Breaking Through to the Dutch Market After Three Failed Attempts

The Challenge

An MGA's European expansion was blocked by regulatory constraints preventing direct underwriting in the Netherlands. Three previous attempts by the MGA to secure reinsurer support had failed due to perceived risk exposure, threatening the group's growth strategy.

What Was Done

A bespoke reinsurance structure was engineered that turned regulatory barriers into competitive advantages:

- 20% quota share retention negotiated with the fronting carrier (versus industry-standard 5%), strengthening the risk profile for reinsurers

- Quota share and excess of loss layers redesigned to address specific reinsurer concerns

- Critical reinsurer buy-in secured after persistent rejections by previous advisors

- Capital efficiency optimised by leveraging the carrier's existing reinsurance license

The Outcome

Immediate underwriting capability in the Netherlands with strengthened reinsurance terms and diversified reinsurer backing. The structure unlocked material capacity and established a scalable platform for further EU market expansion.