provisions” below.

Series A Preferred Stock

      Our board has authorized the issuance of 500,000 shares of preferred stock as Series A junior participating preferred stock in connection with its adoption of a shareholder rights plan that has expired. We designed the dividend, liquidation, voting and redemption features of the Series A preferred stock so that the value of one two hundred twenty fifth (1/225th) of a share of Series A preferred stock approximates the value of one share of common stock. Shares of Series A preferred stock could only be purchased, if at all, during the term of the rights agreement and are therefore no longer available for purchase. Each share of the Series A preferred stock:

      The rights of the Series A preferred stock as to dividends, liquidation and voting, and in the event of mergers and consolidations, are protected by customary antidilution provisions. No shares of the Series A preferred stock are outstanding, and we do not intend to issue any of these shares.

Certain Charter and Bylaw Provisions

      Our articles of incorporation and bylaws:

      Shareholders will not be able to amend the bylaws without first amending the articles of incorporation. These provisions may discourage certain types of transactions that involve an actual or threatened change of control of RGA. Since the terms of our articles of incorporation and bylaws may differ from the general information we are providing, you should only rely on the actual provisions of our articles of incorporation and bylaws. If you would like to read our articles of incorporation and bylaws, they are on file with the SEC or you may request a copy from us.

Size of Board

      Our articles of incorporation provide that the number of directors to constitute the board of directors is ten, and hereafter the number of directors will be fixed from time to time as provided in our bylaws. Our bylaws provide for a board of directors of at least three directors and permit the board of directors to increase or decrease the number of directors. In accordance with our bylaws, our board of directors has fixed the number of directors at ten. We currently have two vacancies on the board of directors. Our articles of incorporation further provide that our bylaws may be amended only by majority vote of our entire board of directors. As of the date of this prospectus, three of our eight directors are officers of MetLife, our majority shareholder.

Election of Directors

      In order for one of our shareholders to nominate a candidate for director, our articles of incorporation require that such shareholder give timely notice to us in advance of the meeting. Ordinarily, the shareholder must give notice not less than 60 days nor more than 90 days before the meeting, but if we give less than 70 days’ notice of the meeting, then the shareholder must give notice within ten days after we mail notice of the meeting or make a public disclosure of the meeting. The notice must describe various matters regarding the nominee, including the nominee’s name, address, occupation, and shares held. Our articles of incorporation do not permit cumulative voting in the election of directors. Accordingly, the holders of a majority of the then outstanding shares of common stock can elect all the directors of the class then being elected at that meeting of shareholders.

Classified Board

      Our articles of incorporation and bylaws provide that our board will be divided into three classes, with the classes to be as nearly equal in number as possible, and that one class shall be elected each year and serve for a three-year term.

Removal of Directors

      Missouri law provides that, unless a corporation’s articles of incorporation provide otherwise, the holders of a majority of the corporation’s voting stock may remove any director from office. Our articles of incorporation provide that shareholders may remove a director only “for cause” and with the approval of the holders of 85% of RGA’s voting stock.

Filling Vacancies

      Missouri law further provides that, unless a corporation’s articles of incorporation or bylaws provide otherwise, all vacancies on a corporation’s board of directors, including any vacancies resulting from an increase in the number of directors, may be filled by the vote of a majority of the remaining directors even if that number is less than a quorum. Our articles of incorporation provide that, subject to the rights, if any, of the holders of any class of preferred stock then outstanding and except as described below, only the vote of a majority of the remaining directors may fill vacancies (although less than a quorum).

Limitations on Shareholder Action by Written Consent

      As required by Missouri law, our bylaws provide that any action by written consent of shareholders in lieu of a meeting must be unanimous.

Limitations on Calling Shareholder Meetings

      Under our articles of incorporation shareholders may not call special meetings of shareholders or require our board to call a special meeting of shareholders, and only a majority of our entire board of directors, our chairman of the board or our president may call a special meeting of shareholders.

Limitations on Proposals of Other Business

      In order for a shareholder to bring a proposal before a shareholder meeting, our articles of incorporation require that the shareholder give timely notice to us in advance of the meeting. Ordinarily, the shareholder must give notice at least 60 days but not more than 90 days before the meeting, but if we give less than 70 days’ notice of the meeting, then the shareholder must give notice within ten days after we mail notice of the meeting or make other public disclosure of the meeting. The notice must include a description of the proposal, the reasons for the proposal, and other specified matters.

      Our board may reject any proposals that have not followed these procedures or that are not a proper subject for shareholder action in accordance with the provisions of applicable law.

Anti-Takeover Effects of Provisions

      The classification of directors, the inability to vote shares cumulatively, the advance notice requirements for nominations, and the provisions in our articles of incorporation that limit the ability of shareholders to increase the size of our board or to remove directors and that permit the remaining directors to fill any vacancies on our board make it more difficult for shareholders to change the composition of our board. As a result, at least two annual meetings of shareholders may be required for the shareholders to change a majority of the directors, whether or not a change in our board would benefit RGA and its shareholders and whether or not a majority of our shareholders believes that the change would be desirable.

      The provision of our bylaws which requires unanimity for shareholder action by written consent gives all our shareholders entitled to vote on a proposed action the opportunity to participate in the action and prevents the holders of a majority of the voting power of RGA from using the written consent procedure to take shareholder action. The bylaw provision requiring advance notice of other proposals may make it more difficult for shareholders to take action opposed by the board. Moreover, a shareholder cannot force a shareholder consideration of a proposal over the opposition of our board of directors by calling a special meeting of shareholders.

      These provisions make it more difficult and time-consuming to obtain majority control of our board of directors or otherwise bring a matter before shareholders without our board’s consent, and thus reduce the vulnerability of RGA to an unsolicited takeover proposal. These provisions enable RGA to develop its business in a manner which will foster its long-term growth, by reducing to the extent practicable the threat of a takeover not in the best interests of RGA and its shareholders and the potential disruption entailed by the threat. On the other hand, these provisions may adversely affect the ability of shareholders to influence the governance of RGA and the possibility that shareholders would receive a premium above market price for their securities from a potential acquirer who is unfriendly to management.

Missouri Statutory Provisions

      Missouri law also contains certain provisions which may have an anti-takeover effect and otherwise discourage third parties from effecting transactions with us, including control share acquisition and business combination statutes.

Business Combination Statute

      Missouri law contains a “business combination statute” which restricts certain “business combinations” between us and an “interested shareholder,” or affiliates of the interested shareholder, for a period of five years after the date of the transaction in which the person becomes an interested shareholder, unless either such transaction or the interested shareholder’s acquisition of stock is approved by our board on or before the date the interested shareholder obtains such status.

      The statute also prohibits business combinations after the five-year period following the transaction in which the person becomes an interested shareholder unless the business combination or purchase of stock prior to becoming an interested shareholder is approved by our board prior to the date the interested shareholder obtains such status.

      The statute also provides that, after the expiration of such five-year period, business combinations are prohibited unless:

      A “business combination” for this purpose includes a merger or consolidation, some sales, leases, exchanges, pledges and similar dispositions of corporate assets or stock and any reclassifications or recapitalizations that generally increase the proportionate voting power of the interested shareholder. An “interested shareholder” for this purpose generally means any person who, together with his or her affiliates and associates, owns or controls 20% or more of the outstanding shares of the corporation’s voting stock.

      A Missouri corporation may opt out of coverage by the business combination statute by including a provision to that effect in its governing corporate documents. We have not done so. However, our board of directors adopted a resolution approving the acquisition of beneficial ownership by MetLife as an “interested shareholder,” thereby rendering the statute inapplicable to MetLife.

      The business combination statute may make it more difficult for a 20% beneficial owner to effect other transactions with us and may encourage persons that seek to acquire us to negotiate with our board prior to acquiring a 20% interest. It is possible that such a provision could make it more difficult to accomplish a transaction which shareholders may otherwise deem to be in their best interest.

Control Share Acquisition Statute

      Missouri also has a “control share acquisition statute.” This statute may limit the rights of a shareholder to vote some or all of his shares. Generally, a shareholder whose acquisition of shares results in that shareholder having voting power, when added to the shares previously held by him, to exercise or direct the exercise of more than a specified percentage of our outstanding stock (beginning at 20%), will lose the right to vote some or all of his shares in excess of such percentage unless the shareholders approve the acquisition of such shares.

      In order for the shareholders to grant approval, the acquiring shareholder must meet certain disclosure requirements specified in the statute. In addition, a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote must approve the acquisition. Furthermore, a majority of the outstanding shares entitled to vote, but excluding all interested shares, such as shares held by the acquiring shareholder or employee directors and officers, must approve the acquisition.

      Not all acquisitions of shares constitute control share acquisitions. The following acquisitions do not constitute control share acquisitions:

      A Missouri corporation may opt out of coverage by the control share acquisition statute by including a provision to that effect in its governing corporate documents. We amended our bylaws to provide that the control share acquisition statute shall not apply to control share acquisitions of our capital stock.

Takeover Bid Disclosure Statute

      Missouri’s “takeover bid disclosure statute” requires that, under some circumstances, before making a tender offer that would result in the offeror acquiring control of us, the offeror must file certain disclosure materials with the Commissioner of the Missouri Department of Securities.

Insurance Holding Companies Act

      We are regulated in Missouri as an insurance holding company. Under the Missouri Insurance Holding Companies Act and related regulations, the acquisition of control of a domestic insurer must receive prior approval by the Missouri Department of Insurance. Missouri law provides that a transaction will be approved if the Department of Insurance finds that the transaction would, among other things, not violate the law or be contrary to the interests of the insureds of any participating domestic insurance corporations. The Department of Insurance may approve any proposed change of control subject to conditions.

DESCRIPTION OF DEPOSITARY SHARES OF RGA

      The description of any deposit agreement and any related depositary shares and depositary receipts in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement of certain provisions are summaries of the material provisions of that deposit agreement and of the depositary shares and depositary receipts. These descriptions do not restate those agreements and do not contain all of the information that you may find useful. We urge you to read the applicable agreements because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as a holder of the depositary shares. For more information, please review the form of deposit agreement and form of depositary receipts relating to each series of the preferred stock, which will be filed with the SEC promptly after the offering of that series of preferred stock and will be available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 11.

General

      We may elect to have shares of preferred stock represented by depositary shares. The shares of any series of the preferred stock underlying the depositary shares will be deposited under a separate deposit agreement between us and a bank or trust company we select. The prospectus supplement relating to a series of depositary shares will set forth the name and address of this preferred stock depositary. Subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, each owner of a depositary share will be entitled, proportionately, to all the rights,

preferences and privileges of the preferred stock represented by such depositary share, including dividend, voting, redemption, conversion, exchange and liquidation rights.

      The depositary shares will be evidenced by depositary receipts issued pursuant to the deposit agreement, each of which will represent the applicable interest in a number of shares of a particular series of the preferred stock described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

      A holder of depositary shares will be entitled to receive the shares of preferred stock, but only in whole shares of preferred stock, underlying those depositary shares. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the whole number of shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the depositary will deliver to that holder at the same time a new depositary receipt for the excess number of depositary shares.

Dividends and Other Distributions

      The preferred stock depositary will distribute all cash dividends or other cash distributions in respect of the series of preferred stock represented by the depositary shares to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion, to the extent possible, to the number of depositary shares owned by those holders. The depositary, however, will distribute only the amount that can be distributed without attributing to any depositary share a fraction of one cent, and any undistributed balance will be added to and treated as part of the next sum received by the depositary for distribution to record holders of depositary receipts then outstanding.

      If there is a distribution other than in cash in respect of the preferred stock, the preferred stock depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of depositary receipts in proportion, insofar as possible, to the number of depositary shares owned by those holders, unless the preferred stock depositary determines that it is not feasible to make such a distribution. In that case, the preferred stock depositary may, with our approval, adopt any method that it deems equitable and practicable to effect the distribution, including a public or private sale of the property and distribution of the net proceeds from the sale to the holders.

      The amount distributed in any of the above cases will be reduced by any amount we or the preferred stock depositary are required to withhold on account of taxes.

Conversion and Exchange

      If any series of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares is subject to provisions relating to its conversion or exchange as set forth in an applicable prospectus supplement, each record holder of depositary receipts will have the right or obligation to convert or exchange the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts pursuant to those provisions.

Redemption of Depositary Shares

      If any series of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares is subject to redemption, the depositary shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received by the preferred stock depositary resulting from the redemption, in whole or in part, of the preferred stock held by the preferred stock depositary. Whenever we redeem a share of preferred stock held by the preferred stock depositary, the preferred stock depositary will redeem as of the same redemption date a proportionate number of depositary shares representing the shares of preferred stock that were redeemed. The redemption price per depositary share will be equal to the aggregate redemption price payable with respect to the number of shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares. If fewer than all the depositary shares are to be redeemed, the depositary shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot or proportionately as we may determine.

      After the date fixed for redemption, the depositary shares called for redemption will no longer be deemed to be outstanding and all rights of the holders of the depositary shares will cease, except the right to receive the redemption price. Any funds that we deposit with the preferred stock depositary relating to depositary shares which are not redeemed by the holders of the depositary shares will be returned to us after a period of two years from the date the funds are deposited by us.

Voting

      Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of any shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares are entitled to vote, the preferred stock depositary will mail the information contained in the notice to the record holders of the depositary receipts. Each record holder of the depositary receipts on the record date, which will be the same date as the record date for the preferred stock, may then instruct the preferred stock depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the number of shares of preferred stock underlying that holder’s depositary shares. The preferred stock depositary will try to vote the number of shares of preferred stock underlying the depositary shares in accordance with the instructions, and we will agree to take all reasonable action which the preferred stock depositary deems necessary to enable the preferred stock depositary to do so. The preferred stock depositary will abstain from voting the preferred stock to the extent that it does not receive specific written instructions from holders of depositary receipts representing the preferred stock.

Record Date

      Subject to the provisions of the deposit agreement, whenever

Withdrawal of Preferred Stock

      Upon surrender of depositary receipts at the principal office of the preferred stock depositary, upon payment of any unpaid amount due the preferred stock depositary, and subject to the terms of the deposit agreement, the owner of the depositary shares evidenced by the depositary receipts is entitled to delivery of the number of whole shares of preferred stock and all money and other property, if any, represented by the depositary shares. Partial shares of preferred stock will not be issued. If the depositary receipts delivered by the holder evidence a number of depositary shares in excess of the number of depositary shares representing the number of whole shares of preferred stock to be withdrawn, the preferred stock depositary will deliver to the holder at the same time a new depositary receipt evidencing the excess number of depositary shares. Holders of preferred stock that are withdrawn will not be entitled to deposit the shares that have been withdrawn under the deposit agreement or to receive depositary receipts.

Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement

      We and the preferred stock depositary may at any time agree to amend the form of depositary receipt and any provision of the deposit agreement. However, any amendment that materially and adversely alters the rights of holders of depositary shares will not be effective unless the amendment has been approved by the holders of at least a majority of the depositary shares then outstanding. The deposit agreement may be terminated by us or by the preferred stock depositary only if all outstanding shares have been redeemed or if a

final distribution in respect of the underlying preferred stock has been made to the holders of the depositary shares in connection with our liquidation, dissolution or winding up.

Charges of Preferred Stock Depositary

      We will pay all charges of the preferred stock depositary including charges in connection with the initial deposit of the preferred stock, the initial issuance of the depositary receipts, the distribution of information to the holders of depositary receipts with respect to matters on which preference stock is entitled to vote, withdrawals of the preferred stock by the holders of depositary receipts or redemption or conversion of the preferred stock, except for taxes (including transfer taxes, if any) and other governmental charges and any other charges expressly provided in the deposit agreement to be at the expense of holders of depositary receipts or persons depositing preferred stock.

Miscellaneous

      Neither we nor the preferred stock depositary will be liable if either of us is prevented or delayed by law or any circumstance beyond our control in performing any obligations under the deposit agreement. The obligations of the preferred stock depositary under the deposit agreement are limited to performing its duties under the agreement without negligence or bad faith. Our obligations under the deposit agreement are limited to performing our duties in good faith. Neither we nor the preferred stock depositary is obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding in respect of any depositary shares or preferred stock unless satisfactory indemnity is furnished. We and the preferred stock depositary may rely on advice of or information from counsel, accountants or other persons that they believe to be competent and on documents that they believe to be genuine.

      The preferred stock depositary may resign at any time or be removed by us, effective upon the acceptance by its successor of its appointment. If we have not appointed a successor preferred stock depositary and the successor depositary has not accepted its appointment within 60 days after the preferred stock depositary delivered a resignation notice to us, the preferred stock depositary may terminate the deposit agreement. See “— Amendment and Termination of the Deposit Agreement” above.

DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS OF RGA

      We may issue warrants to purchase debt securities, common stock, preferred stock or other securities. We may issue warrants independently or as part of a unit with other securities, including, without limitation, preferred securities issued by the RGA trusts. Warrants sold with other securities as a unit may be attached to or separate from the other securities. We will issue warrants under one or more warrant agreements between us and a warrant agent that we will name in the applicable prospectus supplement.

      The prospectus supplement relating to any warrants we are offering will include specific terms relating to the offering, including a description of any other securities sold together with the warrants. These terms will include some or all of the following:

      Warrants issued for securities other than our debt securities, common stock or preferred stock or the preferred securities of an RGA trust will not be exercisable until at least one year from the date of sale of the warrant.

      The applicable prospectus supplement will describe the specific terms of any warrant units.

      The descriptions of the warrant agreements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of the material provisions of the applicable agreements. These descriptions do not restate those agreements in their entirety and do not contain all of the information that you may find useful. We urge you to read the applicable agreements because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the warrants or any warrant units. For more information, please review the form of the relevant agreements, which will be filed with the SEC promptly after the offering of warrants or warrant units and will be available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 11.

DESCRIPTION OF PURCHASE CONTRACTS OF RGA

      As may be specified in a prospectus supplement, we may issue purchase contracts obligating holders to purchase from us, and us to sell to the holders, a number of debt securities, shares of our common stock, preferred stock or depositary shares or warrants or trust preferred securities of an RGA Trust at a future date or dates. The purchase contracts may require us to make periodic payments to the holders of the purchase contracts. These payments may be unsecured or prefunded on some basis to be specified in the applicable prospectus supplement.

      The prospectus supplement relating to any purchase contracts we are offering will specify the material terms of the purchase contracts and any applicable pledge or depository arrangements, including one or more of the following:

      The contract fee may be calculated as a percentage of the stated amount of the purchase contract or otherwise.

      The descriptions of the purchase contracts and any applicable underlying security or pledge or depository arrangements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of the material provisions of the applicable agreements. These descriptions do not restate those agreements in their entirety. We urge you to read the applicable agreements because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the purchase contracts. We will make copies of the relevant agreements available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 11.

DESCRIPTION OF UNITS

      As specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we may issue units comprised of one or more of the other securities described in this prospectus in any combination. Each unit may also include debt obligations of third parties, such as U.S. Treasury securities. Each unit will be issued so that the holder of the unit is also the holder of each security included in the unit. Thus, the holder of a unit will have the rights and obligations of a holder of each included security. The prospectus supplement will describe:

      The descriptions of the units and any applicable underlying security or pledge or depository arrangements in this prospectus and in any prospectus supplement are summaries of the material provisions of the applicable agreements. These descriptions do not restate those agreements in their entirety. We urge you to read the applicable agreements because they, and not the summaries, define your rights as holders of the units. We will make copies of the relevant agreements available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 10.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED SECURITIES OF THE RGA TRUSTS

      Each RGA trust may issue, from time to time, one series of preferred securities having terms described in the prospectus supplement. Preferred securities may be issued either independently or as part of a unit with other securities, including, without limitation, warrants to purchase common stock of RGA. Preferred securities sold with other securities as a unit may be attached to or separate from the other securities. The proceeds from the sale of each trust’s preferred and common securities will be used by such trust to purchase a series of junior subordinated debt securities issued by RGA. The junior subordinated debt securities will be held in trust by the trust’s property trustee for the benefit of the holders of such preferred and common securities. Each amended and restated trust agreement has been or will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. The property trustee for each trust, The Bank of New York, an independent trustee, will act as indenture trustee for the preferred securities for purposes of compliance with the provisions of the Trust Indenture Act. The preferred securities will have the terms, including distributions, redemption, voting, liquidation rights, maturity date or dates and the other preferred, deferred or other special rights or restrictions as are established by the administrative trustees in accordance with the applicable amended and restated trust agreement or as are set forth in the amended and restated trust agreement or made part of the amended and restated trust agreement by the Trust Indenture Act. Such terms, rights and restrictions will mirror the terms of the junior subordinated debt securities held by the applicable trust and will be described in the applicable prospectus supplement.

      The prospectus supplement relating to the preferred securities of the applicable RGA trust will provide specific terms, including:

      All preferred securities offered by the prospectus will be guaranteed by us to the extent set forth below under “Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees of RGA.” The guarantee issued by us to each RGA trust, when taken together with our obligations under the junior subordinated debt securities issued to any RGA trust and under the applicable indenture and any applicable supplemental indentures, and our obligations under each amended and restated trust agreement, including the obligation to pay expenses of each RGA trust, will provide a full and unconditional guarantee by us of amounts due on the preferred securities issued by each RGA trust. The payment terms of the preferred securities will be the same as the junior subordinated debt securities issued to the applicable RGA trust by us.

      Each amended and restated trust agreement authorizes the administrative trustees to issue on behalf of the applicable trust one series of common securities having terms, including distributions, redemption, voting and liquidation rights, and restrictions that are established by the administrative trustees in accordance with the amended and restated trust agreement or that are otherwise set forth in the amended and restated trust agreement. The terms of the common securities issued by each RGA trust will be substantially identical to the terms of the preferred securities issued by the RGA trust. The common securities will rank equally, and payments will be made proportionately, with the preferred securities of that trust. However, if an event of default under the amended and restated trust agreement of the RGA trust has occurred and is continuing, the cash distributions and liquidation, redemption and other amounts payable on the common securities will be subordinated to the preferred securities in right of payment. The common securities will also carry the right to vote and to appoint, remove or replace any of the trustees of the RGA trust. RGA will own, directly or indirectly, all of the common securities of each RGA trust.

      The financial statements of any RGA trust that issues preferred securities will be reflected in our consolidated financial statements with the preferred securities shown as company-obligated mandatorily-redeemable preferred securities of a subsidiary trust under “minority interest.” We will include in a footnote to our audited consolidated financial statements, statements that the applicable RGA trust is wholly-owned by us and that the sole asset of the RGA trust is the junior subordinated debt securities, indicating the principal amount, interest rate and maturity date of the junior subordinated debt securities.

Enforcement of Certain Rights by Holders of Preferred Securities

      If an event of default occurs, and is continuing, under the amended and restated trust agreement of either RGA trust, the holders of the preferred securities of that trust may rely on the property trustee to enforce its rights as a holder of the subordinated debt securities against RGA. Additionally, those who together hold a majority of the aggregate stated liquidation amount of an RGA trust’s preferred securities will have the right to:

      If such a default occurs and the event is attributable to RGA’s failure to pay interest or principal on the junior subordinated debt securities when due, including any payment on redemption, and this debt payment failure is continuing, a preferred securities holder of the trust may directly institute a proceeding for the

enforcement of this payment. Such a proceeding will be limited, however, to enforcing the payment of this principal or interest only up to the value of the aggregate liquidation amount of the holder’s preferred securities as determined after the due date specified in the applicable series of junior subordinated debt securities. RGA will be subrogated to the holder’s rights under the applicable amended and restated trust agreement to the extent of any payment it makes to the holder in connection with such a direct action, and RGA may setoff against any such payment that it makes under the applicable preferred securities guarantee.

      The descriptions of the preferred securities in this prospectus and any prospectus supplement are summaries of the material provisions of the applicable amended and restated trust agreement. These descriptions do not restate those agreements in their entirety. We urge you to read the applicable amended and restated trust agreement because it, and not the summaries, defines your rights as holders of the preferred securities. For more information, please review the form of the applicable agreements, which will be filed with the SEC promptly after the offering of preferred securities and will be available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 11.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES OF RGA

      Set forth below is a summary of information concerning the guarantees that will be executed and delivered by us for the benefit of the holders, from time to time, of preferred securities. Summaries of any other terms of any guarantee that are issued will be set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement. Each guarantee has been or will be qualified as an indenture under the Trust Indenture Act. Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, The Bank of New York will act as the preferred securities guarantee trustee. The terms of each guarantee will be set forth in the guarantee and will include the terms made part of the guarantee by the Trust Indenture Act and will be available as described under the heading “Where You Can Find More Information” on page 11. The following is a summary of the material terms of the guarantees. You should refer to the provisions of the form of guarantee, a copy of which has been or will be filed as an exhibit to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part, and the Trust Indenture Act. Each guarantee will be held by the preferred securities guarantee trustee for the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities of the applicable RGA trust.

      Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, we will agree, to the extent set forth in each guarantee, to pay in full to the holders of the preferred securities, the payments and distributions to be made with respect to the preferred securities, except to the extent paid by the applicable RGA trust, as and when due, regardless of any defense, right of set-off or counterclaim which the RGA trust may have or assert. The following payments or distributions with respect to the preferred securities, to the extent not paid by the RGA trust and to the extent that such RGA trust has funds available for these payments or distributions, will be subject to the guarantee:

      (i) the sum of the liquidation amount and all accrued and unpaid distributions on the preferred securities to the date of payment, or

      (ii) the amount of assets of the RGA trust remaining for distribution to holders of the preferred securities in liquidation of the RGA trust.

      We may satisfy our obligation to make a guarantee payment by making a direct payment of the required amounts to the holders of preferred securities or by causing the applicable RGA trust to pay the amounts to the holders.

      Each guarantee will not apply to any payment of distributions except to the extent the applicable RGA trust has funds available to make the payment. If we do not make interest or principal payments on the junior subordinated debt securities purchased by the RGA trust, the RGA trust will not pay distributions on the preferred securities issued by the RGA trust and will not have funds available to make the payments.

Covenants of RGA

      Unless otherwise specified in the applicable prospectus supplement, in each guarantee of the payment obligations of an RGA trust with respect to preferred securities, we will covenant that, so long as any preferred securities issued by the RGA trust remain outstanding, if there has occurred any event which would constitute an event of default under the guarantee or under the amended and restated trust agreement of the RGA trust, then we will not:

Modification of the Guarantees; Assignment

      Except for any changes that do not adversely affect the rights of holders of preferred securities, in which case no consent of the holders will be required, each guarantee of the payment obligations of an RGA trust with respect to preferred securities may be amended only with the prior approval of the holders of at least a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the outstanding preferred securities of the RGA trust. The manner of obtaining any approval of holders of the preferred securities will be set forth in an accompanying prospectus supplement. All guarantees and agreements contained in a guarantee of the obligations of an RGA trust with respect to preferred securities will bind the successors, assigns, receivers, trustees and representatives of RGA and will inure to the benefit of the holders of the preferred securities of the applicable RGA trust then outstanding.

Events of Default

      An event of default under a preferred securities guarantee will occur upon our failure to perform any of our payment or other obligations under the guarantee. The holders of a majority in aggregate liquidation amount of the preferred securities to which the preferred securities guarantee relates will have the right to direct the time, method and place of conducting any proceeding for any remedy available to the preferred securities guarantee trustee with respect to the guarantee or to direct the exercise of any trust or power conferred upon the preferred securities guarantee trustee under the guarantee.

      If we have failed to make a guarantee payment under a guarantee, a record holder of preferred securities to which the guarantee relates may directly institute a proceeding against us for enforcement of the guarantee for the payment to the record holder of the preferred securities to which the guarantee relates of the principal of or interest on the applicable subordinated debt securities on or after the respective due dates specified in the junior subordinated debt securities, and the amount of the payment will be based on the holder’s proportionate share of the amount due and owing on all of the preferred securities to which the guarantee relates. We have waived any right or remedy to require that any action be brought first against the applicable RGA trust or any other person or entity before proceeding directly against us. The record holder in the case of the issuance of one or more global preferred securities certificates will be The Depository Trust Company, or its nominee, acting at the direction of the beneficial owners of the preferred securities.

      We will be required to provide annually to the preferred securities guarantee trustee a statement as to the performance of our obligations under each outstanding preferred securities guarantee and as to any default in our performance.

Termination

      Each preferred securities guarantee will terminate as to the preferred securities issued by the applicable RGA trust:

      Each preferred securities guarantee will continue to be effective or will be reinstated, as the case may be, if at any time any holder of preferred securities issued by the applicable RGA trust must restore payment of any sums paid under the preferred securities or the preferred securities guarantee.

Status of the Guarantees

      The preferred securities guarantees will constitute our unsecured obligations and, unless otherwise indicated in an applicable prospectus supplement, will rank as follows:

      The terms of the preferred securities provide that each holder of preferred securities by acceptance of the preferred securities agrees to the subordination provisions and other terms of our guarantee relating to the preferred securities.

      Each preferred securities guarantee will constitute a guarantee of payment and not of collection. This means that the guaranteed party may institute a legal proceeding directly against us to enforce its rights under the guarantee without instituting a legal proceeding against any other person or entity.

Information Concerning the Preferred Securities Guarantee Trustee

      The preferred securities guarantee trustee, before the occurrence of a default under a preferred securities guarantee, undertakes to perform only the duties that are specifically set forth in the guarantee and, after a default under a guarantee, will exercise the same degree of care as a prudent individual would exercise in the conduct of his or her own affairs. Subject to this provision, the preferred securities guarantee trustee is under no obligation to exercise any of the powers vested in it by a preferred securities guarantee at the request of any holder of preferred securities to which the guarantee relates unless it is offered reasonable indemnity against the costs, expenses and liabilities that might be incurred by the preferred securities guarantee trustee in exercising any of its powers; but the foregoing shall not relieve the trustee, upon the occurrence of an event of default under such guarantee, from exercising the rights and powers vested in it by such guarantee.

Expense Agreement

      We will, pursuant to an agreement as to expenses and liabilities entered into by us and each RGA trust under its amended and restated trust agreement, irrevocably and unconditionally guarantee to each person or entity to whom the trust becomes indebted or liable, the full payment of any costs, expenses or liabilities of the trust, other than obligations of the trust to pay to the holders of the preferred securities or other similar interests in the trust the amounts due to the holders pursuant to the terms of the preferred securities or other similar interests, as the case may be. Third party creditors of the trust may proceed directly against us under the expense agreement, regardless of whether they had notice of the expense agreement.

Governing Law

      The preferred securities guarantees will be governed by and construed in accordance with the internal laws of the State of New York.

EFFECT OF OBLIGATIONS UNDER THE JUNIOR SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES AND THE PREFERRED SECURITIES GUARANTEES

      As set forth in the amended and restated trust agreements of each RGA trust, the sole purpose of the RGA trusts is to issue the preferred securities and common securities evidencing undivided beneficial interests in the assets of each of the trusts, and to invest the proceeds from such issuance and sale in RGA’s junior subordinated debt securities.

      As long as payments of interest and other payments are made when due on the junior subordinated debt securities held by the RGA trusts, such payments will be sufficient to cover distributions and payments due on the preferred securities and common securities because of the following factors:

      Payments of distributions, to the extent funds for such payments are available, and other payments due on the preferred securities, to the extent funds for such payments are available, are guaranteed by RGA as and to the extent set forth under “Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees of RGA.” If RGA does not make interest payments on the junior subordinated debt securities purchased by the applicable trust, it is expected that the applicable trust will not have sufficient funds to pay distributions on the preferred securities and the preferred securities guarantee will not apply, since the preferred securities guarantee covers the payment of distributions and other payments on the preferred securities only if and to the extent that RGA has made a payment of interest or principal on the junior subordinated debt securities held by the applicable trust as its sole asset. However, the preferred securities guarantee, when taken together with RGA’s obligations under the junior subordinated debt securities and the junior subordinated indenture and its obligations under the respective amended and restated trust agreements, including its obligations to pay costs, expenses, debts and liabilities of the trust, other than with respect to the preferred securities and common securities, provide a full and unconditional guarantee, on a subordinated basis, by RGA of amounts due on the preferred securities.

      If RGA fails to make interest or other payments on the junior subordinated debt securities when due, taking account of any extension period, the amended and restated trust agreement provides a mechanism whereby the holders of the preferred securities affected thereby, using the procedures described in any accompanying prospectus supplement, may direct the property trustee to enforce its rights under the junior subordinated debt securities. If a debt payment failure has occurred and is continuing, a holder of preferred securities may institute a direct action for payment after the respective due date specified in the junior subordinated debt securities. In connection with such direct action, RGA will be subrogated to the rights of such holder of preferred securities under the amended and restated trust agreement to the extent of any payment made by RGA to such holder of preferred securities in such direct action. RGA, under the guarantee, acknowledges that the guarantee trustee shall enforce the guarantee on behalf of the holders of the preferred securities. If RGA fails to make payments under the guarantee, the guarantee provides a mechanism whereby the holders of the preferred securities may direct the trustee to enforce its rights thereunder. Any holder of preferred securities may institute a legal proceeding directly against RGA to enforce the guarantee trustee’s rights under the guarantee without first instituting a legal proceeding against the trust, the guarantee trustee, or any other person or entity.

      RGA and each of the RGA trusts believe that the above mechanisms and obligations, taken together, provide a full and unconditional guarantee by RGA on a subordinated basis of payments due on the preferred securities. See “Description of the Preferred Securities Guarantees of RGA,” beginning on page 47.

      Upon any voluntary or involuntary termination, winding-up or liquidation of an RGA trust involving the liquidation of the junior subordinated debt securities, the holders of the preferred securities will be entitled to receive, out of assets held by such RGA trust, the liquidation distribution in cash. Upon our voluntary or involuntary liquidation or bankruptcy, the property trustee, as holder of the junior subordinated debt securities, would be a subordinated creditor of ours. Therefore, the property trustee would be subordinated in right of payment to all of our senior and subordinated debt, but is entitled to receive payment in full of principal and interest before any of our shareholders receive payments or distributions. Since we are the guarantor under the preferred securities guarantees and have agreed to pay for all costs, expenses and liabilities of the RGA trusts other than the obligations of the trusts to pay to holders of the preferred securities the amounts due to the holders pursuant to the terms of the preferred securities, the positions of a holder of the preferred securities and a holder of the junior subordinated debt securities relative to our other creditors and to our shareholders in the event of liquidation or bankruptcy are expected to be substantially the same.

SELLING SHAREHOLDERS

      The selling shareholders, and those persons or entities to whom they transfer, donate, devise, pledge or distribute their shares, or other successors in interest, may sell up to an aggregate of 32,243,539 shares of common stock from time to time under this prospectus. To the extent required, we will name any additional selling shareholders in a supplement to this prospectus. We are registering the shares of our common stock for resale by the selling shareholders to permit public secondary trading of the shares, and the selling shareholders may offer the shares for resale from time to time.

      The following table sets forth information relating to the selling shareholders’ beneficial ownership of our common stock. The amounts set forth below are based on information provided to us by representatives of the selling shareholders, or on our records, as of January 31, 2005, and are accurate to the best of our knowledge. These numbers do not reflect the impact of any prospective adjustments or limitations described in the foregoing paragraphs. It is possible that any of the selling shareholders may have acquired, sold, transferred or otherwise disposed of shares of our common stock in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, since the date on which it provided the information to us regarding the shares beneficially owned by it, in which case any affiliated transferee would be a “selling shareholder” entitled to use this prospectus. The percentage ownership data is based on 62,497,915 shares of our common stock issued and outstanding as of January 31, 2005.

      All expenses incurred with registering the shares of common stock owned by the selling shareholders, which will be described in the prospectus supplement for any such offering, will be borne by us pursuant to a registration rights agreement with MetLife. However, we will not be obligated to pay any underwriting fees, discounts or commissions in connection with the registration and sale by the selling shareholders.

OUR RELATIONSHIP WITH METLIFE

Ownership

      On January 6, 2000, MetLife acquired 100% of GenAmerica Financial Corporation (our predecessor parent), including its beneficial ownership of RGA shares, which was approximately 48% at December 31, 1999. This acquisition, together with direct investments in RGA in 1999, 2002 and 2003, made MetLife our majority shareholder with beneficial ownership of approximately 51.6% of all outstanding shares as of January 31, 2005. As of the date of this prospectus, three of our eight directors are senior officers of MetLife, including two of our directors who serve as executive officers of MetLife.

Announcement

      On January 31, 2005, in connection with the announcement of its agreement to acquire the Travelers Life & Annuity business, MetLife announced that it was considering disposing of some or all of the 32,243,539 shares of our common stock that it holds to finance a portion of the purchase price for the acquisition.

Related Party Transactions

      Registration Rights Agreement. On November 24, 2003, we, MetLife, Inc., Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, which we refer to as “MLIC,” General American and Equity Intermediary Company (now known as GenAmerica Financial, LLC) entered into a registration rights agreement. Under the terms of this agreement, until such time as MetLife (other than directors and officers of MetLife and certain fiduciary accounts) and their permitted transferees no longer own in excess of 5% of our outstanding shares of common stock, if we propose to register any of our securities under the Securities Act of 1933, for our own account or the account of any of our shareholders, then the MetLife parties (other than directors and officers of MetLife and certain fiduciary accounts), or their respective transferees, are entitled, subject to certain limitations and conditions, to notice of such registration and are entitled, subject to certain conditions and limitations, to include registrable shares therein, including shares currently owned by them and shares acquired by them in the future. The underwriters of any such offering have the right to limit the number of shares to be included in such registration and, to the extent that it does not exercise its “piggyback” rights in connection with a future public offering of our common stock, or of securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for such common stock, MetLife has agreed to enter into customary lock-up agreements for a period from the two days prior to and 180 days following the effective date of such registration, upon the reasonable request of the managing underwriters of such offering and subject to certain exceptions.

      In addition, until such time as MetLife and its permitted transferees no longer own 10% of our common stock and can sell all of their shares pursuant to an available exemption from registration, we may be required, at our expense, to prepare and file a registration statement under the Securities Act if we are requested to do so by MetLife within 30 days of such request. We are required to use our reasonable best efforts to cause such registration to become effective and to keep such registration statement effective until the shares included in such registration have been sold, subject to certain conditions and limitations. We may suspend a registration for up to 30 days once, or may request that MetLife suspend its sales under an effective shelf registration up to 30 days twice in any two-year period, under certain conditions. We have agreed not to sell any shares of our common stock, or any securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for our common stock, from the two days prior to and 180 days following the effective date of any such underwritten demand registration, subject to the discretion of the managing underwriter of such future offering. We are not obligated to effect more than six such demand registrations.

      Reinsurance Business. We have direct policies and reinsurance agreements with certain affiliates of MetLife, Inc. Under these agreements, we received net premiums of approximately $164.4 million in 2004, $157.9 million in 2003, and $172.8 million in 2002. The net premiums reflect the net business assumed from and ceded to such affiliates of MetLife, Inc. The pre-tax income on this business was approximately $36.5 million in 2004, $19.4 million in 2003, and $23.3 million in 2002.

      Administrative Services. General American and MetLife have historically provided RGA and our subsidiary, RGA Reinsurance, with certain limited administrative services, such as legal, corporate risk management and corporate travel services. The cost of these services was approximately $1.0 million in 2004, $1.0 million in 2003, and $1.2 million in 2002.

      Effective January 1, 1997, General American entered into an Administrative Services Agreement with RGA Reinsurance whereby General American provides services necessary to handle the policy and treaty administration functions for certain bank owned life insurance (BOLI) policies. RGA Reinsurance paid General American approximately $385,000 in 2004 and $400,000 in 2003. No payments were made under this agreement in 2002.

      Product License Agreement. RGA Reinsurance has a product license and service agreement with MetLife. Under this agreement, RGA has licensed the use of its electronic underwriting product to MetLife and provides Internet hosting services, installation and modification services for the product. Payments under this agreement from MetLife were approximately $3.5 million in 2004, $3.2 million in 2003 and $400,000 in 2002.

      Miscellaneous. On November 13, 2003, MetLife and certain of its affiliates completed the purchase of 3,000,000 shares of our common stock having a total purchase price of $109,950,000 in connection with an underwritten public offering of 12,075,000 shares of our common stock by us at a public offering price of $36.65 per share. We received gross proceeds of $427,575,000, net of underwriting discounts but excluding other offering expenses.

PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION

      We or any RGA trust may sell any of the securities being offered by this prospectus, and the selling shareholders may sell their shares of our common stock described in this prospectus, in any one or more of the following ways from time to time:

      The distribution of the securities may be effected from time to time in one or more transactions at a fixed price or prices, which may be changed, at market prices prevailing at the time of sale, at prices related to such prevailing market prices or at negotiated prices.

      We or the selling shareholders may engage in at the market offerings of our common stock. An at the market offering is an offering of our common stock at other than a fixed price to or through a market maker. Under Rule 415(a)(4) of the Securities Act, the total value of at the market offerings made under this prospectus may not exceed 10% of the aggregate market value of our common stock held by non-affiliates. Any underwriter that we or the selling shareholders engage for an at-the-market offering would be named in a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

      Agents designated by us, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders may solicit offers to purchase the securities from time to time. The prospectus supplement will name any such agent involved in the offer or sale of the securities and will set forth any commissions payable by us, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders to such agent. Unless otherwise indicated in such prospectus supplement, any such agent will be acting on a reasonable best efforts basis for the period of its appointment. Any such agent may be deemed to be an underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities Act, of the securities so offered and sold.

      If the securities are sold by means of an underwritten offering, we, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders will execute an underwriting agreement with an underwriter or underwriters at the time an agreement for such sale is reached. A prospectus supplement will be used by the underwriters to make resales of the securities to the public and will set forth the names of the specific managing underwriter or underwriters, as well as any other underwriters, and the terms of the transaction, including commissions, discounts and any other compensation of the underwriters and dealers, if any. If underwriters are utilized in the sale of the securities, the securities will be acquired by the underwriters for their own account and may be resold from time to time in one or more transactions, including negotiated transactions, at fixed public offering prices or at varying prices determined by the underwriter at the time of sale. The securities may be offered to the public either through underwriting syndicates represented by managing underwriters or directly by the managing underwriters. If any underwriter or underwriters are utilized in the sale of the securities, unless otherwise indicated in the prospectus supplement, the underwriting agreement will provide that the obligations of the underwriters are subject to certain conditions precedent and that the underwriters will be obligated to purchase all such securities if any are purchased. Any public offering price and any underwriting commissions or other items constituting underwriters’ compensation may be changed from time to time.

      If a dealer is utilized in the sale of the securities, we, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders will sell such securities to the dealer as principal. The dealer may then resell such securities to the public at varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale. Any such dealer may be deemed to be an underwriter, as such term is defined in the Securities Act, of the securities so offered and sold. The prospectus supplement will set forth the name of the dealer and the terms of the transaction, including any commissions, discounts or other compensation provided.

      We, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders may directly solicit offers to purchase the securities and may sell such securities directly to institutional investors or others, who may be deemed to be underwriters within the meaning of the Securities Act with respect to any resale thereof. The prospectus supplement will describe the terms of any such sales.

      We, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders may determine the price or other terms of the securities offered under this prospectus by use of an electronic auction. We will describe how any auction will determine the price or any other terms, how potential investors may participate in the auction and nature of the underwriters’ obligations in a post-effective amendment to the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part.

      Agents, underwriters and dealers may be entitled under relevant agreements with us, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders to indemnification by us, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act, or to any contribution with respect to payments which such agents, underwriters and dealers may be required to make.

      Each series of securities will be a new issue with no established trading market, other than the common stock which is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Any common stock sold pursuant to a prospectus supplement will be listed on such exchange, subject to official notice of issuance. We may elect to list any series of debt securities, preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, purchase contracts or units on an exchange, and the applicable RGA trust may elect to list any series of preferred securities on an exchange, but neither we nor the trusts will be obligated to do so. It is possible that one or more underwriters may make a market in a series of the securities, but will not be obligated to do so and may discontinue any market making at any time without notice. Therefore, we can give no assurance as to the liquidity of the trading market for the securities.

      Agents, underwriters and dealers may be customers of, engage in transactions with, or perform services for, us and our subsidiaries or an RGA trust in the ordinary course of business.

      We or the selling shareholders may enter into derivative or other hedging transactions with financial institutions. These financial institutions may in turn engage in sales of common stock to hedge their position, deliver this prospectus in connection with some or all of those sales and use the shares covered by this prospectus to close out any short position created in connection with those sales. We or the selling shareholders may also sell shares of common stock short using this prospectus and deliver common stock covered by this prospectus to close out such short positions, or loan or pledge common stock to financial institutions that in turn may sell the shares of common stock using this prospectus. We or the selling shareholders may pledge or grant a security interest in some or all of the common stock covered by this prospectus to support a derivative or hedging position or other obligations and, if we or the selling shareholders default in the performance of our obligations, the pledgees or secured parties may offer and sell the common stock from time to time pursuant to this prospectus. We, an RGA trust or the selling shareholders may enter into forward contracts or other transactions with another person, including, without limitation, a trust or other entity, which may in turn issue securities that are convertible or exchangeable from time to time into or for our common stock on a contingent or mandatory basis, in a public offering or private placement. In such case, the prospectus supplement would relate to our common stock issuable upon conversion of or exchange for those securities.

      Broker-dealers or agents may receive compensation in the form of commissions, discounts or concessions from the selling shareholders for their services. A broker-dealer engaged by the selling shareholders may allow other broker-dealers to participate in resales. The selling shareholders and any broker-dealers involved in the sale or resale of the shares may qualify as “underwriters” within the meaning of the Securities Act. In addition, the broker-dealers’ commissions, discounts or concessions may qualify as underwriters’ compensation under the Securities Act. The selling shareholders will be subject to the prospectus delivery requirements of the Securities Act.

      The securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the prospectus supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise, by one or more firms, which we refer to as “remarketing firms,” acting as principals for

their own accounts or as agents for us, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders. The prospectus supplement will identify any remarketing firm and will describe the terms of its agreement, if any, with us, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders and its compensation. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters, as such term is defined in the Securities Act, in connection with the securities remarketed thereby. Under agreements which may be entered into with us, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders, we, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders may be required to provide indemnification or contribution to remarketing firms against certain civil liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act. Remarketing firms may also be customers of, engage in transactions with or perform services for us and our subsidiaries, an RGA trust or the selling shareholders in the ordinary course of business.

      If so indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, we, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders may authorize agents, underwriters or dealers to solicit offers by certain institutions to purchase the securities from us, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders at the public offering prices set forth in the applicable prospectus supplement pursuant to delayed delivery contracts providing for payment and delivery on a specified date or dates. The applicable prospectus supplement will indicate the commission to be paid to underwriters, dealers and agents soliciting purchases of the securities pursuant to contracts accepted by us, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders.

      In connection with an offering of securities, underwriters may purchase and sell the securities in the open market. These transactions may include over-allotment, syndicate covering transactions and stabilizing transactions. An over-allotment involves syndicate sales of securities in excess of the number of securities to be purchased by the underwriters in the offering, which creates a syndicate short position. Syndicate covering transactions involve purchases of securities in the open market after the distribution has been completed in order to cover syndicate short positions. Stabilizing transactions consist of some bids or purchases of securities made for the purpose of preventing or slowing a decline in the market price of the securities while the offering is in progress. In addition, the underwriters may impose penalty bids. A penalty bid is an arrangement permitting the representatives to reclaim the selling concession otherwise accruing to an underwriter or syndicate member in connection with an offering if the securities originally sold by that underwriter or syndicate member is purchased in a syndicate covering transaction and has therefore not been effectively placed by that underwriter or syndicate member.

      Similar to other purchase transactions, these activities may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of the securities or preventing or slowing a decline in the market price of the securities. As a result, the price of the securities may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market. In addition, a penalty bid may discourage the immediate resale of securities sold in our offering or that of the RGA trusts or the selling shareholders. Neither we, the applicable RGA trust or the selling shareholders nor the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of the securities. In addition, neither we, the applicable RGA trust, the selling shareholders nor the underwriters make any representation that the underwriters will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

LEGAL MATTERS

      Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, James E. Sherman, Esq., Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary of RGA, will issue an opinion about the legality of the common stock issued by us and offered by the selling shareholders, as well as the preferred stock, depositary shares, warrants, purchase contracts and units of RGA under Missouri law, and Bryan Cave LLP, St. Louis, Missouri, will issue an opinion about the legality of the debt securities of RGA and the preferred securities guarantees of RGA. Mr. Sherman is paid a salary by RGA, is a participant in various employee benefit plans offered by RGA to employees of RGA generally and owns and has options to purchase shares of RGA common stock. Unless otherwise indicated in the applicable prospectus supplement, Richards, Layton &

Finger, P.A., our special Delaware counsel, will issue an opinion about the legality of the trust preferred securities.

EXPERTS

      The consolidated financial statements and the related financial statement schedules and management’s report on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting incorporated by reference in this prospectus have been audited by Deloitte & Touche LLP, an independent registered public accounting firm, as stated in their reports incorporated by reference herein (which reports (1) express an unqualified opinion on the consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules and include an explanatory paragraph referring to a change in accounting for certain non-traditional long duration contacts and separate accounts, and for embedded derivatives in certain insurance products, (2) express an unqualified opinion on management’s assessment regarding the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and (3) express an unqualified opinion on the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting), and have been so incorporated by reference in reliance upon the reports of such firm given upon their authority as experts in accounting and auditing.

PART II

INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS

      The following table sets forth the estimated expenses in connection with the issuance and distribution of the securities being registered, other than underwriting discounts and commissions:

      Section 351.355(1) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri provides that a corporation may indemnify a director, officer, employee or agent of the corporation in any action, suit or proceeding other than an action by or in the right of the corporation, against expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and settlement amounts actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with such action, suit or proceeding if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation and, with respect to any criminal action, had no reasonable cause to believe his conduct was unlawful. Section 351.355(2) provides that the corporation may indemnify any such person in any action or suit by or in the right of the corporation against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) and settlement amounts actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the defense or settlement of the action or suit if he acted in good faith and in a manner he reasonably believed to be in or not opposed to the best interests of the corporation, except that he may not be indemnified in respect of any matter in which he has been adjudged liable for negligence or misconduct in the performance of his duty to the corporation, unless authorized by the court. Section 351.355(3) provides that a corporation may indemnify any such person against expenses (including attorneys’ fees) actually and reasonably incurred by him in connection with the action, suit or proceeding if he has been successful in defense of such action, suit or proceeding and if such action, suit or proceeding is one for which the corporation may indemnify him under Section 351.355(1) or (2). Section 351.355(7) provides that a corporation shall have the power to give any further indemnity to any such person, in addition to the indemnity otherwise authorized under Section 351.355, provided such further indemnity is either (i) authorized, directed or provided for in the articles of incorporation of the corporation or any duly adopted amendment thereof or (ii) is authorized, directed or provided for in any by-law or agreement of the corporation which has been adopted by a vote of the stockholders of the corporation, provided that no such indemnity shall indemnify any person from or on account of such person’s conduct which was finally adjudged to have been knowingly fraudulent, deliberately dishonest or willful misconduct.

      The Restated Articles of Incorporation of RGA filed as Exhibit 3.1 to this Registration Statement contain provisions indemnifying its directors, officers, employees and agents to the extent authorized specifically by Sections 351.355(1), (2) (3) and (7). RGA has entered into indemnification contracts with the officers and directors of RGA. The contracts provide that RGA under certain circumstances may self-insure against directors’ and officers’ liabilities now insured under the policy of insurance referred to below and will provide indemnity to the fullest extent permitted by law against all expenses (including attorneys’ fees), judgments, fines and settlement amounts, paid or incurred in any action or proceeding, including any act on behalf of RGA, on account of their service as directors or officers of RGA, any subsidiary of RGA or any other company or enterprise when they are serving in such capacities at the request of RGA, excepting only cases

where the conduct of such person is adjudged to be knowingly fraudulent, deliberately dishonest or willful misconduct.

      Our articles of incorporation limit the liability of our directors to us or any of our shareholders for monetary damages for breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the fullest extent permitted under Missouri law.

      Directors or officers of RGA who are directors or officers of MetLife or its affiliates may also be entitled to indemnification pursuant to the charter documents of such companies or under the provisions of agreements with such companies providing indemnification to them since they serve as directors or officers of RGA at the request of MetLife or its affiliates, as the case may be. Such individuals may also be covered by directors’ and officers’ liability insurance policies of MetLife or its affiliates, as the case may be.

      The forms of Underwriting Agreement to be filed as Exhibits 1.1 to 1.6 to this Registration Statement will provide for the mutual indemnification of RGA and any Underwriters, their respective controlling persons, directors and certain of their officers, against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

      Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, an affiliate of MetLife, Inc. maintains a policy of insurance under which the directors and officers of RGA are insured, subject to the limits of the policy, against certain losses, as defined in the policy, arising from claims made against such directors and officers by reason of any wrongful acts, as defined in the policy, in their respective capacities as directors or officers.

      Under the amended and restated trust agreement of each trust, RGA will agree to indemnify each of the administrative trustees of such trust (or any predecessor trustee for such trust), and to hold harmless such administrative trustee against any loss, damage, claims, liability or expense incurred without negligence or bad faith on its part arising out of or in connection with the acceptance or administration of such trust agreement, including the costs and expenses of defending itself against any claim or liability in connection with the exercise or performance of any of its powers or duties under such trust agreement.

      Pursuant to a registration rights agreement, we and the selling shareholders have agreed to indemnify each other against, or to make contributions towards, certain liabilities and expenses arising out of or based upon the information contained in this prospectus and the related registration statement, including liabilities under the Securities Act.

      (a) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake:

      (b) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake that, for purposes of determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated’s annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an employee benefit plan’s annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in the registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement relating to the securities offered therein, and the offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.

      (c) Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the registrants pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, the registrants have been advised that in the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is against public policy as expressed in said Act and is, therefore, unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other than the payment by the registrants of expenses incurred or paid by a director, officer or controlling person of the registrants in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or controlling person in connection with the securities being registered, the registrants will, unless in the opinion of their respective counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such issue.

      (d) If the securities registered are to be offered at competitive bidding, the undersigned registrants hereby undertake: (1) to use their respective best efforts to distribute prior to the opening of bids, to prospective bidders, underwriters, and dealers, a reasonable number of copies of a prospectus which at that time meets the requirements of Section 10(a) of the Act, and relating to the securities offered at competitive bidding, as contained in the registration statement, together with any supplements thereto, and (2) to file an amendment to the registration statement reflecting the results of bidding, the terms of the reoffering and related matters to the extent required by the applicable form, not later than the first use, authorized by the issuer after the opening of bids, of a prospectus relating to the securities offered at competitive bidding, unless no further public offering of such securities by the issuer and no reoffering of such securities by the purchasers is proposed to be made.

      (e) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake:

      (f) The undersigned registrants hereby undertake to file an application for the purpose of determining the eligibility of the trustee under subsection (a) of Section 310 of the Trust Indenture Act (the “Act”) in accordance with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Commission under Section 305(b)(2) of the Act.

SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Reinsurance Group of America, Incorporated certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 7, 2005.

POWER OF ATTORNEY

      KNOW ALL PERSONS BY THESE PRESENTS, that each person whose signature appears below hereby constitutes and appoints Jack B. Lay and James E. Sherman, and each of them (with full power of each to act alone), severally, as his or her true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of substitution and resubstitution, for him and her and to execute in his or her name, place and stead (individually and in any capacity stated below) any and all amendments to this registration statement (including post-effective amendments), and any additional registration statement filed pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act of 1933, for the same offering contemplated by this registration statement, and all documents and instruments necessary or advisable in connection therewith, and to file the same, with exhibits thereto and other documents in connection therewith, with the Securities and Exchange Commission (or any other governmental authority), each of said attorneys-in-fact and agents to have power to act with or without the others and to have full power and authority to do and to be done in the premises as fully and to all intents and purposes as any of the undersigned might or could do in person, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and agents and/or any of them, or their substitute or substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to be done by virtue hereof.

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this report has been signed by the following persons on behalf of the registrant in the capacities indicated and on the dates indicated:

SIGNATURES

      Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, RGA Capital Trust III and RGA Capital Trust IV certify that they have reasonable grounds to believe that they meet all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and have duly caused this Registration Statement to be signed on their behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, in St. Louis, Missouri, on March 7, 2005.

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