In previous work, the current authors derived a mathematical expression for the optimal (or "saturation") number of reinsurers for a given number of primary insurers (see Powers and Shubik, 2001). In the current paper, we show analytically that, for large numbers of primary insurers, this mathematical expression provides a "square-root rule"; i.e., the optimal number of reinsurers in a market is given asymptotically by the square root of the total number of primary insurers. We note further that an analogous “fourth-root rule” applies to markets for retrocession (the reinsurance of reinsurance).
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Find related papers by JEL classification: C72 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Game Theory and Bargaining Theory - - - Noncooperative Games G22 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Insurance; Insurance Companies
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