HAMILTON, Bermuda--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alterra Capital Holdings Limited ("Alterra") (NASDAQ: ALTE; BSX: ALTE.BH) announced today that the State of New York Insurance Department has approved Alterra Bermuda Limited (“Alterra Bermuda”) as an eligible reinsurer for reduced collateral status, which allows lower collateral requirements for non-domestic reinsurers that are highly rated and financially secure. Alterra Bermuda will now be able to post collateral for 20 percent of property and casualty reinsurance loss reserves in New York rather than the 100 percent required by most non-US reinsurers. New York is currently among a small group of states within the US to adopt this rule, which effectively lowers the barriers of entry into the market for non-US reinsurers. Alterra Bermuda was previously approved as an eligible reinsurer for reduced collateral status by the State of Florida.
The New York Insurance Department reviews reinsurers for approval after companies undergo a selective application process requiring them to have capital and surplus of at least $250 million, proof of financial strength by at least two nationally recognized rating organizations, and evidence of continued financial soundness and stability.
About Alterra Capital Holdings Limited
Alterra Capital Holdings Limited is a global enterprise dedicated to providing diversified specialty insurance and reinsurance products to corporations, public entities, and property and casualty insurers.