10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549 

__________________________

FORM 10-Q

__________________________

(Mark One)

x	QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the quarterly period ended March 31, 2017

or

¨	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
	For the transition period from         to

Commission file number 001-33493

____________________________________________________________________________________

GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

____________________________________________________________________________________

CAYMAN ISLANDS	N/A
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. employer identification no.)
65 MARKET STREET SUITE 1207, CAMANA BAY P.O. BOX 31110 GRAND CAYMAN CAYMAN ISLANDS	KY1-1205
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip code)

(345) 943-4573

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Not Applicable

(Former name, former address and former fiscal year, if changed since last report) 

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant: (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days. 

Yes xNo ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files). 

Yes xNo ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, smaller reporting company, or an emerging growth company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” “smaller reporting company,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act. (Check one): 

Large accelerated filer xAccelerated filer ¨ Non-accelerated filer ¨ (Do not check if a smaller reporting company)            Smaller reporting company ¨ Emerging growth company ¨

If an emerging growth company, indicate by check mark if registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act. ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act) 

Yes ¨ No x

Class A Ordinary Shares, $0.10 par value	31,183,763
Class B Ordinary Shares, $0.10 par value	6,254,895
(Class)	Outstanding as of April 28, 2017

GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		Page
PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of March 31, 2017 (unaudited) and December 31, 2016	3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)	4
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 (unaudited)	6
	Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements (unaudited)	7
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	30
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures about Market Risk	49
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	52
PART II — OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1.	Legal Proceedings	53
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	53
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	53
Item 3.	Defaults Upon Senior Securities	53
Item 4.	Mine Safety Disclosures	53
Item 5.	Other Information	53
Item 6.	Exhibits	54
SIGNATURES		55

2

PART I — FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share and share amounts)

	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	(unaudited)		(audited)
Assets
Investments
Debt instruments, trading, at fair value	$	8,074	$	22,473
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	1,054,427		844,001
Other investments, at fair value	139,453		156,063
Total investments	1,201,954		1,022,537
Cash and cash equivalents	37,961		39,858
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	1,344,059		1,202,651
Financial contracts receivable, at fair value	38,255		76,381
Reinsurance balances receivable	268,447		219,126
Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable	2,582		2,704
Deferred acquisition costs, net	73,470		61,022
Unearned premiums ceded	3,155		2,377
Notes receivable, net	35,236		33,734
Other assets	3,717		4,303
Total assets	$	3,008,836	$	2,664,693
Liabilities and equity
Liabilities
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value	$	867,709	$	859,902
Financial contracts payable, at fair value	3,215		2,237
Due to prime brokers	558,798		319,830
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	340,030		306,641
Unearned premium reserves	265,268		222,527
Reinsurance balances payable	52,249		41,415
Funds withheld	5,576		5,927
Other liabilities	13,639		14,527
Performance compensation payable to related party	1,189		—
Total liabilities	2,107,673		1,773,006
Equity
Preferred share capital (par value $0.10; authorized, 50,000,000; none issued)	—		—
Ordinary share capital (Class A: par value $0.10; authorized, 100,000,000; issued and outstanding, 31,183,763 (2016: 31,111,432): Class B: par value $0.10; authorized, 25,000,000; issued and outstanding, 6,254,895 (2016: 6,254,895))	3,744		3,737
Additional paid-in capital	501,180		500,337
Retained earnings	378,542		370,168
Shareholders’ equity attributable to shareholders	883,466		874,242
Non-controlling interest in joint venture	17,697		17,445
Total equity	901,163		891,687
Total liabilities and equity	$	3,008,836	$	2,664,693

  The accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an

integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(UNAUDITED)

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars, except per share and share amounts)

	Three months ended March 31
	2017			2016
Revenues
Gross premiums written	$	197,214		$	166,792
Gross premiums ceded	(3,426		)	(2,107		)
Net premiums written	193,788			164,685
Change in net unearned premium reserves	(41,886		)	(26,573		)
Net premiums earned	151,902			138,112
Net investment income (loss)	11,618			28,435
Other income (expense), net	(7		)	(271		)
Total revenues	163,513			166,276
Expenses
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net	104,812			90,668
Acquisition costs, net	43,211			38,963
General and administrative expenses	6,743			6,999
Total expenses	154,766			136,630
Income (loss) before income tax	8,747			29,646
Income tax expense	(121		)	(204		)
Net income (loss) including non-controlling interest	8,626			29,442
Loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest in joint venture	(252		)	(773		)
Net income (loss)	$	8,374		$	28,669
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic	$	0.22		$	0.77
Diluted	$	0.22		$	0.77
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the determination of earnings and loss per share
Basic	37,341,338			37,107,039
Diluted	37,376,649			37,422,921

The accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an

integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

4

GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY

(UNAUDITED)

For thethree months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

	Ordinary share capital		Additional paid-in capital		Retained earnings		Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders		Non-controlling interest in joint venture		Total equity
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	3,703	$	496,401	$	325,287	$	825,391	$	23,382	$	848,773
Issue of Class A ordinary shares, net of forfeitures	20		—		—		20		—		20
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	—		740		—		740		—		740
Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in joint venture	—		—		—		—		773		773
Net income (loss)	—		—		28,669		28,669		—		28,669
Balance at March 31, 2016	$	3,723	$	497,141	$	353,956	$	854,820	$	24,155	$	878,975
Balance at December 31, 2016	$	3,737	$	500,337	$	370,168	$	874,242	$	17,445	$	891,687
Issue of Class A ordinary shares, net of forfeitures	7		—		—		7		—		7
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	—		843		—		843		—		843
Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in joint venture	—		—		—		—		252		252
Net income (loss)	—		—		8,374		8,374		—		8,374
Balance at March 31, 2017	$	3,744	$	501,180	$	378,542	$	883,466	$	17,697	$	901,163

The accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an

integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

5

GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD.

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(UNAUDITED)

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

(expressed in thousands of U.S. dollars)

	Three months ended March 31
	2017			2016
Cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Net income (loss)	$	8,374		$	28,669
Adjustments to reconcile net income or loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments and financial contracts	23,378			(78,700		)
Net realized (gains) losses on investments and financial contracts	(48,967		)	38,611
Foreign exchange (gains) losses on cash and investments	6,480			5,057
Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in joint venture	252			773
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	850			760
Depreciation expense	92			102
Net change in
Reinsurance balances receivable	(49,321		)	(58,922		)
Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable	122			(180		)
Deferred acquisition costs, net	(12,448		)	(8,361		)
Unearned premiums ceded	(778		)	446
Other assets	494			(427		)
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	33,389			35,135
Unearned premium reserves	42,741			25,965
Reinsurance balances payable	10,834			1,378
Funds withheld	(351		)	(107		)
Other liabilities	(888		)	(579		)
Performance compensation payable to related party	1,189			3,081
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	15,442			(7,299		)
Investing activities
Purchases of investments, trading	(365,970		)	(423,065		)
Sales of investments, trading	239,048			308,059
Payments for financial contracts	(10,538		)	(29,976		)
Proceeds from financial contracts	47,295			9,123
Securities sold, not yet purchased	323,273			290,478
Dispositions of securities sold, not yet purchased	(345,313		)	(276,369		)
Change in due to prime brokers	238,968			148,028
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents, net	(143,135		)	76,329
Change in notes receivable, net	(1,502		)	(10,391		)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(17,874		)	92,216
Financing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	—			—
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	535			(945		)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,897		)	83,972
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	39,858			112,162
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	$	37,961		$	196,134
Supplementary information
Interest paid in cash	$	1,883		$	2,576
Income tax paid in cash	—			—

The accompanying Notes to the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements are an

integral part of the Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements. 

6

GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD.

NOTES TO THE CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(UNAUDITED)

March 31, 2017

1.   ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. (“GLRE”) was incorporated as an exempted company under the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands on July 13, 2004. GLRE’s principal wholly-owned subsidiary, Greenlight Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Greenlight Re”), provides global specialty property and casualty reinsurance. Greenlight Re has a Class D insurer license issued in accordance with the terms of The Insurance Law, 2010 and underlying regulations thereto (the “Law”) and is subject to regulation by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (“CIMA”), in terms of the Law. Greenlight Re commenced underwriting in April 2006. During 2008, Verdant Holding Company, Ltd. (“Verdant”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of GLRE, was incorporated in the state of Delaware. During 2010, GLRE established Greenlight Reinsurance Ireland, Designated Activity Company (“GRIL”), a wholly-owned reinsurance subsidiary based in Dublin, Ireland. GRIL is authorized as a non-life reinsurance undertaking in accordance with the provisions of the European Union (Insurance and Reinsurance) Regulations 2015 (“Irish Regulations”). GRIL provides multi-line property and casualty reinsurance capacity to the European broker market and provides GLRE with an additional platform to serve clients located in Europe and North America.  As used herein, the “Company” refers collectively to GLRE and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The Class A ordinary shares of GLRE are listed on Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “GLRE”.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. In the opinion of management, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all of the normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations as of the dates and for the periods presented.

The results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full calendar year.

Reclassifications

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company revised its classification of the lines of business presented in Note 10 of the condensed consolidated financial statements. As a result the gross written premiums relating to certain lines of business previously reported for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassification resulted in no changes to net income (loss) or retained earnings for any of the periods presented.

2.   SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. 

7

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company is required to maintain certain cash in segregated accounts with prime brokers and derivative counterparties. The amount of restricted cash held by prime brokers is primarily used to support the liability created from securities sold, not yet purchased and derivatives. Additionally, restricted cash and cash equivalent balances are held to collateralize regulatory trusts and letters of credit issued to cedents (see Notes 4 and 9). The amount of cash encumbered varies depending on the market value of the securities sold, not yet purchased, and the collateral required by the cedents in the form of trust accounts and letters of credit. In addition, derivative counterparties require cash collateral to support the current value of any amounts that may be due to the counterparty based on the value of the underlying financial instrument.

Premium Revenue Recognition 

The Company accounts for reinsurance contracts in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In the event that a reinsurance contract does not transfer sufficient risk, deposit accounting is used and the contract is reported as a deposit liability. 

The Company writes excess of loss contracts as well as quota share contracts. The Company estimates the ultimate premiums for the entire contract period. These estimates are based on information received from the ceding companies and estimates from actuarial pricing models used by the Company. For excess of loss contracts, the total ultimate estimated premiums are recorded as premiums written at the inception of the contract. For quota share contracts, the premiums are recorded as written based on cession statements from cedents which typically are received monthly or quarterly depending on the terms specified in each contract. For any reporting lag, premiums written are estimated based on the portion of the ultimate estimated premiums relating to the risks underwritten during the lag period. 

Premium estimates are reviewed by management at least quarterly. Such review includes a comparison of actual reported premiums to expected ultimate premiums along with a review of the aging and collection of premium estimates. Based on management’s review, the appropriateness of the premium estimates is evaluated, and any adjustments to these estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Changes in premium estimates, including premium receivable on both excess of loss and quota share contracts, are expected and may result in significant adjustments in any period. A significant portion of amounts included in reinsurance balances receivable represent estimated premiums written, net of commissions and brokerage, and are not currently due based on the terms of the underlying contracts.

Certain contracts allow for reinstatement premiums in the event of a full limit loss prior to the expiry of a contract. A reinstatement premium is not due until there is a full limit loss event and therefore, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company records a reinstatement premium as written only in the event that a client incurs a full limit loss on the contract and the contract allows for a reinstatement of coverage upon payment of an additional premium. For catastrophe contracts which contractually require the payment of a reinstatement premium equal to or greater than the original premium upon the occurrence of a full limit loss, the reinstatement premiums are earned over the original contract period. Reinstatement premiums that are contractually calculated on a pro-rata basis of the original premiums, are earned over the remaining coverage period. For additional premiums which are due on a contract that has no remaining coverage period, the additional premiums are earned in full when due.

Certain contracts may provide for a penalty to be paid if the contract is terminated and canceled prior to its expiration term. Cancellation penalties are recognized in the period the notice of cancellation is received and are recorded in the consolidated statements of income under “other income (expense), net”.

Premiums written are generally recognized as earned over the contract period in proportion to the period of risk covered. Unearned premiums consist of the unexpired portion of reinsurance provided.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs, such as commission and brokerage costs, relate directly to, and vary with, the writing of reinsurance contracts. Acquisition costs relating solely to bound contracts are deferred subject to ultimate recoverability and are amortized over the related contract term. The Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs by determining if the sum of future earned premiums and anticipated investment income is greater than the expected future claims and expenses. If a loss is probable on the unexpired portion of policies in force, a premium deficiency loss is recognized. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the deferred acquisition costs were considered fully recoverable and no premium deficiency loss was recorded. 

8

Acquisition costs also include profit commissions which are expensed when incurred. Profit commissions are calculated and accrued based on the expected loss experience for contracts and recorded when the current loss estimate indicates that a profit commission is probable under the contract terms. As of March 31, 2017, $17.9 million (December 31, 2016: $15.2 million) of profit commission reserves were included in reinsurance balances payable on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, $2.7 million (2016: $1.1 million) of net profit commission expense was included in acquisition costs in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves and Recoverable

The Company establishes reserves for contracts based on estimates of the ultimate cost of all losses including losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). These estimated ultimate reserves are based on the Company’s own actuarial estimates derived from reports received from ceding companies, industry data and historical experience. These estimates are reviewed by the Company periodically on a contract by contract basis and adjusted as necessary. Since reserves are estimates, the final settlement of losses may vary from the reserves established and any adjustments to the estimates, which may be material, are recorded in the period they are determined.

Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable include the amounts due from retrocessionaires for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses on retrocession agreements. Ceded losses incurred but not reported are estimated based on the Company’s actuarial estimates. These estimates are reviewed periodically and adjusted when deemed necessary. The Company may not be able to ultimately recover the loss and loss adjustment expense recoverable amounts due to the retrocessionaires’ inability to pay. The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its retrocessionaires and records provisions for uncollectible reinsurance expenses recoverable when recovery is no longer probable.

Consideration paid by the Company for retroactive reinsurance that meets the conditions for reinsurance accounting (e.g. loss portfolio transfers) are reported as loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable to the extent those amounts do not exceed the associated liabilities. If the amounts paid for retroactive reinsurance exceed the liabilities, the Company increases the related liabilities, at the time the reinsurance contract is effective, and the excess is charged to net income as losses incurred. If the liabilities exceed the amounts paid, the recoverable balance is increased to reflect the difference, and the resulting gain is deferred and amortized over the estimated loss payout period. Changes in the estimated amount of liabilities relating to the underlying reinsured contracts are recognized in net income in the period of the change.

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable include promissory notes receivable from third party entities. These notes are recorded at cost along with accrued interest, if any, which approximates the fair value. Interest income and realized gains or losses on sale of notes receivable are included under net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The Company regularly reviews all notes receivable individually for impairment and records valuation allowance provisions for uncollectible and non-performing notes. The Company places notes on non-accrual status when the recorded value of the note is not considered impaired but there is uncertainty as to the collection of interest in accordance with the terms of the note. For notes receivable placed on non-accrual status, the notes are recorded excluding any accrued interest amount. The Company resumes accrual of interest on a note when none of the principal or interest remains past due, and the Company expects to collect the remaining contractual principal and interest. Interest collected on notes that are placed on non-accrual status is treated on a cash-basis and recorded as interest income when collected, provided that the recorded value of the note is deemed to be fully collectible. Where doubt exists as to the collectability of the remaining recorded value of the notes placed on non-accrual status, any payments received are applied to reduce the recorded value of the notes.

At March 31, 2017, $17.4 million of notes receivable (net of any valuation allowance) were on non-accrual status

(December 31, 2016: $18.6 million) and any payments received were applied to reduce the recorded value of the notes.

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there was no accrued interest included in the notes receivable balance. Based on management’s assessment, the recorded values of the notes receivable, net of valuation allowance, at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were expected to be fully collectible.

9

Financial Instruments

Investments in Securities and Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

The Company’s investments in debt instruments and equity securities that are classified as “trading securities” are carried at fair value. The fair values of the listed equity investments are derived based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs). The fair values of listed equities that have restrictions on sale or transfer which expire within one year, are determined by adjusting the observed market price of the equity using a liquidity discount based on observable market inputs. The fair values of debt instruments are derived based on inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as market maker or broker quotes reflecting recent transactions (Level 2 inputs), and are generally derived based on the average of multiple market maker or broker quotes which are considered to be binding. Where quotes are not available, debt instruments are valued using cash flow models using assumptions and estimates that may be subjective and non-observable (Level 3 inputs).

The Company’s “other investments” may include investments in private and unlisted equity securities, limited partnerships and commodities, which are all carried at fair value. The fair values of commodities are determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1). The Company maximizes the use of observable direct or indirect inputs (Level 2 inputs) when deriving the fair values for “other investments”. For limited partnerships and private and unlisted equity securities, where observable inputs are not available, the fair values are derived based on unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs) such as management’s assumptions developed from available information using the services of the investment advisor, including the most recent net asset values obtained from the managers of those underlying investments. For certain private equity fund investments the Company has elected to measure the fair value using the net asset value practical expedient allowed under U.S. GAAP, and accordingly these investments are not classified as Level 1, 2 or 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

For securities classified as “trading securities” and “other investments”, any realized and unrealized gains or losses are determined on the basis of the specific identification method (by reference to cost or amortized cost, as appropriate) and included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Dividend income and expense are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The ex-dividend date is the date as of when the underlying security must have been traded to be eligible for the dividend declared. Interest income and interest expense are recorded on an accrual basis.

Derivative Financial Instruments

U.S. GAAP requires that an entity recognize all derivatives in the balance sheet at fair value. It also requires that unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value be included in income or comprehensive income, depending on whether the instrument qualifies as a hedge transaction, and if so, the type of hedge transaction. The Company’s derivative financial instrument assets are included in financial contracts receivable. Derivative financial instrument liabilities are included in financial contracts payable. The Company’s derivatives generally do not qualify as hedges for financial reporting purposes and are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis and not offset against any collateral pledged or received. Pursuant to the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) master agreements, securities lending agreements and other agreements, the Company and its counterparties typically have the ability to net certain payments owed to each other in specified circumstances. In addition, in the event a party to one of the ISDA master agreements, securities lending agreements or other agreements defaults, or a transaction is otherwise subject to termination, the non-defaulting party generally has the right to set off outstanding balances due from the defaulting party against payments owed to the defaulting party or collateral held by the non-defaulting party. The Company may from time to time enter into underwriting contracts such as industry loss warranty contracts (“ILW”) that are treated as derivatives for U.S GAAP purposes.

Financial Contracts

The Company enters into financial contracts with counterparties as part of its investment strategy. Financial contracts, which include total return swaps, credit default swaps (“CDS”), futures, options, currency forwards and other derivative instruments, are recorded at their fair value with any unrealized gains and losses included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Financial contracts receivable represents derivative contracts whereby, based upon the contract’s current fair value, the Company will be entitled to receive payments upon settlement of the contract. Financial contracts payable represents derivative contracts whereby, based upon each contract’s current fair value, the Company will be obligated to make payments upon settlement of the contract.

10

Total return swap agreements, included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as financial contracts receivable and financial contracts payable, are derivative financial instruments whereby the Company is either entitled to receive or obligated to pay the product of a notional amount multiplied by the movement in an underlying security, which the Company may not own, over a specified time frame. In addition, the Company may also be obligated to pay or receive other payments based on interest rates, dividend payments and receipts, or foreign exchange movements during a specified period. The Company measures its rights or obligations to the counterparty based on the fair value movements of the underlying security together with any other payments due. These contracts are carried at fair value, based on observable inputs (Level 2 inputs) with the resultant unrealized gains and losses reflected in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Additionally, any changes in the value of amounts received or paid on swap contracts are reported as a gain or loss in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Financial contracts may also include exchange traded futures or options contracts that are based on the movement of a particular index, equity security, commodity, currency or interest rate. Where such contracts are traded in an active market, the Company’s obligations or rights on these contracts are recorded at fair value based on the observable quoted prices of the same or similar financial contracts in an active market (Level 1) or on broker quotes which reflect market information based on actual transactions (Level 2). Amounts invested in exchange traded options and over the counter (“OTC”) options are recorded either as an asset or liability at inception. Subsequent to initial recognition, unexpired exchange traded option contracts are recorded at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets (Level 1). For OTC options or exchange traded options where a quoted price in an active market is not available, fair values are derived based upon observable inputs (Level 2) such as multiple quotes from brokers and market makers, which are considered to be binding.

The Company may purchase and sell CDS for strategic investment purposes. A CDS is a derivative instrument that provides protection against an investment loss due to specified credit or default events of a reference entity. The seller of a CDS guarantees to pay the buyer a specified amount if the reference entity defaults on its obligations or fails to perform. The buyer of a CDS pays a premium over time to the seller in exchange for obtaining this protection. A CDS trading in an active market is valued at fair value based on broker or market maker quotes for identical instruments in an active market (Level 2) or based on the current credit spreads on identical contracts (Level 2).

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company has no comprehensive income or loss, other than the net income or loss disclosed in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of restricted stock units (“RSU”) and additional potential common shares issuable when stock options are exercised and are determined using the treasury stock method. The Company treats its unvested restricted stock as participating securities in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires that unvested stock awards which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid (referred to as “participating securities”), be included in the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. In the event of a net loss, all RSUs, stock options outstanding and participating securities are excluded from the calculation of both basic and diluted loss per share since their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

	Three months ended March 31
	2017	2016
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	37,341,338	37,107,039
Effect of dilutive employee and director share-based awards	35,311	315,882
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	37,376,649	37,422,921
Anti-dilutive stock options outstanding	335,991	485,991

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Taxation

Under current Cayman Islands law, no corporate entity, including GLRE and Greenlight Re, is obligated to pay taxes in the Cayman Islands on either income or capital gains. The Company has an undertaking from the Governor-in-Cabinet of the Cayman Islands, pursuant to the provisions of the Tax Concessions Law, as amended, that, in the event that the Cayman Islands enacts any legislation that imposes tax on profits, income, gains or appreciations, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, such tax will not be applicable to GLRE, Greenlight Re nor their respective operations, or to the Class A or Class B ordinary shares or related obligations, until February 1, 2025.

Verdant is incorporated in Delaware and therefore is subject to taxes in accordance with the U.S. federal rates and regulations prescribed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Verdant’s taxable income is generally expected to be taxed at a rate of 35%.

GRIL is incorporated in Ireland and therefore is subject to the Irish corporation tax rate of 12.5% on its trading income, and 25% on its non-trading income, if any.

Any deferred tax asset is evaluated for recovery and a valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized in the future. The Company has not taken any income tax positions that are subject to significant uncertainty or that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, “Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts” (“ASU 2015-09”). ASU 2015-09 requires additional disclosures for short-duration contracts including incurred and paid claims development information, claims duration information, quantitative claims frequency information (unless impracticable), and an explanation of significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. ASU 2015-09 is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2015-09 during 2016 and disclosed the additional information in its condensed consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. The Company has implemented the interim disclosures commencing from the first quarter of 2017. Please refer to Note 5 “Loss and Loss Adjustments Expense Reserves” for the interim disclosures relating to ASU 2015-09.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). The new guidance is intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01, among other things, requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income or loss, requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes and requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset. ASU 2016-01 affects public and private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities. The new guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s net income or loss or retained earnings since the Company’s investments are currently classified as “trading” and the unrealized gains and losses are already recognized in net income or loss.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for any organization in any interim or annual period. The Company currently has two operating leases for its office spaces as disclosed in Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and anticipates implementing ASU 2016-02 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019.

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In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 is intended to improve the accounting for employee share-based payments and affects all organizations that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions are simplified, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any organization in any interim or annual period. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and the adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurements of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 amends the guidance on reporting credits losses and affects loans, debt securities, trade receivables, reinsurance recoverables and other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive cash. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any organization for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the requirements of ASU 2016-13 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and anticipates implementing ASU 2016-13 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statements of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash (Topic 230)” (“ASU 2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 requires restricted cash and cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows and disclose the nature of the restrictions on cash and cash equivalents. ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company currently presents changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents under investing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-18, the Company will amend the presentation in the statement of cash flows to include the restricted cash and cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows and will retrospectively reclassify all periods presented.

3.         FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In the normal course of its business, the Company purchases and sells various financial instruments, which include listed and unlisted equities, corporate and sovereign debt, commodities, futures, put and call options, currency forwards, other derivatives and similar instruments sold, not yet purchased.

 Fair Value Hierarchy

The Company’s financial instruments are carried at fair value, and the net unrealized gains or losses are included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

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The following table presents the Company’s investments, categorized by the level of the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2017:

	Fair value measurements as of March 31, 2017
Description	Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)			Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)			Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)		Total
	($ in thousands)
Assets:
Debt instruments	$	—		$	7,370		$	704	$	8,074
Listed equity securities	1,035,992			18,435			—		1,054,427
Commodities	118,929			—			—		118,929
Private and unlisted equity securities	—			—			6,076		6,076
	$	1,154,921		$	25,805		$	6,780	$	1,187,506
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)									14,448
Total investments									$	1,201,954
Financial contracts receivable	$	20		$	38,235		$	—	$	38,255
Liabilities:
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased	$	(782,046	)	$	—		$	—	$	(782,046	)
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased	—			(85,663		)	—		(85,663		)
Total securities sold, not yet purchased	$	(782,046	)	$	(85,663	)	$	—	$	(867,709	)
Financial contracts payable	$	(20	)	$	(3,195	)	$	—	$	(3,215	)

⁽¹⁾ Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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The following table presents the Company’s investments, categorized by the level of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016:

	Fair value measurements as of December 31, 2016
Description	Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)			Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)			Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)		Total
	($ in thousands)
Assets:
Debt instruments	$	—		$	21,819		$	654	$	22,473
Listed equity securities	823,421			20,580			—		844,001
Commodities	137,296			—			—		137,296
Private and unlisted equity securities	—			—			6,109		6,109
	$	960,717		$	42,399		$	6,763	$	1,009,879
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)									12,658
Total investments									$	1,022,537
Financial contracts receivable	$	20		$	76,361		$	—	$	76,381
Liabilities:
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased	$	(770,267	)	$	—		$	—	$	(770,267	)
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased	—			(89,635		)	—		(89,635		)
Total securities sold, not yet purchased	$	(770,267	)	$	(89,635	)	$	—	$	(859,902	)
Financial contracts payable	$	—		$	(2,237	)	$	—	$	(2,237	)

⁽¹⁾ Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 The following table presents the reconciliation of the balances for all investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2017: 

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Three months ended March 31, 2017
	Debt instruments		Private and unlisted equity securities			Total
	($ in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	654	$	6,109		$	6,763
Purchases			1,750			1,750
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	50		(15		)	35
Transfers out of Level 3	—		(1,768		)	(1,768		)
Ending balance	$	704	$	6,076		$	6,780

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, $1.8 million of the private equity securities were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as these securities commenced trading on a listed exchange. However, due to lock-up period restrictions on those securities, they were classified as Level 2 upon transfer until the lock-up period expires. As of March 31, 2017, the fair value of these securities was based on the last traded price on an active market, adjusted for an estimated discount due to the lock-up restriction.

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There were no other transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

The following table presents the reconciliation of the balances for all investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2016:

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Three months ended March 31, 2016
	Debt instruments			Private and unlisted equity securities			Total
	($ in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	505		$	8,452		$	8,957
Sales	—			(2,539		)	(2,539		)
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	(9		)	18			9
Ending balance	$	496		$	5,931		$	6,427

There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company held investments in private equity funds of $14.4 million (December 31, 2016: $12.7 million) with fair values measured using the unadjusted net asset values as reported by the managers of these funds as a practical expedient. Some of these net asset values were reported from periods prior to March 31, 2017. The private equity funds have varying lock-up periods and, as of March 31, 2017, all of the funds had redemption restrictions. The redemption restrictions have been in place since inception of the investments and are not expected to lapse in the near future. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had $8.0 million (December 31, 2016: $9.2 million) of unfunded commitments relating to private equity funds whose fair values are determined based on unadjusted net asset values reported by the managers of these funds. These commitments are included in the amounts presented in the schedule of commitments and contingencies in Note 9 of these condensed consolidated financial statements.  

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, included in net investment income in the condensed consolidated statements of income were net realized losses relating to Level 3 securities of nil (2016: $1.4 million).

For Level 3 securities still held as of the reporting date, the change in net unrealized gain for the three months ended March 31, 2017 of nil (three months ended March 31, 2016: net unrealized losses of $1.4 million), were included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Investments

Debt instruments, trading

At March 31, 2017, the following investments were included in debt instruments:

	Cost/amortized cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair  value
	($ in thousands)
Corporate debt – U.S.	$	16,691	$	—	$	(8,663	)	$	8,028
Corporate debt – Non U.S.	2,109		—		(2,063		)	46
Total debt instruments	$	18,800	$	—	$	(10,726	)	$	8,074

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At December 31, 2016, the following investments were included in debt instruments:

	Cost/amortized cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair  value
	($ in thousands)
Corporate debt – U.S.	$	21,294	$	6,509	$	(5,331	)	$	22,472
Corporate debt – Non U.S.	2,109		—		(2,108		)	1
Total debt instruments	$	23,403	$	6,509	$	(7,439	)	$	22,473

The maturity distribution for debt instruments held at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Cost/  amortized  cost		Fair  value		Cost/  amortized  cost		Fair  value
	($ in thousands)
Within one year	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
From one to five years	15,083		6,732		17,803		19,492
From five to ten years	2,767		638		4,649		2,327
More than ten years	950		704		951		654
	$	18,800	$	8,074	$	23,403	$	22,473

Equity securities, trading

At March 31, 2017, the following long positions were included in equity securities, trading: 

	Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Equities – listed	$	936,773	$	152,340	$	(51,603	)	$	1,037,510
Exchange traded funds	15,056		1,861		—			16,917
Total equity securities	$	951,829	$	154,201	$	(51,603	)	$	1,054,427

At December 31, 2016, the following long positions were included in equity securities, trading:

	Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Equities – listed	$	753,813	$	115,379	$	(40,706	)	$	828,486
Exchange traded funds	15,056		459		—			15,515
Total equity securities	$	768,869	$	115,838	$	(40,706	)	$	844,001

Other Investments

“Other investments” include commodities and private and unlisted equity securities. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, all commodities were comprised of gold bullion. 

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At March 31, 2017, the following securities were included in other investments:

	Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses		Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Commodities	$	103,680	$	15,249	$	—	$	118,929
Private and unlisted equity securities	15,385		5,139		—		20,524
	$	119,065	$	20,388	$	—	$	139,453

At December 31, 2016, the following securities were included in other investments: 

	Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Commodities	$	130,671	$	6,625	$	—		$	137,296
Private and unlisted equity securities	14,418		4,375		(26		)	18,767
	$	145,089	$	11,000	$	(26	)	$	156,063

Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

Securities sold, not yet purchased, are securities that the Company has sold, but does not own, in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security. The Company’s risk is that the value of the security will increase rather than decline. Consequently, the settlement amount of the liability for securities sold, not yet purchased, may exceed the amount recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as the Company is obligated to purchase the securities sold, not yet purchased, in the market at prevailing prices to settle its obligations. To establish a position in a security sold, not yet purchased, the Company needs to borrow the security for delivery to the buyer. On each day the transaction is open, the liability for the obligation to replace the borrowed security is marked-to-market and an unrealized gain or loss is recorded. At the time the transaction is closed, the Company realizes a gain or loss equal to the difference between the price at which the security was sold and the cost of replacing the borrowed security. While the transaction is open, the Company will also incur an expense for any dividends or interest which will be paid to the lender of the securities.

At March 31, 2017, the following securities were included in investments in securities sold, not yet purchased:

	Proceeds			Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Equities – listed	$	(677,410	)	$	28,687	$	(133,323	)	$	(782,046	)
Sovereign debt – Non U.S.	(96,230		)	10,567		—			(85,663		)
	$	(773,640	)	$	39,254	$	(133,323	)	$	(867,709	)

At December 31, 2016, the following securities were included in investments in securities sold, not yet purchased: 

	Proceeds			Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Equities – listed	$	(690,270	)	$	30,768	$	(110,765	)	$	(770,267	)
Sovereign debt – Non U.S.	(96,230		)	6,595		—			(89,635		)
	$	(786,500	)	$	37,363	$	(110,765	)	$	(859,902	)

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Financial Contracts

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had entered into total return equity swaps, interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, options, warrants, rights, futures and forward contracts with various financial institutions to meet certain investment objectives. Under the terms of each of these financial contracts, the Company is either entitled to receive or is obligated to make payments, which are based on the product of a formula contained within each contract that includes the change in the fair value of the underlying or reference security.

At March 31, 2017, the fair values of financial contracts outstanding were as follows: 

Financial Contracts	Listing currency (1)	Notional amount of underlying instruments	Fair value of net assets (obligations) on financial contracts
		($ in thousands)
Financial contracts receivable
Call options	USD	201,215	$	15,530
Commodity Swaps	USD	58,762	5,902
Forwards	KRW	10,608	253
Interest rate swaps	JPY	21,525	324
Put options (2)	USD	51,543	1,435
Total return swaps – equities	EUR/KRW/GBP/RON/USD	298,894	14,777
Warrants and rights on listed equities	EUR/USD	67	34
Total financial contracts receivable, at fair value			$	38,255
Financial contracts payable
Commodity Swaps	USD	15,808	$	(97	)
Futures	USD	5,998	(20		)
Put options	USD	1,031	(153		)
Total return swaps – equities	EUR/USD/GBP	32,683	(2,945		)
Total financial contracts payable, at fair value			$	(3,215	)

⁽¹⁾ USD = US Dollar; EUR = Euro; GBP = British Pound; JPY = Japanese Yen; KRW = Korean Won; RON = Romanian New Leu.

⁽²⁾ Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.

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At December 31, 2016, the fair values of financial contracts outstanding were as follows: 

Financial Contracts	Listing currency (1)	Notional amount of underlying instruments	Fair value of net assets (obligations) on financial contracts
		($ in thousands)
Financial contracts receivable
Call options	USD	134,495	$	26,508
Commodity Swaps	USD	82,009	13,506
Interest rate swaps	JPY	20,490	218
Put options (2)	USD	115,481	6,703
Total return swaps – equities	EUR/GBP/USD	100,199	29,413
Warrants and rights on listed equities	EUR/USD	67	33
Total financial contracts receivable, at fair value			$	76,381
Financial contracts payable
Forwards	KRW	6,880	$	(118	)
Put options	USD	815	(172		)
Total return swaps – equities	EUR/GBP/KRW/RON/USD	31,257	(1,947		)
Total financial contracts payable, at fair value			$	(2,237	)

⁽¹⁾ USD = US Dollar; EUR = Euro; GBP = British Pound; JPY = Japanese Yen; KRW = Korean Won; RON = Romanian New Leu.

⁽²⁾ Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.

Options are derivative financial instruments that give the buyer, in exchange for a premium payment, the right, but not the obligation, to either purchase from (call option) or sell to (put option) the writer, a specified underlying security at a specified price on or before a specified date. The Company enters into option contracts to meet certain investment objectives. For exchange traded option contracts, the exchange acts as the counterparty to specific transactions and therefore bears the risk of delivery to and from counterparties of specific positions.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company held $1.4 million OTC put options (long) (December 31, 2016: $6.7 million) and $14.4 million OTC call options (long) (December 31, 2016: $22.4 million).

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company reported gains and losses on derivatives as follows:

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Location of gains and losses on derivatives recognized in income	Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income
		Three months ended March 31
		2017			2016
		($ in thousands)
Forwards	Net investment income (loss)	$	623		$	(81	)
Futures	Net investment income (loss)	(513		)	984
Interest rate swaps	Net investment income (loss)	105			—
Options, warrants, and rights	Net investment income (loss)	(7,528		)	(2,803		)
Commodity swaps	Net investment income (loss)	(6,959		)	(5,565		)
Total return swaps – equities	Net investment income (loss)	10,311			6,919
Total		$	(3,961	)	$	(546	)

The Company generally does not enter into derivatives for risk management or hedging purposes. The volume of derivative activities varies from period to period depending on potential investment opportunities.

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For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company’s volume of derivative activities (based on notional amounts) was as follows:

2017	Three months ended March 31
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (notional amounts)	Entered		Exited
	($ in thousands)
Forwards	$	3,476	$	—
Futures	29,510		24,069
Options, warrants and rights (1)	347,918		110,102
Commodity swaps	—		8,182
Total return swaps	232,118		60,607
Total	$	613,022	$	202,960

⁽¹⁾ Exited amount excludes derivatives which expired or were exercised during the period.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company’s volume of derivative activities (based on notional amounts) was as follows:

2016	Three months ended March 31
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (notional amounts)	Entered		Exited
	($ in thousands)
Forwards	$	—	$	63
Futures	174,721		169,710
Options, warrants and rights (1)	133,333		175,651
Commodity swaps	75,566		54,374
Total return swaps	1,483		28,271
Total	$	385,103	$	428,069

⁽¹⁾ Exited amount excludes derivatives which expired or were exercised during the period.

The Company does not offset its derivative instruments and presents all amounts in the condensed consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis. The Company has pledged cash collateral to derivative counterparties to support the current value of amounts due to the counterparties on its derivative instruments.

As of March 31, 2017, the gross and net amounts of derivative instruments and the cash collateral applicable to derivative instruments were as follows:

March 31, 2017	(i)			(ii)		(iii) = (i) - (ii)			(iv) Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet						(v) = (iii) + (iv)
Description	Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities)			Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet		Net amounts of assets (liabilities) presented in the balance sheet			Financial instruments available for offset			Cash collateral (received) pledged			Net amount of asset (liability)
	($ in thousands)
Financial contracts receivable	$	38,255		$	—	$	38,255		$	(3,087	)	$	(17,350	)	$	17,818
Financial contracts payable	(3,215		)	—		(3,215		)	3,087			128			—

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As of December 31, 2016, the gross and net amounts of derivative instruments and the cash collateral applicable to derivative instruments were as follows:

December 31, 2016	(i)			(ii)		(iii) = (i) - (ii)			(iv) Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet						(v) = (iii) + (iv)
Description	Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities)			Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet		Net amounts of assets (liabilities) presented in the balance sheet			Financial instruments available for offset			Cash collateral (received) pledged			Net amount of asset (liability)
	($ in thousands)
Financial contracts receivable	$	76,381		$	—	$	76,381		$	(938	)	$	(44,572	)	$	30,871
Financial contracts payable	(2,237		)	—		(2,237		)	938			1,299			—

4.        DUE TO PRIME BROKERS

As of March 31, 2017, the amount due to prime brokers was comprised of margin-borrowing from prime brokers relating to investments purchased on margin, as well as margin-borrowing for providing collateral to support some of the Company’s outstanding letters of credit (see Note 9) and trust accounts. Under term margin agreements and certain letter of credit facility agreements, the Company pledges certain investment securities to borrow cash from the prime brokers. The borrowed cash is placed in a custodial account in the name of the Company and this custodial account provides collateral for any letters of credit issued. Similarly for the trust accounts, the Company may borrow cash from prime brokers which is placed in a trust account for the benefit of the cedent. Since there is no legal right of offset, the Company’s liability for the cash borrowed from the prime brokers is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as due to prime brokers while the cash held in the custodial account and trust account is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash and cash equivalents. 

As of March 31, 2017, Greenlight Re’s investment guidelines, (which may be amended from time to time by the board of directors) allows for up to 15% (GRIL: 5%) net margin leverage for extended periods of time and up to 30% (GRIL: 20%) net margin leverage relating to investing activities for periods of less than 30 days.

6.        RETROCESSION

The Company, from time to time, purchases retrocessional coverage for one or more of the following reasons: to manage its overall exposure, to reduce its net liability on individual risks, to obtain additional underwriting capacity or to balance its underwriting portfolio. Additionally, retrocession can be used as a mechanism to share the risks and rewards of business written and, therefore, can be used as a tool to align the Company’s interests with those of its counterparties. The Company currently has coverage that provides for recovery of a portion of loss and loss expenses incurred on certain contracts. Loss and loss adjustment expense recoverable from the retrocessionaires are recorded as assets.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred of $104.8 million (2016: $90.7 million), reported on the condensed consolidated statements of income are net of loss and loss expenses recovered and recoverable of $0.1 million (2016: $0.4 million).

Retrocession contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to the insureds. Failure of retrocessionaires to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. At March 31, 2017, the Company had losses receivable and loss reserves recoverable of $2.1 million (December 31, 2016: $2.2 million) from unrated retrocessionaires which were secured by cash collateral held by the Company. At March 31, 2017, $0.5 million (December 31, 2016: $0.5 million) of losses recoverable were from a retrocessionaire rated A- by A.M. Best.

The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its retrocessionaires to assess the ability of the retrocessionaires to honor their respective obligations. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, no provision for uncollectible losses recoverable was considered necessary.

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5.    LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES

There were no significant changes in the actuarial methodology or assumptions relating to the Company’s loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, loss and loss adjustment expense reserves were comprised of the following:

Consolidated	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	($ in thousands)
Case reserves	$	113,997	$	98,815
IBNR	226,033		207,826
Total	$	340,030	$	306,641

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the health insurance IBNR and case reserve on reported claims included in the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves was $17.2 million and $19.0 million, respectively.

A summary of changes in outstanding loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: 

Consolidated	2017			2016
	($ in thousands)
Gross balance at January 1	$	306,641		$	305,997
Less: Losses recoverable	(2,704		)	(3,368		)
Net balance at January 1	303,937			302,629
Incurred losses related to:
Current year	99,807			89,347
Prior years	5,005			1,321
Total incurred	104,812			90,668
Paid losses related to:
Current year	(15,930		)	(12,027		)
Prior years	(55,920		)	(42,639		)
Total paid	(71,850		)	(54,666		)
Foreign currency revaluation	549			(1,047		)
Net balance at March 31	337,448			337,584
Add: Losses recoverable	2,582			3,548
Gross balance at March 31	$	340,030		$	341,132

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The changes in the outstanding loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for health claims for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

Health	2017			2016
	($ in thousands)
Gross balance at January 1	$	18,993		$	21,533
Less: Losses recoverable	—			—
Net balance at January 1	18,993			21,533
Incurred losses related to:
Current year	10,015			11,513
Prior years	(261		)	(266		)
Total incurred	9,754			11,247
Paid losses related to:
Current year	(2,123		)	(1,963		)
Prior years	(9,416		)	(8,942		)
Total paid	(11,539		)	(10,905		)
Foreign currency revaluation	—			—
Net balance at March 31	17,208			21,875
Add: Losses recoverable	—			—
Gross balance at March 31	$	17,208		$	21,875

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the net loss reserves on prior period contracts increased by $5.0 million primarily related to the adverse loss development on Florida homeowners’ insurance contracts relating to the practice of “assignment of benefits” and two large claims reported on a surety contract.

7.        SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has a stock incentive plan for directors, employees and consultants that is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Company’s shares authorized for issuance pursuant to the stock incentive plan include 3,500,000 (December 31, 2016: 3,500,000) Class A ordinary shares. As of March 31, 2017, 345,592 (December 31, 2016: 424,787) Class A ordinary shares remained available for future issuance under the Company’s stock incentive plan.

Employee and Director Restricted Shares

As part of its stock incentive plan, the Company issues restricted shares for which the fair value is equal to the price of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares on the grant date. Compensation based on the grant date fair market value of the shares is expensed on a straight line basis over the applicable vesting period, net of any estimated forfeitures.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, 113,955 (2016: 149,332) restricted Class A ordinary shares were issued to employees pursuant to the Company’s stock incentive plan. These shares contain certain restrictions relating to, among other things, vesting, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Each of these restricted shares cliff vest after three years from the date of issuance, subject to the grantee’s continued service with the Company. During the vesting period, the holder of the restricted shares retains voting rights and is entitled to any dividends declared by the Company.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, 46,319 (2016: 4,177) restricted shares were forfeited. The restricted shares forfeited during the three months ended March 31, 2017 related to the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer (the “former CEO”) who resigned from the Company prior to the expiration of the applicable vesting periods. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, zero (2016: $0.05 million) stock compensation expense was reversed since the stock compensation relating to the former CEO’s restricted shares was previously reversed during the fourth quarter of 2016, as it was likely that these restricted shares would be forfeited.

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The following table summarizes the activity for unvested outstanding restricted share awards during the three months ended March 31, 2017:

	Number of non-vested restricted  shares		Weighted  average grant date fair value
Balance at December 31, 2016	365,432		$	26.76
Granted	113,955		21.65
Vested	(101,518	)	32.60
Forfeited	(46,319	)	24.61
Balance at March 31, 2017	331,550		$	23.52

Employee and Director Stock Options

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, no (2016: 156,000) stock options were exercised by directors or employees resulting in zero (2016: 59,179) Class A ordinary shares issued, net of shares surrendered as a result of the cashless exercise of stock options. When stock options are granted, the Company reduces the corresponding number from the shares authorized for issuance as part of the Company’s stock incentive plan.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, 71,335 stock options vested, relating to the resignation of the Company’s former CEO, which had a weighted average grant date fair value of $10.51 per share, pursuant to the deed of settlement and release. At March 31, 2017, there was no remaining compensation cost to be recognized in future periods relating to the former CEO’s stock options as the expense was recognized in full as of December 31, 2016 when it was deemed likely that the stock options would vest.

On April 1, 2017, 22,750 stock options were granted to the Company’s interim Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to his consulting agreement. These options vested 100% on the date of the grant. The grant date fair value of these options was $10.12 per share based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Employee Restricted Stock Units

The Company issues restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to certain employees as part of the stock incentive plan. The grant date fair value of the RSUs is equal to the price of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares on the grant date. Compensation cost based on the grant date fair market value of the RSUs is expensed on a straight line basis over the vesting period.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, 11,559 (2016: 7,444) RSUs were issued to employees pursuant to the Company’s stock incentive plan. These shares contain certain restrictions relating to, among other things, vesting, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Each of these RSUs cliff vest after three years from the date of issuance, subject to the grantee’s continued service with the Company. On the vesting date, the Company converts each RSU into one Class A ordinary share and issues new Class A ordinary shares from the shares authorized for issuance as part of the Company’s stock incentive plan.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, no (2016: 11,330) RSUs were forfeited by employees, resulting in reversal of zero (2016: $0.2 million) stock compensation expense.

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Employee RSU activity during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was as follows:

	Number of non-vested RSUs		Weighted  average grant date fair value
Balance at December 31, 2016	15,934		$	27.88
Granted	11,559		21.65
Vested	(4,695	)	32.60
Forfeited	—		—
Balance at March 31, 2017	22,798		$	23.50

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the general and administrative expenses included stock compensation expense (net of forfeitures) of $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for the expensing of the fair value of stock options, restricted stock and RSUs granted to employees and directors, net of forfeitures.

8.      RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Investment Advisory Agreement

The Company and its reinsurance subsidiaries are party to a joint venture agreement with DME Advisors, LP (“DME Advisors”) under which the Company, its reinsurance subsidiaries and DME Advisors LLC (“DME”) are participants of a joint venture for the purpose of managing certain jointly held assets, as may be amended from time to time (the “venture agreement”). In addition, the Company, its reinsurance subsidiaries and DME have entered into a separate investment advisory agreement with DME Advisors, as may be amended from time to time (the “advisory agreement”). Effective January 1, 2017, the venture agreement and the advisory agreement were amended and restated to replace the previous agreements dated January 1, 2014, and will expire on December 31, 2019 and renew automatically for successive three-year periods. DME and DME Advisors are related to the Company and each is an affiliate of David Einhorn, Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors.

Pursuant to the venture agreement, performance allocation equal to 20% of the net investment income of the Company’s share of the account managed by DME Advisors is allocated, subject to a loss carry forward provision, to DME’s account. The loss carry forward provision requires DME to earn a reduced performance allocation of 10% on net investment income in any year subsequent to the year in which the investment account incurs a loss, until all the losses are recouped and an additional amount equal to 150% of the aggregate investment loss is earned. DME is not entitled to earn a performance allocation in a year in which the investment portfolio incurs a loss. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, $1.2 million performance allocation (2016: $3.1 million) was deducted from gross investment income.  

Pursuant to the advisory agreement, a monthly management fee, equal to 0.125% (1.5% on an annual basis) of the Company’s investment account managed by DME Advisors, is paid to DME Advisors. Included in the net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were management fees of $4.3 million (2016: $4.2 million). The management fees have been fully paid as of March 31, 2017.

Pursuant to the venture and advisory agreements, the Company has agreed to indemnify DME and DME Advisors for any expense, loss, liability, or damage arising out of any claim asserted or threatened in connection with DME Advisors serving as the Company’s investment advisor. The Company will reimburse DME and DME Advisors for reasonable costs and expenses of investigating and/or defending such claims, provided such claims were not caused due to gross negligence, breach of contract or misrepresentation by DME or DME Advisors. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, there were no indemnification payments payable or paid by the Company.

Green Brick Partners, Inc.

David Einhorn also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Green Brick Partners, Inc. (“GRBK”), a publicly traded company. As of March 31, 2017, $34.5 million (December 31, 2016: $34.8 million) of GRBK listed equities were included on the balance sheet as “equity securities, trading, at fair value”. The Company along with certain affiliates of DME Advisors, collectively own 49% of the issued and outstanding common shares of GRBK. Under applicable securities laws, DME Advisors may be limited at times in its ability to trade GRBK shares on behalf of the Company.

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Service Agreement

The Company has entered into a service agreement with DME Advisors, pursuant to which DME Advisors provides certain investor relations services to the Company for compensation of five thousand dollars per month (plus expenses). The agreement is automatically renewed annually until terminated by either the Company or DME Advisors for any reason with 30 days prior written notice to the other party. 

9.      COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Letters of Credit and Trusts

At March 31, 2017, the Company had the following letter of credit facilities, which automatically renew each year unless terminated by either party in accordance with the applicable required notice period:

	Facility		Termination Date	Notice period required for termination
	($ in thousands)
Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited	$	100,000	June 30, 2017	90 days prior to termination date
Citibank Europe plc	400,000		October 11, 2017	120 days prior to termination date
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.	100,000		January 27, 2018	120 days prior to termination date
	$	600,000

As of March 31, 2017, an aggregate amount of $189.4 million (December 31, 2016: $255.4 million) in letters of credit were issued under the above facilities. Under the facilities, the Company provides collateral that may consist of equity securities, restricted cash, and cash and cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2017, total equity securities, restricted cash, and cash and cash equivalents with a fair value in the aggregate of $202.8 million (December 31, 2016: $310.9 million) were pledged as collateral against the letters of credit issued (also see Note 4). Each of the facilities contain customary events of default and restrictive covenants, including but not limited to, limitations on liens on collateral, transactions with affiliates, mergers and sales of assets, as well as solvency and maintenance of certain minimum pledged equity requirements, and restricts issuance of any debt without the consent of the letter of credit provider. Additionally, if an event of default exists, as defined in the letter of credit facilities, Greenlight Re will be prohibited from paying dividends to its parent company. The Company was in compliance with all the covenants of each of these facilities as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

In addition to the letters of credit, the Company has established regulatory trust arrangements for certain cedents. As of March 31, 2017, collateral of $267.6 million (December 31, 2016: $86.4 million) was provided to cedents in the form of regulatory trust accounts.

Operating Lease Obligations

Greenlight Re has entered into lease agreements for office space in the Cayman Islands. Under the terms of the lease agreements, Greenlight Re is committed to annual rent payments ranging from $0.3 million at inception to $0.5 million at lease termination. The leases expire on June 30, 2018 and Greenlight Re has the option to renew the leases for a further five-year term. Included in the schedule below are the minimum lease payment obligations relating to these leases as of March 31, 2017.

GRIL has entered into a lease agreement for office space in Dublin, Ireland. Under the terms of this lease agreement, GRIL is committed to minimum annual rent payments denominated in Euros approximating €0.1 million until May 2021, and adjusted to the prevailing market rates for each of the two subsequent five-year terms. GRIL has the option to terminate the lease agreement in 2021. Included in the schedule below are the net minimum lease payment obligations relating to this lease as of March 31, 2017.

The total rent expense related to leased office space for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $0.2 million (2016: $0.1 million). 

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Private Equity and Limited Partnerships

From time to time, the Company makes investments in private equity vehicles. As part of the Company’s participation in such private equity investments, the Company may make funding commitments. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had commitments to invest an additional $8.0 million (December 31, 2016: $9.2 million) in private equity investments. Included in the schedule below are the minimum payment obligations relating to these investments as of March 31, 2017.

Schedule of Commitments and Contingencies

The following is a schedule of future minimum payments required under the above commitments: 

	2017		2018		2019		2020		2021		Thereafter		Total
	($ in thousands)
Operating lease obligations	$	465	$	388	$	155	$	155	$	58	$	—	$	1,221
Private equity and limited partnerships (1)	7,952		—		—		—		—		—		7,952
	$	8,417	$	388	$	155	$	155	$	58	$	—	$	9,173

⁽¹⁾ Given the nature of these investments, the Company is unable to determine with any degree of accuracy when these commitments will be called. Therefore, for purposes of the above table, the Company has assumed that all commitments with no fixed payment schedules will be called during the year ending December 31, 2017.

Litigation

From time to time, in the normal course of business, the Company may be involved in formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, which may include arbitration or litigation, the outcomes of which determine the rights and obligations under the Company’s reinsurance contracts and other contractual agreements. In some disputes, the Company may seek to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it. In other matters, the Company may resist attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. While the final outcome of legal disputes cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that any existing dispute, when finally resolved, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or operating results.

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10.      SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company manages its business on the basis of one operating segment, Property & Casualty Reinsurance. The following tables provide a breakdown of the Company’s gross premiums written by line of business and by geographic area of risks insured for the periods indicated: 

Gross Premiums Written by Line of Business^*

	Three months ended March 31
	2017				2016
	($ in thousands)
Property
Commercial	$	5,170	2.6	%	$	8,750	5.3	%
Motor	15,744		8.0		9,365		5.6
Personal	21,573		10.9		23,236		13.9
Total Property	42,487		21.5		41,351		24.8
Casualty
General Liability	9,499		4.8		8,199		4.9
Motor	78,341		39.7		49,566		29.7
Professional	14,553		7.4		11,628		7.0
Workers' Compensation	10,536		5.4		4,766		2.9
Total Casualty	112,929		57.3		74,159		44.5
Specialty
Accident & Health	23,739		12.1		27,121		16.2
Financial	12,056		6.1		15,382		9.2
Marine	2,223		1.1		3,652		2.2
Other	3,780		1.9		5,127		3.1
Total Specialty	41,798		21.2		51,282		30.7
	$	197,214	100.0	%	$	166,792	100.0	%

* During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company revised its classification of the lines of business. As a result, the gross written premiums in the above table relating to certain lines of business previously reported for the three months ended March 31, 2016 have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Gross Premiums Written by Geographic Area of Risks Insured

	Three months ended March 31
	2017				2016
	($ in thousands)
U.S. and Caribbean	$	171,758	87.1	%	$	130,744		78.4	%
Worldwide (1)	25,294		12.8		34,358			20.6
Europe	146		0.1		1,910			1.1
Asia (2)	16		—		(220		)	(0.1	)
	$	197,214	100.0	%	$	166,792		100.0	%

⁽¹⁾ “Worldwide” is comprised of contracts that reinsure risks in more than one geographic area and do not specifically exclude the U.S.

⁽²⁾ The negative balance represents reversal of premiums due to premium adjustments, termination of contracts or premium returned upon novation or commutation of contracts.

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Item 2.    MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

References to “we,” “us,” “our,” “our company,”  or “the Company” refer to Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. (“GLRE”) and its wholly-owned subsidiaries, Greenlight Reinsurance, Ltd, (“Greenlight Re”), Greenlight Reinsurance Ireland, Designated Activity Company (“GRIL”) and Verdant Holding Company, Ltd. (“Verdant”), unless the context dictates otherwise. References to our “Ordinary Shares” refers collectively to our Class A Ordinary Shares and Class B Ordinary Shares.

The following is a discussion and analysis of our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 and financial condition as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016. The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes, which appear in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016.

Special Note About Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements in Management’s Discussion and Analysis, other than purely historical information, including estimates, projections, statements relating to our business plans, objectives and expected operating results, and the assumptions upon which those statements are based, are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). These forward-looking statements generally are identified by the words “believe,” “project,” “predict,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “may,” “should,” “will,” “would,” “will be,” “will continue,” “will likely result,” and similar expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties which may cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements. A detailed discussion of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results and events to differ materially from such forward-looking statements is included in the section entitled “Risk Factors” (refer to Part I, Item 1A) contained in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward looking statements which speak only to the dates on which they were made.

We intend to communicate certain events that we believe may have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial position, including property and casualty catastrophic events and material losses in our investment portfolio, in a timely manner through a public announcement. Other than as required by the Exchange Act, we do not intend to make public announcements regarding reinsurance or investment events that we do not believe, based on management’s estimates and current information, will have a material adverse impact on our operations or financial position.

General

We are a global specialty property and casualty reinsurer, headquartered in the Cayman Islands, with a reinsurance and investment strategy that we believe differentiates us from most of our competitors. Our goal is to build long-term shareholder value by selectively offering customized reinsurance solutions, in markets where capacity and alternatives are limited, which we believe will yield favorable long-term returns on equity.

We aim to complement our underwriting results with a non-traditional investment approach in order to achieve higher rates of return over the long term than reinsurance companies that employ more traditional, fixed-income investment strategies. We manage our investment portfolio according to a value-oriented philosophy, in which we take long positions in perceived undervalued securities and short positions in perceived overvalued securities.

Because we employ an opportunistic underwriting philosophy, period-to-period comparisons of our underwriting results may not be meaningful. In addition, our historical investment results may not necessarily be indicative of future performance. Due to the nature of our reinsurance and investment strategies, our operating results will likely fluctuate from period to period.

Segments

We manage our business on the basis of one operating segment, property and casualty reinsurance, in accordance with the qualitative and quantitative criteria established by U.S. GAAP. Within the property and casualty reinsurance segment, we analyze our underwriting operations using two categories:

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● frequency business; and 

● severity business.

Frequency business is generally characterized as contracts containing a potentially large number of small losses emanating from multiple events. Clients generally buy this protection to increase their own underwriting capacity and typically select a reinsurer based upon the reinsurer’s financial strength, service and expertise. We expect the results of frequency business to be less volatile than those of severity business from period to period due to greater predictability. We also expect that over time the profit margins and return on equity of our frequency business will be lower than those of our severity business.

Severity business is generally characterized as contracts with the potential for significant losses emanating from one event or multiple events. Clients generally buy this protection to remove volatility from their balance sheets, and accordingly, we expect the results of severity business to be volatile from period to period. However, over the long term, we also expect that our severity business will generate higher profit margins and return on equity than those of our frequency business.

Outlook and Trends

The reinsurance industry has experienced significant consolidation in the last several years, fueled by many traditional participants with excess capital looking to strengthen their positions in their respective core markets. We believe further consolidation will likely continue but do not believe that consolidation will result in a significant reduction in total capital within the industry. Rather, we expect the industry consolidation to create concentrations of capital in fewer, larger participants, and that with a reduction in the number of competitors in the industry, pricing may partially stabilize. Further, while some opportunities may become available on an attractive basis to only the largest reinsurance companies in the industry, we believe that the consolidation trend may create new opportunities for us if less capacity is available in the market as a result of industry consolidation.

We do not believe that the over-capitalization of the market is uniform across all industry participants and there are many insurers and reinsurers with lower financial security profiles than ours that, we believe, have and will continue to suffer disproportionately. We believe the value proposition of our reinsurance capabilities and our differentiated underwriting strategy positions us well to compete for new, targeted business in niche areas that we know and can service well.

A key part of our underwriting strategy is to identify and partner with companies that have suffered dislocation. Accordingly, given declining or flat investment earnings for fixed income investors resulting from a prolonged low interest rate environment, we believe underwriting opportunities may increase, which we intend to pursue where we believe pricing is economically rational. Conversely, if attractive opportunities are not available on economically rational terms, we anticipate that we will seek to maintain or even reduce premium writings rather than accept mispriced risk in order to conserve our capital for a more opportune environment. We believe that significant price increases could occur if financial and credit markets experience adverse shocks that result in the loss of capital of insurers and reinsurers, or if there are major catastrophic events, especially in North America.

We have recently observed stability and favorable trends in our underlying rates for our non-standard automobile business, which we believe adequately compensates insurers for increased claims frequency trends in private passenger auto. We expect to have a high concentration of premium in this line for the foreseeable future.

We have observed an increase in the demand for U.S. health stop loss insurance as more employers seek to control health care costs by pursuing alternatives to first dollar health care plans subject to the Affordable Care Act. We believe that the majority of the demand has been underwritten by large carriers that elect to not purchase reinsurance, although we also believe that a portion has been underwritten by managing general underwriters, who often rely heavily on quota share reinsurance. We will to seek to increase our market share from managing general underwriters that operate in this line. We will continue to monitor any proposed changes to the Affordable Care Act under the new U.S. administration and react to potential impacts to this line of business.

Private U.S. mortgage insurers appear to be increasingly seeking quota share reinsurance options as a result of the implementation of the Private Mortgage Insurers Eligibility Requirements (PMIERS) in the United States, which effectively increases the cost of capital for the private mortgage insurers. We believe the credit underwriting standards for U.S. mortgages are good and, as a result, the risk-adjusted profitability of these portfolios is satisfactory. We expect that reinsurance of U.S. mortgage risk will become a growing part of our underwriting portfolio during 2017.

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Our casualty business is generally comprised of larger, syndicated reinsurance placements for general casualty, professional liability and workers’ compensation. For most of this business, we are not the lead underwriter, and instead, we generally follow the market on these transactions. This business has a longer duration of claim payments than other types of business that we have historically written, which leads to a build-up of reserves and exposure over a longer period of time. While our casualty business has grown in recent years, we expect this portion of our business to remain at 2016 levels during 2017 unless we find additional attractive opportunities.

We note that pricing for property catastrophe retro and other property catastrophe business has been and continues to be under severe competitive pressure and we believe much of the business in the market is being priced below expected losses. As such, we have decreased our focus on property catastrophe retro over the past several years until there is a market changing event that improves expected profitability.

Underlying rates for Florida homeowners’ insurance continue to decline and water damage claims and fraudulent assignment of benefit (“AOB”) claims continue to increase expected losses. The Florida Legislature did not address the AOB problem during legislative sessions in 2016. Our expectation is that AOB claims will continue during 2017, which will result in less attractive profit margins on this business. Despite this, we believe that the reinsurance terms and conditions continue to be highly competitive. We have significantly reduced our exposure to Florida homeowners’ insurance and are monitoring changes to the legal and political environment with regards to the AOB issue.

While competitive market conditions have made it challenging to find and successfully underwrite new business that meets our targeted return hurdles, we believe that we have a strong pipeline of attractive opportunities with counterparties that seek highly customized structures, terms and conditions, which aligns well with our underwriting strategy. During the January 1, 2017 renewal period, our renewals were at historically comparable levels and we continue to see new opportunities. We will continue to monitor market conditions and pursue opportunities to best position ourselves to participate in future under-served or capacity-constrained markets as they arise, and intend to offer products that we believe will generate favorable returns on equity over the long term. Accordingly, our underlying results and product line concentrations in any given period may vary, perhaps significantly, and are not necessarily indicative of our future results of operations.

Our investment portfolio had a net long exposure of 27.3% as of March 31, 2017. Our goal for 2017 is to protect capital in an uncertain environment and to find investment opportunities on both our long and short portfolios that we believe will generate positive returns. Despite the recent Federal Reserve interest rate increases, monetary policy remains very accommodative globally.  Additionally, there are many global economic, investment and political uncertainties and risks that may impact our business. Given the uncertainties, we deem it appropriate to maintain comparatively lower net equity exposures and to hold a significant position in gold and other macro positions.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our condensed consolidated financial statements contain certain amounts that are inherently subjective in nature and have required management to make assumptions and best estimates to determine reported values. If certain factors, including those described in “Part I. Item IA. — Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016, cause actual events or results to differ materially from our underlying assumptions or estimates, there could be a material adverse effect on our results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. We believe that the critical accounting policies set forth in our annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 affect the more significant estimates used in the preparation of our condensed consolidated financial statements. These accounting policies pertain to premium revenues and risk transfer, valuation of investments, loss and loss adjustment expense reserves, acquisition costs, bonus accruals and share-based payments.

Recently issued accounting standards and their impact to the Company, if any, are presented under “Recent Accounting Pronouncements” in Note 2 of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements. 

Key Financial Measures and Non-GAAP Measures

In addition to the consolidated financial statements, management uses certain key financial measures, some of which are not prescribed under U.S. GAAP rules and standards (“non-GAAP financial measures”), to evaluate our financial performance and the overall growth in shareholder value. Generally, a non-GAAP financial measure, as defined in SEC Regulation G, is a numerical measure of a company’s historical or future financial performance, financial position, or cash flows that either excludes or includes amounts that are not normally excluded or included in the most directly comparable measure calculated and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Management believes that these measures, which may be calculated or defined differently by other companies, provide a consistent and comparable measure of performance of its businesses to help shareholders understand

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performance trends and allow for a more complete understanding of the Company’s business. Non-GAAP financial measures should not be viewed as a substitute for those determined in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The key non-GAAP financial measures used in this report are:

• Basic adjusted book value per share;

• Fully diluted adjusted book value per share;

• Net underwriting income (loss);

Basic Adjusted Book Value Per Share and Fully Diluted Adjusted Book Value Per Share

We believe that long-term growth in fully diluted adjusted book value per share is the most relevant measure of our financial performance because it provides management and investors a yardstick by which to monitor the shareholder value generated. In addition, fully diluted adjusted book value per share may be useful to our investors, shareholders and other interested parties to form a basis of comparison with other companies within the property and casualty reinsurance industry.

Basic adjusted book value per share is considered a non-GAAP financial measure because it excludes from the total equity the non-controlling interest in a joint venture. Fully diluted adjusted book value per share is also considered a non-GAAP financial measure and represents basic adjusted book value per share combined with the impact from dilution of all in-the-money stock options and RSUs issued and outstanding as of any period end. We adjust the total equity by excluding the non-controlling interest in a joint venture because it does not reflect the equity attributable to our shareholders. Basic adjusted book value per share and fully diluted adjusted book value per share should not be viewed as substitutes for the comparable U.S. GAAP measures.

The following table presents a reconciliation of the non-GAAP financial measures basic adjusted and fully diluted adjusted book value per share to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure.

	March 31, 2017			December 31, 2016			September 30, 2016			June 30, 2016			March 31, 2016
	($ in thousands, except per share and share amounts)
Numerator for basic adjusted and fully diluted adjusted book value per share:
Total equity (U.S. GAAP)	$	901,163		$	891,687		$	838,550		$	816,246		$	878,975
Less: Non-controlling interest in joint venture	(17,697		)	(17,445		)	(14,345		)	(23,364		)	(24,155		)
Numerator basic adjusted book value per share	883,466			874,242			824,205			792,882			854,820
Add: Proceeds from in-the-money stock options issued and outstanding	4,245			2,120			2,405			3,080			3,459
Numerator for fully diluted adjusted book value per share	$	887,711		$	876,362		$	826,610		$	795,962		$	858,279
Denominator for basic adjusted and fully diluted adjusted book value per share:
Ordinary shares issued and outstanding (denominator for basic adjusted book value per share)	37,438,658			37,366,327			37,358,513			37,315,538			37,232,537
Add: In-the-money stock options and RSUs issued and outstanding	230,184			123,320			144,914			226,528			282,548
Denominator for fully diluted adjusted book value per share	37,668,842			37,489,647			37,503,427			37,542,066			37,515,085
Basic adjusted book value per share	$	23.60		$	23.40		$	22.06		$	21.25		$	22.96
Fully diluted adjusted book value per share	23.57			23.38			22.04			21.20			22.88

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Net Underwriting Income (Loss)

One way that management evaluates the Company’s underwriting performance is through the measurement of net underwriting income (loss). We do not use premiums written as a measure of performance. Net underwriting income (loss) is a performance measure used by management as it measures the underlying fundamentals of the Company’s underwriting operations. Management believes that the use of net underwriting income (loss) enables investors and other users of the Company’s financial information to analyze its performance in a manner similar to how management analyzes performance. Management also believes that this measure follows industry practice and, therefore, allows the users of financial information to compare the Company’s performance with its industry peer group.

Net underwriting income (loss) is considered a non-GAAP financial measure because it excludes items used in the calculation of net income before taxes under U.S. GAAP. The measure includes underwriting expenses which are directly related to underwriting activities as well as an allocation of other general and administrative expenses. Net underwriting income (loss) is calculated as net premiums earned, less net loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, less, acquisition costs and less underwriting expenses. The measure excludes, on a recurring basis: (1) net investment income; (2) any foreign exchange gains or losses; (3) corporate general and administrative expenses; (4) other income (expense) not related to underwriting, and (5) income taxes and income attributable to non-controlling interest. We exclude net investment income and foreign exchange gains or losses as we believe these are influenced by market conditions and other factors not related to underwriting decisions. We exclude corporate general and administrative expenses because these expenses are generally fixed and not incremental to or directly related to our underwriting operations. We believe all of these amounts are largely independent of our underwriting process and including them distorts the analysis of trends in our underwriting operations. Net underwriting income (loss) should not be viewed as a substitute for U.S. GAAP net income.

The reconciliations of net underwriting income (loss) to income (loss) before income taxes (the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP financial measure) on a consolidated basis is shown below:

	Three months ended March 31
	2017			2016
	($ in thousands)
Income (loss) before income tax	$	8,747		$	29,646
Add (subtract):
Investment (income) loss	(11,618		)	(28,435		)
Other (income) expense	7			271
Corporate expenses	2,632			2,176
Net underwriting income (loss)	$	(232	)	$	3,658

Results of Operations

Three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016

Our primary financial goal is to increase the long-term value in fully diluted adjusted book value per share. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the fully diluted adjusted book value per share increased by $0.19 per share, or 0.8%, to $23.57 per share from $23.38 per share at December 31, 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the basic adjusted book value per share increased by $0.20 per share, or 0.9%, to $23.60 per share from $23.40 per share at December 31, 2016.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, we reported net income of $8.4 million, compared to net income of $28.7 million reported for the same period in 2016. Our net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $11.6 million, compared to net investment income of $28.4 million reported for the same period in 2016. Our investment portfolio reported a gain of 0.9% for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to a gain of 2.5% for the same period in 2016. The net underwriting loss for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $0.2 million, compared to underwriting income of $3.7 million reported for the same period in 2016. The decrease in underwriting income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was primarily due to higher loss ratios in our frequency and severity businesses for the three months ended March 31,

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2017, compared to the same period in 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, our composite ratio was 97.4%, compared to 93.8% during the same period in 2016. General and administrative expenses for the three months ended March 31, 2017decreased to $6.7 million from $7.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016, primarily due to lower personnel expenses.

 Gross Premiums Written

Details of gross premiums written are provided in the following table: 

	Three months ended March 31
	2017				2016
	($ in thousands)
Frequency	$	186,173	94.4	%	$	152,809	91.6	%
Severity	11,041		5.6		13,983		8.4
Total	$	197,214	100.0	%	$	166,792	100.0	%

As a result of our underwriting philosophy, our reported quarterly premiums written may be volatile. Additionally, the composition of premiums written between frequency and severity business may vary from period to period depending on the specific market opportunities that we pursue.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, our gross premiums written increased by $30.4 million, or 18.2%, compared to the same period in 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, our frequency gross premiums written increased by $33.4 million, or 21.8%, compared to the same period in 2016. The notable changes in frequency gross premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:

Frequency Gross Premiums Written
Three months ended March 31, 2017
Increase (decrease) ($ in millions)	Line of business	Explanation
$35.2	Motor liability and motor physical damage	Increase was primarily due to growth in the volume of underlying policies on existing private passenger motor contracts, and to a lesser extent, due to new private passenger contracts entered during the past twelve months.
$5.8	Casualty -Workers’ Compensation	Increase was primarily due to new contracts written during the past twelve months.
$2.9	Casualty -Professional	The comparative period’s gross premiums written included reversal of premiums relating to a solicitors’ professional indemnity contract that was terminated in 2016. Excluding this contract, the professional line gross premiums written were unchanged.
$(4.5)	Property - Personal	Decrease was primarily as a net result of the expiring Florida homeowners’ property quota share contracts that were terminated during 2016. The decrease in personal lines premiums written was partially offset by a new homeowners’ property contract entered during the fourth quarter of 2016.
$(5.3)	Specialty -Financial	Decrease was primarily due to the comparative period included in-force unearned premiums assumed at the inception of mortgage insurance contracts bound during first quarter of 2016. The decrease was partially offset by new mortgage insurance and other financial contracts bound during 2017 and the second half of 2016.

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For the three months ended March 31, 2017, severity gross premiums written decreased by $2.9 million, or 21.0%, compared to the same period in 2016. The notable changes in severity gross premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:

Severity Gross Premiums Written
Three months ended March 31, 2017
Increase (decrease) ($ in millions)	Line of business	Explanation
$(3.4)	Specialty	Decrease in premiums relating to an excess of loss contracts not renewed during 2017.
$(1.2)	General Liability	Decrease in the premiums estimated on a casualty general liability contract.
$2.0	Financial	Increase relating to a new liability contract bound during the fourth quarter of 2016.

Premiums Ceded

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, premiums ceded were $3.4 million, compared to $2.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the increase in ceded premiums compared to the same period in 2016 primarily related to an excess of loss retrocession contract renewed during the three months ended March 31, 2017 to reduce our exposure to catastrophe events.

Net Premiums Written

Details of net premiums written are provided in the following table: 

	Three months ended March 31
	2017				2016
	($ in thousands)
Frequency	$	183,710	94.8	%	$	150,703	91.5	%
Severity	10,078		5.2		13,982		8.5
Total	$	193,788	100.0	%	$	164,685	100.0	%

The change in net premiums written is the net result of the changes in gross premiums written and premiums ceded as explained in the preceding paragraphs.

 Net Premiums Earned

Net premiums earned reflect the pro-rata inclusion into income of net premiums written over the risk period of the reinsurance contracts. Details of net premiums earned are provided in the following table: 

	Three months ended March 31
	2017				2016
	($ in thousands)
Frequency	$	143,974	94.8	%	$	128,327	92.9	%
Severity	7,928		5.2		9,785		7.1
Total	$	151,902	100.0	%	$	138,112	100.0	%

Premiums relating to quota share contracts and excess of loss contracts are earned over the contract period in proportion to the period of protection. Similarly, incoming unearned premiums are earned in proportion to the remaining period of protection.

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For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the frequency net premiums earned increased by $15.6 million, or 12.2%, compared to the same period in 2016. The notable increases and decreases in frequency net premiums earned were as follows:

Frequency Net Premiums Earned
Three months ended March 31, 2017
Increase (decrease) ($ in millions)	Line of business	Explanation
$15.6	Motor liability and motor physical damage	Increase was primarily due to growth in the volume of underlying policies on existing private passenger motor contracts, and to a lesser extent, due to new private passenger contracts entered during the past twelve months.
$4.3	Casualty -Workers’ Compensation	Increase primarily due to new contracts bound in the last twelve months.
$3.1	Specialty -Financial	Increase was primarily relating to mortgage insurance contracts bound during 2016 and 2017.
$(2.4)	Property - Personal	Decrease was primarily as a net result of the expiring Florida homeowners’ property quota share contracts that were terminated during 2016. The decrease in personal lines premiums earned was partially offset by a new homeowners’ property contract entered during the fourth quarter of 2016.
$(3.6)	Specialty - Health	Decrease was primarily relating to an employers’ medical stop-loss contract that was not renewed in 2015 and the remaining unearned premiums on this contract were fully earned during 2016.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the severity net premiums earned decreased by $1.9 million, or 19.0%, compared to the same period in 2016. The notable increases and decreases in severity net premiums earned were as follows:

Severity Net Premiums Earned
Three months ended March 31, 2017
Increase (decrease) ($ in millions)	Line of business	Explanation
$(0.8)	Specialty	Decrease in premiums relating to an excess of loss contracts not renewed during 2017.
(0.7)	Property	Decrease in the premium volume expected on a catastrophe quota share contract compared to the premium volume on the same contract during the comparative period.
(0.5)	General Liability	Decrease in premium estimate on a casualty general liability contract.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred, Net

Net losses incurred include losses paid and changes in loss reserves, including reserves for IBNR, net of actual and estimated loss recoverables. Details of net losses incurred are provided in the following table:

	Three months ended March 31
	2017				2016
	($ in thousands)
Frequency	$	101,533	96.9	%	$	87,558	96.6	%
Severity	3,279		3.1		3,110		3.4
Total	$	104,812	100.0	%	$	90,668	100.0	%

We establish reserves for each contract based on estimates of the ultimate cost of all losses, including losses incurred but not reported. These estimated ultimate reserves are based on reports received from ceding companies, industry data

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and historical experience as well as our own actuarial estimates. Quarterly, we review these estimates on a contract by contract basis and adjust them as we deem appropriate to reflect our best estimates based on updated information and our internal actuarial estimates. We expect losses incurred on our severity business to be volatile depending on the frequency and magnitude of catastrophic events from year to year.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the total net losses incurred on frequency contracts increased by $14.0 million, or 16.0%, compared to the same period in 2016. The increase in losses incurred primarily related to the higher premiums earned during the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the losses incurred on severity contracts remained substantially unchanged at $3.3 million, compared to $3.1 million during the same period in 2016.

Losses incurred as a percentage of premiums earned (referred to as the loss ratio) fluctuates based on the mix of business, and any favorable or adverse loss development on our larger contracts. The loss ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

	Three months ended March 31
	2017		2016
Frequency	70.5	%	68.2	%
Severity	41.4	%	31.8	%
Total	69.0	%	65.6	%

We expect our severity loss ratio to vary, sometimes significantly, based on the change in mix of business between catastrophe and non-catastrophe business and quota share and excess of loss contracts.

The changes in frequency and severity loss ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were primarily due to the following:

Notable Frequency Loss Ratio Changes
Three months ended March 31, 2017
Line of business	Explanation
Property Personal	Decrease in loss ratio due to lower loss ratio on new homeowners’ insurance contracts bound during the fourth quarter of 2016 compared to the Florida homeowners’ insurance contracts which were in-force during the comparative period in 2016. Decrease in loss ratio was partially offset by adverse loss development on Florida homeowners’ contracts due to the on-going assignment of benefits issue in Florida.
Financial	Increase in loss ratio due to adverse loss development on a surety contract arising from two large claims during the period.
Motor - Property and Liability	Increase in loss ratio relating to private passenger motor contract due to increase in loss adjustment expenses on claims.
Specialty Health	Increase in loss ratio relating to a employer’s medical stop-loss contract due to adverse loss development reported by the cedent during the period.
Professional	Increase in loss ratio relating to a solicitors’ indemnity contract due to adverse loss development reported by the cedent during the period.

Notable Severity Loss Ratio Changes
Three months ended March 31, 2017
Line of business	Explanation
Property - Commercial	For the three months ended March 31, 2017 certain catastrophe exposed contracts had higher loss ratios than the comparable period in 2016 due to losses from European hailstorms, European floods and Hurricane Matthew.

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Losses incurred can be further broken down into losses paid and changes in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves as follows:

	Three months ended March 31
			2017							2016
	Gross		Ceded			Net		Gross		Ceded			Net
	($ in thousands)
Losses paid (recovered)	$	72,040	$	(190	)	$	71,850	$	54,883	$	(217	)	$	54,666
Change in loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	32,839		123			32,962		36,182		(180		)	36,002
Total	$	104,879	$	(67	)	$	104,812	$	91,065	$	(397	)	$	90,668

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, our net loss reserves on prior period contracts increased by $5.0 million primarily related to the adverse loss development on our Florida homeowners’ insurance contracts relating to the practice of “assignment of benefits” and two large claims reported on a surety contract.

Acquisition Costs, Net

Acquisition costs represent the amortization of commission and brokerage expenses incurred on contracts written as well as profit commissions and other underwriting expenses which are expensed when incurred. Deferred acquisition costs are limited to the amount of commission and brokerage expenses that are expected to be recovered from future earned premiums and anticipated investment income. Details of acquisition costs are provided in the following table: 

	Three months ended March 31
	2017				2016
	($ in thousands)
Frequency	$	41,111	95.1	%	$	36,578	93.9	%
Severity	2,100		4.9		2,385		6.1
Total	$	43,211	100.0	%	$	38,963	100.0	%

Acquisition costs as a percentage of net premiums earned (referred to as acquisition cost ratio) are generally higher for our frequency business than for our severity business, but fluctuate based on the mix of business. The acquisition cost ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, were as follows:

	Three months ended March 31
	2017		2016
Frequency	28.6	%	28.5	%
Severity	26.5	%	24.4	%
Total	28.4	%	28.2	%

The changes in the frequency and severity acquisition cost ratios for the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016, were primarily due to the following:

Notable Frequency Acquisition Cost Ratio Changes
Three months ended March 31, 2017
Line of business	Explanation
Property - Personal	Decrease in acquisition cost ratio due to lower ceding commission rates on the new homeowners’ insurance contracts bound during Q4 2016. By comparison, the Florida homeowners’ contracts terminated during 2016 had a higher acquisition cost ratio.
Specialty - Health	Increase in acquisition cost ratio driven by higher professional fees incurred on an employers’ medical stop loss contract.
Workers Comp	Increase in acquisition cost ratio due to higher ceding commission rates on the new workers’ compensation contracts bound in the last twelve months

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Notable Severity Acquisition Cost Ratio Changes
Three months ended March 31, 2017
Line of business	Explanation
Financial	The acquisition cost ratio for the transactional liability business is higher than other severity contracts. There was no transactional liability business during the comparable period in 2016. Therefore the acquisition cost ratio for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was higher than the same period in 2016.
Specialty - Marine	An excess of loss contract written during 2016 had a low acquisition cost ratio which had helped reduce the overall severity acquisition cost ratio for the comparative three months ended March 31, 2016. Since this contract was not renewed during 2017, the overall severity acquisition cost ratio increased for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

General and Administrative Expenses

Details of general and administrative expenses are provided in the following table:

	Three months ended March 31
	2017		2016
	($ in thousands)
Underwriting expenses	$	4,111	$	4,823
Corporate expenses	2,632		2,176
General and administrative expenses	$	6,743	$	6,999

Underwriting expenses include those expenses directly related to underwriting activities as well as an allocation of other general and administrative expenses. Corporate expenses include those costs associated with operating as a publicly listed entity as well as an allocation of other general and administrative expenses.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the decrease in underwriting related expenses compared to the same period in 2016, was primarily due to lower personnel expenses. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the increase in corporate expenses, was primarily due to higher legal and professional fees incurred during the three months ended March 31, 2017, compared to the same period in 2016. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the general and administrative expenses included $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively, of expenses related to stock compensation granted to employees and directors.

Net Investment Income (Loss)

A summary of our net investment income (loss) is as follows:

	Three months ended March 31
	2017			2016
	($ in thousands)
Realized gains (losses)	$	48,967		$	(38,611	)
Change in unrealized gains and losses	(23,378		)	78,700
Investment related foreign exchange gains (losses)	(7,015		)	(4,112		)
Interest and dividend income, net of withholding taxes	4,606			4,956
Interest, dividend and other expenses	(6,065		)	(5,262		)
Investment advisor compensation	(5,497		)	(7,236		)
Net investment income (loss)	$	11,618		$	28,435

Investment returns relating to our investment portfolio managed by DME Advisors are calculated monthly and compounded to calculate the quarterly and annual returns. The resulting actual investment income may vary depending on cash flows into or out of the investment account.

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For the three months ended March 31, 2017, investment income, net of fees and expenses, resulted in a gain of 0.9% on our investments managed by DME Advisors, compared to a gain of 2.5% for the three months ended March 31, 2016. The long portfolio and macro positions gained 4.3% and 0.2%, respectively, while the short portfolio lost 3.0% during the three months ended March 31, 2017. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the largest contributors to net investment income were long positions in Chemours ( CC), Apple (AAPL) and gold, while the largest detractors were long positions in Rite Aid Corp (RAD), and short positions in Tesla (TSLA) and a group of perceived overpriced momentum driven securities that we refer to as the “bubble basket”.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, included under “Investment advisor compensation” in the above table was $4.3 million (2016: $4.2 million), relating to management fees paid to DME Advisors in accordance with the advisory agreement with DME Advisors. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, $1.2 million of performance allocation compensation was recorded for the period (2016: $3.1 million).

We expect our investment income, including realized and unrealized gains (or losses), to fluctuate from period to period. Fluctuations in realized and unrealized gains (or losses) are a function of both the market performance of the securities held in our investment portfolio, and the timing of additions to and dispositions of securities in our investment portfolio. Our investment advisor uses its discretion over when a gain (or loss) is realized on a particular investment. We believe that net investment income, which includes both realized and unrealized gains (or losses), is the best way to assess our investment performance, rather than analyzing the realized gains (or losses) and unrealized gains (or losses) separately.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the gross investment gain (loss) on our investment portfolio managed by DME Advisors (excluding investment advisor performance allocation) was 1.0% and 2.8%, respectively. These were comprised of the following:

	Three months ended March 31
	2017		2016
Long portfolio gains (losses)	4.3	%	2.6	%
Short portfolio gains (losses)	(3.0	)	0.1
Macro gains (losses)	0.2		0.5
Other income and expenses 1	(0.5	)	(0.4	)
Gross investment return	1.0	%	2.8	%
Net investment return	0.9	%	2.5	%

¹ Excludes performance compensation but includes management fees.

DME Advisors and its affiliates manage and expect to manage other client accounts besides ours, some of which have investment objectives similar to ours. To comply with Regulation FD, our investment returns are posted on our website on a monthly basis. Additionally, our website (www.greenlightre.ky) provides the names of the largest disclosed long positions in our investment portfolio as of the last business day of the month of the relevant posting, as well as information on our long and short exposures. Although DME Advisors regularly discloses all investment positions to us, it may choose not to disclose certain positions to its other clients in order to protect its investment strategy. Therefore, we present on our website the relevant largest long positions and exposure information as disclosed by DME Advisors or its affiliates to their other clients.  

 Income Taxes

We are not obligated to pay taxes in the Cayman Islands on either income or capital gains. We have been granted an exemption by the Governor-In-Cabinet from any income taxes that may be imposed in the Cayman Islands for a period of 20 years, expiring on February 1, 2025.

GRIL is incorporated in Ireland and is subject to the Irish corporation tax. GRIL is expected to be taxed at a rate of 12.5% on its taxable trading income, and 25% on its non-trading income, if any.

Verdant is incorporated in Delaware and is subject to taxes in accordance with the U.S. federal rates and regulations prescribed by the Internal Revenue Service. Verdant’s taxable income is expected to be taxed at a rate of 35%.

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As of March 31, 2017, a deferred tax asset of $1.2 million (December 31, 2016: $1.3 million) was included in other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. Based on the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and likelihood of generating sufficient taxable income to realize the future tax benefit, management believes it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will be fully realized in the future and therefore no valuation allowance has been recorded. The Company has not taken any other tax positions that management believes are subject to uncertainty or that are reasonably likely to have a material impact to the Company, GRIL or Verdant.

  Ratio Analysis

Due to the unique and customized nature of our underwriting operations, we expect to report different loss and expense ratios in both our frequency and severity businesses from period to period.

The following table provides the ratios: 

	Three months ended March 31						Three months ended March 31
			2017						2016
	Frequency		Severity		Total		Frequency		Severity		Total
Loss ratio	70.5	%	41.4	%	69.0	%	68.2	%	31.8	%	65.6	%
Acquisition cost ratio	28.6		26.5		28.4		28.5		24.4		28.2
Composite ratio	99.1	%	67.9	%	97.4	%	96.7	%	56.2	%	93.8	%
Underwriting expense ratio					2.7						3.5
Combined ratio					100.1	%					97.3	%

  The loss ratio is calculated by dividing loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred by net premiums earned. We expect that the loss ratio will be volatile for our severity business and may exceed that of our frequency business in certain periods. Given that we opportunistically underwrite a concentrated portfolio across several lines of business that have varying expected loss ratios, we can expect there to be significant annual variations in the loss ratios reported from our frequency business. In addition, the loss ratios for both frequency and severity business can vary depending on the mix of the lines of business written. 

The acquisition cost ratio is calculated by dividing acquisition costs by net premiums earned. We expect that this ratio will generally be higher for our frequency business than for our severity business.

The composite ratio is the ratio of underwriting losses incurred, loss adjustment expenses and acquisition costs, excluding underwriting related general and administrative expenses, to net premiums earned. Similar to the loss ratio, we expect that this ratio will be more volatile for our severity business depending on loss activity in any particular period.

The combined ratio is the sum of the composite ratio and the underwriting expense ratio. The combined ratio measures the total profitability of our underwriting operations and does not take into account corporate expenses, net investment income or any foreign exchange gain or loss. Given the nature of our unique underwriting strategy, we expect that our combined ratio may also be volatile from period to period.

Financial Condition

Investments; Financial Contracts Receivable; Financial Contracts Payable; Due to Prime Brokers

Our long investments and financial contracts receivable reported in the condensed consolidated balance sheets as of March 31, 2017, were $1,240.2 million, compared to $1,098.9 million as of December 31, 2016, an increase of $141.3 million, or 12.9%.

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The significant changes in our long investments and financial contracts receivable for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were as follows:

Increase (decrease) ($ in millions)	Explanation
$(18.4)	Commodities - Gold	Decrease primarily due to the reduction of physical gold holdings.
$(38.1)	Financial contracts receivable	Decrease in derivative assets partially due to the decrease in unrealized gains relating to derivatives held as of March 31, 2017.
$207.3	Equities - Listed	Increase primarily due to acquisition of equity securities.
$(14.4)	Corporate debt	Decrease due to disposal of certain corporate debt instruments.

As of March 31, 2017, our exposure to long investments decreased to 95.3%, compared to 99.5% as of December 31, 2016. This exposure analysis is conducted on a delta-adjusted basis and excludes macro positions which consist of CDS, interest rate swaps, sovereign debt, currencies, commodities, volatility indexes and derivatives on any of these instruments. Therefore a change in the exposure may not directly translate into a corresponding change in the long investments.

Financial contracts payable as of March 31, 2017 increased by $1.0 million, or 43.7%, compared to December 31, 2016, primarily due to a total return equity swaps that depreciated in value and were reclassified from financial contracts receivable to financial contracts payable as of March 31, 2017.

From time to time, we incur indebtedness to our prime brokers to implement our investment strategy in accordance with our investment guidelines. Additionally, under term margin agreements we pledge certain investment securities to borrow cash from prime brokers in order to provide collateral for trust accounts and for some of our letters of credit outstanding. The borrowed amount is held in accounts for the benefit of the beneficiaries and is included in the restricted cash and cash equivalents balance on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. As of March 31, 2017, we had borrowed $558.8 million (December 31, 2016: $319.8 million) from our prime brokers for investing activities (including short positions) and to provide collateral for trust accounts and letters of credit. The increase in the amount borrowed from prime brokers was partially a result of the higher level of margin borrowing required for the current composition of the investment portfolio as of March 31, 2017 and partially a result of the increase in collateral provided to our cedents in the form of trusts and letters of credit.

In accordance with Greenlight Re’s investment guidelines in effect as of March 31, 2017, DME Advisors may employ up to 15% (GRIL: 5%) net margin leverage for extended periods of time and up to 30% (GRIL: 20%) net margin leverage relating to investing activities for periods of less than 30 days.

Our investment portfolio, including any derivatives, is valued at fair value and any unrealized gains or losses are reflected in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. As of March 31, 2017, 91.8% (December 31, 2016: 88.3%) of our investment portfolio (excluding restricted and unrestricted cash and cash equivalents) was comprised of investments valued based on quoted prices in actively traded markets (Level 1), 7.2% (December 31, 2016: 10.7%) was comprised of securities valued based on observable inputs other than quoted prices (Level 2) and 0.3% (December 31, 2016: 0.7%) was comprised of securities valued based on non-observable inputs (Level 3). As of March 31, 2017, 0.7% (December 31, 2016: 0.3%) of our investment portfolio was comprised of private equity funds valued using the funds’ net asset values as a practical expedient. (Refer to Note 3 “Financial Instruments” in the condensed consolidated financial statements for details of transfers into and out of Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2017).

In determining whether a market for a financial instrument is active or inactive, we obtain information from DME Advisors, based on feedback it receives from executing brokers, market makers, analysts and traders to assess the level of market activity and available liquidity for any given financial instrument. Where a financial instrument is valued based on broker quotes, DME Advisors requests multiple quotes. The ultimate value is based on an average of the quotes obtained. Broker quoted prices are generally not adjusted in determining the ultimate values and are obtained with the expectation of the quotes being binding. As of March 31, 2017, $112.0 million (December 31, 2016: $140.1 million) of our investments (longs, shorts and derivatives) were valued based on broker quotes, of which $111.3 million (December 31, 2016: $137.6 million) were based on broker quotes that utilized observable market information and classified as Level 2 fair value measurements, and $0.7

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million (December 31, 2016: $2.4 million) were based on broker quotes that utilized non-observable inputs and classified as Level 3 fair value measurements.

Non-observable inputs used by our investment advisor include the use of investment manager statements and management estimates based on third party appraisals of underlying assets for valuing private equity investments. 

Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased; Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

As of March 31, 2017, our securities sold, not yet purchased, were $867.7 million, compared to $859.9 million at December 31, 2016. However, the short exposure decreased to 68.0% as of March 31, 2017, compared to 72.9% at December 31, 2016, primarily due to the increase in assets under management by our investment advisor. The exposure analysis is conducted on a delta-adjusted basis and excludes macro positions which consist of CDS, interest rate swaps, sovereign debt, currencies, commodities, volatility indexes and derivatives on any of these instruments. Therefore a change in the exposure may not directly translate into a corresponding change in the securities sold, not yet purchased.

Unlike long investments, short sales theoretically involve unlimited loss potential since there is no limit as to how high the market price of a security may rise. While it is not possible to list all of the reasons why a loss on a short sale may occur, a loss on a short sale may be caused by one or more of the following factors:

• Fluctuations in the share price due to an overall positive investment market;

• Sudden unexpected changes in the underlying business model of the issuer;

• Changes in laws and regulations relating to short sales;

• Press releases and earnings guidance issued by the issuer;

• A merger or acquisition of the issuer at a price in excess of the current share price;

• The shares of the issuer becoming difficult to borrow; or

• A short squeeze.

Given the various scenarios under which a loss may occur on a short sale, it is not possible to quantify the risk and uncertainty of loss relating to short sales. However, DME Advisors typically performs a detailed analysis prior to entering into a short sale. Thereafter, the investment is routinely monitored by DME Advisors. As of March 31, 2017, Greenlight Re’s investment guidelines limit any single investment from constituting more than 20% of the portfolio (10% for GRIL’s portfolio) at any given time, which limits the potential adverse impact on our results of operations and financial position from any one position.

As of March 31, 2017, restricted cash included $867.7 million relating to collateral for securities sold, not yet purchased, compared to $859.9 million as of December 31, 2016.

Overall, our restricted cash increased by $141.4 million, or 11.8%, from $1,202.7 million to $1,344.1 million, partially due to the increase in collateral posted for our reinsurance obligations to our clients which increased by $114.4 million during the three months ended March 31, 2017. To a lesser extent, the increase in restricted cash was caused by an increase in swap counterparty collateral, which increased by $19.2 million, during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Reinsurance Balances Receivable; Deferred Acquisition Costs, Net; Unearned Premium Reserves

At March 31, 2017, reinsurance balances receivable were $268.4 million, compared to $219.1 million as of December 31, 2016, an increase of $49.3 million, or 22.5%. The increase in reinsurance balances receivable was primarily attributable to premiums on contracts currently in force including net premiums held by ceding insurers on certain deals that allow for funds to be withheld by the ceding insurer. At March 31, 2017, funds withheld were $46.1 million, compared to $28.4 million as of December 31, 2016. We believe the reinsurance balances receivable are fully collectible and no allowance for bad debt was considered necessary at March 31, 2017.

At March 31, 2017, deferred acquisition costs (net of retrocession) increased by $12.4 million, or 20.4%, compared to December 31, 2016. The increase was consistent with and related to the increase in unearned premium reserves during the same period. We evaluate the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs by determining if the sum of future earned premiums and anticipated investment income is greater than the expected future claims and expenses. If a loss is probable on the unexpired portion of policies in force, a premium deficiency loss is recognized. As of March 31, 2017, we believe that the deferred acquisition costs were fully recoverable and no premium deficiency loss was recorded.

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Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves; Reinsurance Balances Payable

Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses were comprised of the following table: 

	March 31, 2017						December 31, 2016
	Case Reserves		IBNR		Total		Case Reserves		IBNR		Total
	($ in thousands)
Frequency	$	95,864	$	201,588	$	297,452	$	81,676	$	183,134	$	264,810
Severity	18,133		24,445		42,578		17,139		24,692		41,831
Total	$	113,997	$	226,033	$	340,030	$	98,815	$	207,826	$	306,641

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, the frequency loss reserves increased by $32.6 million, or 12.3%, to $297.5 million from $264.8 million as of December 31, 2016. The increases in both case reserves and IBNR were primarily related to the premiums earned during the period on active frequency contracts.

The severity loss reserves increased by $0.7 million, or 1.8%, primarily relating to case reserves.

For most of our contracts written as of March 31, 2017, our risk exposure is limited by defined limits of liability. Once the loss limit for a contract has been reached, we have no further exposure to additional losses from that contract. However, certain contracts, particularly quota share contracts that relate to first dollar exposure, may not contain aggregate limits. Our severity business, and to a lesser extent our frequency business, include certain contracts that contain or may contain natural peril loss exposure. As of April 1, 2017, our maximum aggregate loss exposure to any series of natural peril events was $229.9 million. For purposes of the preceding sentence, aggregate loss exposure is net of any retrocession (including any ILWs) and is equal to the difference between the aggregate limits available in the contracts that contain natural peril exposure minus reinstatement premiums, if any, for the same contracts. We categorize peak zones as: United States, Canada and the Caribbean; Europe; Japan; and the rest of the world. The following table provides single event loss exposure and aggregate loss exposure information for the peak zones of our natural peril coverage as of April 1, 2017: 

	April 1, 2017
Zone	Maximum Single Event Loss		Maximum Aggregate Loss
	($ in thousands)
United States, Canada and the Caribbean	$	196,154	$	229,881
Europe	107,357		127,567
Japan	107,357		127,567
Rest of the world	107,357		127,567
Maximum Aggregate	196,154		229,881

Since our maximum loss exposures are theoretical maximums based on contract limits, these limits may be significantly higher than modeled loss estimates which are commonly used in the insurance industry. Therefore, we also estimate catastrophe losses in terms of the probable maximum loss (“PML”). We define PML as the anticipated loss, taking into account contract terms and limits, caused by a catastrophe affecting a broad geographic area, such as that caused by an earthquake or hurricane. We anticipate that the PML will vary depending upon the modeled simulated losses and the composition of the in-force book of business. The projected severity levels are described in terms of a 1-in-250 year return period. The 1-in-250 year return period PML means that there is a 0.4% chance in any given year that an occurrence of a natural catastrophe will lead to losses exceeding the stated estimate. In other words, it corresponds to a 99.6% probability that the loss from an event will fall below the indicated PML.

PMLs are estimates and as a result, we cannot provide any assurance that any actual event will align with the modeled event or that actual losses from events similar to the modeled events will not vary materially from the modeled event PML. The PML estimate includes all significant exposure from our reinsurance operations. This includes coverage for property, motor, marine, energy, aviation and workers’ compensation.

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As of April 1, 2017, our estimated net PML exposure (net of retrocession and reinstatement premiums) at a 1-in-250 year return period for a single event and in aggregate was $97.1 million and $112.4 million, respectively. The following table provides the PML for single event loss exposure and aggregate loss exposure to natural peril losses for each of the peak zones as of April 1, 2017:

	April 1, 2017
	1-in-250 year return period
Zone	Single Event Loss		Aggregate Loss
	($ in thousands)
United States, Canada and the Caribbean	$	97,124	$	110,376
Europe	28,197		35,392
Japan	7,761		7,986
Rest of the world	7,741		7,838
Maximum	97,124		112,401

Shareholders’ Equity

Total equity reported on the condensed consolidated balance sheet, which includes non-controlling interest, increased by $9.5 million to $901.2 million as of March 31, 2017, compared to $891.7 million as of December 31, 2016. Retained earnings increased primarily due to net income of $8.4 million reported for the three months ended March 31, 2017. The non-controlling interest increased by $0.3 million primarily due the net investment income attributable to the non-controlling interest for three months ended March 31, 2017. The increase in additional paid-in capital for the three months ended March 31, 2017 of $0.8 million was primarily related to share-based compensation for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

General

Greenlight Capital Re is organized as a holding company with no operations of its own. As a holding company, Greenlight Capital Re has minimal continuing cash needs, most of which are related to the payment of administrative expenses. All of our underwriting operations are conducted through our wholly-owned reinsurance subsidiaries, Greenlight Re and GRIL, which underwrite property and casualty reinsurance. There are restrictions on each of Greenlight Re’s and GRIL’s ability to pay dividends, which are described in more detail below. It is our current policy to retain earnings to support the growth of our business. We currently do not expect to pay dividends on our ordinary shares.

As of March 31, 2017, Greenlight Re and GRIL were each rated “A- (Excellent)” with a stable outlook, by A.M. Best. The ratings reflect A.M. Best’s opinion of our reinsurance subsidiaries’ financial strength, operating performance and ability to meet obligations and it is not an evaluation directed toward the protection of investors or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold our Class A ordinary shares. If A.M. Best downgrades our ratings below “A- (Excellent)” or withdraws our rating, we could be severely limited or prevented from writing any new reinsurance contracts, which would significantly and negatively affect our business. Our A.M. Best ratings may be revised or revoked at the sole discretion of the rating agency. 

Sources and Uses of Funds

Our sources of funds consist primarily of premium receipts (net of brokerage and ceding commissions), investment income (net of advisory compensation and investment expenses), including realized gains, and other income. We use cash from our operations to pay losses and loss adjustment expenses, profit commissions and general and administrative expenses. Substantially all of our funds, including shareholders’ capital, net of funds required for business operations, are invested by DME Advisors in accordance with our investment guidelines. As of March 31, 2017, approximately 95% (December 31, 2016: 94%) of our long investments were comprised of publicly-traded equity securities and other holdings, which can be readily liquidated to meet current and future liabilities. Given our value-oriented long and short investment strategy, if markets are distressed, we would expect the liability of the short portfolio to decline. Any reduction in the liability would cause our need for restricted cash to decrease and thereby free up cash to be used for any purpose. Additionally, since the majority of our invested assets can be readily liquidated, even in distressed markets, we believe sufficient securities can be readily sold or covered in a timely manner to generate cash to pay claims. Since we classify our investments as “trading,” we book all gains and losses (including unrealized gains and losses) on all our investments (including derivatives) as net investment income or loss in our condensed consolidated statements of income for each reporting period.    

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For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the net cash provided by or (used in) operating activities was $15.4 million and $(7.3) million, respectively. Included in the net cash used in operating activities were investment related expenses, such as investment advisor compensation, and net interest and dividend expenses of $7.0 million and $7.5 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Excluding the investment related expenses from the net cash from operating activities, the net cash primarily provided by (used in) our underwriting activities was $22.4 million and $0.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Generally, in a given period if the premiums collected are sufficient to cover claim payments, we would generate cash from our underwriting activities. Due to the inherent nature of our underwriting portfolio, claims are often paid several months or even years after the premiums are collected. The cash generated from underwriting activities, however, may be volatile from period to period depending on the underwriting opportunities available.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, our investing activities used cash of $17.9 million (2016: provided cash of $92.2 million), driven primarily by increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents compared to the same period in 2016. Cash used for, or provided by, investing activities is net of any withdrawals from the joint venture by DME (nil for three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016). There were no financing activities during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016.

As of March 31, 2017, we believe we have sufficient cash flow from operating and investing activities to meet our foreseeable liquidity requirements. We expect that our operational needs for liquidity will be met by cash, funds generated from underwriting activities and investment income, including realized gains and the disposition of investment securities. As of March 31, 2017, we had no plans to issue debt and expect to fund our operations for the next twelve months from operating cash flow. However, we cannot provide assurances that in the future we will not incur indebtedness to implement our business strategy, pay claims or make acquisitions.

Although GLRE is not subject to any significant legal prohibitions on the payment of dividends, Greenlight Re and GRIL are each subject to regulatory minimum capital requirements and regulatory constraints that affect their ability to pay dividends to us. In addition, any dividend payment would have to be approved by the relevant regulatory authorities prior to payment. As of March 31, 2017, Greenlight Re and GRIL both exceeded the regulatory minimum capital requirements. 

Letters of Credit and Trust Arrangements

As of March 31, 2017, neither Greenlight Re nor GRIL was licensed or admitted as a reinsurer in any jurisdiction other than the Cayman Islands and the European Economic Area, respectively. Because many jurisdictions do not permit domestic insurance companies to take credit on their statutory financial statements for loss recoveries or ceded unearned premiums unless appropriate measures are in place for reinsurance obtained from unlicensed or non-admitted insurers, we anticipate that all of our U.S. clients and some of our non-U.S. clients will require us to provide collateral through funds withheld, trust arrangements, letters of credit or a combination thereof.

As of March 31, 2017, we had three letter of credit facilities available with an aggregate capacity of $600.0 million (December 31, 2016: $600.0 million) with various financial institutions. See Note 9 of the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements for details on each of the available facilities. We provide collateral to cedents in the form of letters of credit and trust arrangements. As of March 31, 2017, the aggregate amount of collateral provided to cedents under such arrangements was $457.0 million (December 31, 2016: $341.7 million). The letters of credit and trust accounts are secured by equity and debt securities as well as cash and cash equivalents with a total fair value of $470.4 million as of March 31, 2017 (December 31, 2016: $397.2 million).

Each of the letter of credit facilities contain customary events of default and restrictive covenants, including but not limited to, limitations on liens on collateral, transactions with affiliates, mergers and sales of assets, as well as solvency and maintenance of certain minimum pledged equity requirements, and restricts issuance of any debt without the consent of the letter of credit provider. Additionally, if an event of default exists, as defined in the letter of credit facilities, Greenlight Re would be prohibited from paying dividends to its parent company. The Company was in compliance with all the covenants of each of these facilities as of March 31, 2017.

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Capital

Our capital structure currently consists entirely of equity issued in two separate classes of ordinary shares. We expect that the existing capital base and internally generated funds will be sufficient to implement our business strategy for the foreseeable future. Consequently, we do not presently anticipate that we will incur any material indebtedness in the ordinary course of our business other than temporary borrowing directly related to the management of our investment portfolio. However, in order to provide us with flexibility and timely access to public capital markets should we require additional capital for working capital, capital expenditures, acquisitions or other general corporate purposes, we have filed a Form S-3 registration statement, which expires in June 2018 unless renewed. We did not make any significant commitments for capital expenditures during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Our Board of Directors has adopted a share repurchase plan authorizing the Company to repurchase up to 2.0 million Class A ordinary shares or securities convertible into Class A ordinary shares in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions or Rule 10b5-1 stock trading plans. The current share repurchase plan expires on June 30, 2017 unless renewed by the Board of Directors. As of March 31, 2017, 2.0 million Class A ordinary shares remained authorized for repurchase under the repurchase plan. The Company is not required to repurchase any of the Class A ordinary shares and the repurchase plan may be modified, suspended or terminated at the election of our Board of Directors at any time without prior notice. During the three months ended March 31, 2017, no Class A ordinary shares were repurchased by the Company.

As of March 31, 2017, there were 345,592 Class A ordinary shares available for future issuance under the Company’s stock incentive plan. On April 26, 2017, our shareholders approved an amendment to our stock incentive plan to increase the number of Class A ordinary shares available for issuance from 3.5 million to 5.0 million. The stock incentive plan is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. 

Contractual Obligations and Commitments

The following table shows our aggregate contractual obligations as of March 31, 2017 by time period remaining: 

	Less than  1 year		1-3 years		3-5 years		More than  5 years		Total
	($ in thousands)
Operating lease obligations (1)	$	621	$	426	$	174	$	—	$	1,221
Private equity and limited partnerships (2)	7,952		—		—		—		7,952
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (3)	154,630		102,910		36,329		46,161		340,030
	$	163,203	$	103,336	$	36,503	$	46,161	$	349,203

⁽¹⁾    Reflects our minimum contractual obligations pursuant to the lease agreements as described below.  

⁽²⁾ As of March 31, 2017, we had made total commitments of $25.3 million in private investments of which we had invested $17.3 million, and our remaining commitments to these investments total $8.0 million. Given the nature of private equity commitments, we are unable to determine with any degree of accuracy as to when the commitments will be called. As such, for the purposes of the above table, we have assumed that all commitments with no fixed payment schedule will be made within one year. Under our investment guidelines, in effect as of the date hereof, no more than 10% of the assets in the investment portfolio may be held in private equity securities without specific approval from the Board of Directors.  

⁽³⁾    Due to the nature of our reinsurance operations, the amount and timing of the cash flows associated with our reinsurance contractual liabilities will fluctuate, perhaps materially, and, therefore, are highly uncertain.

As of March 31, 2017, $867.7 million of securities sold, not yet purchased, were secured by $867.7 million of restricted cash held by prime brokers to cover obligations relating to securities sold, not yet purchased. These amounts are not included in the contractual obligations table above because there is no maturity date for securities sold, not yet purchased, and their maturities are not set by any contract and as such their due dates cannot be estimated.

Greenlight Re has entered into lease agreements for office space in the Cayman Islands. The leases expire on June 30, 2018 and Greenlight Re has the option to renew the leases for a further five year term. Under the terms of the lease agreements, Greenlight Re is committed to annual rent payments ranging from $0.3 million at inception to $0.5 million at expiry. The minimum lease payment obligations are included in the above table under operating lease obligations and in Note 9 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

GRIL has entered into a lease agreement for office space in Dublin, Ireland. Under the terms of this lease agreement, GRIL is committed to minimum annual rent payments denominated in Euros approximating €0.1 million until May 2021, and

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adjusted to the prevailing market rates for each of the two subsequent five-year terms. GRIL has the option to terminate the lease agreement in 2021. The minimum lease payment obligations are included in the above table under operating lease obligations and in Note 9 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

The Company and its reinsurance subsidiaries are party to a joint venture agreement with DME Advisors and a separate investment advisory agreement with DME. Effective January 1, 2017, the venture agreement and the advisory agreement were amended and restated to replace the previous agreements dated January 1, 2014, and will expire on December 31, 2019 and renew automatically for successive three-year periods.

Pursuant to the venture agreement, we pay DME Advisors a monthly management fee of 0.125% on our share of the assets managed by DME Advisors and we provide DME a performance allocation equal to 20% of the net profit, calculated per annum, of the Company’s share of the capital account managed by DME Advisors, subject to a loss carry forward provision. The loss carry forward provision allows DME to earn a reduced performance allocation of 10% of profits in any year subsequent to the year in which the investment account incurs a loss, until all the losses are recouped and an additional amount equal to 150% of the aggregate investment loss is earned. DME is not entitled to earn a performance allocation in a year in which the investment portfolio incurs a loss. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, performance allocation of $1.2 million and management fees of $4.3 million were included in net investment income.

We have entered into a service agreement with DME Advisors pursuant to which DME Advisors will provide investor relations services to us for compensation of $5,000 per month plus expenses. The service agreement had an initial term of one year, and continues for sequential one-year periods until terminated by us or DME Advisors. Either party may terminate the service agreement for any reason with 30 days prior written notice to the other party.

Our related party transactions are presented in Note 8 to the accompanying condensed consolidated financial statements.

Off-Balance Sheet Financing Arrangements

We have no obligations, assets or liabilities, other than those derivatives in our investment portfolio that are disclosed in the condensed consolidated financial statements, which would be considered off-balance sheet arrangements. We do not participate in transactions that create relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, often referred to as variable interest entities, which would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements. 

Effects of Inflation

We consider the effects of inflation in our pricing and when estimating loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. The actual effects of inflation on our results of operations cannot be accurately known until claims are ultimately settled. For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, inflation had no significant impact on our revenues or net income. We do not believe that inflation has had or will have a material effect on our combined results of operations, except insofar as inflation may affect interest rates and the asset values in our investment portfolio.

Item 3.    QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

We believe we are principally exposed to the following types of market risk: 

• equity price risk;

• commodity price risk;

• foreign currency risk;

• interest rate risk;

• credit risk; and

• political risk.

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Equity Price Risk

As of March 31, 2017, our investment portfolio consisted of long and short equity securities, along with certain equity-based derivative instruments, the carrying values of which are primarily based on quoted market prices. Generally, market prices of common equity securities are subject to fluctuation, which could cause the amount to be realized upon the closing of the position to differ significantly from their current reported value. This risk is partly mitigated by the presence of both long and short equity securities within our investment portfolio. As of March 31, 2017, a 10% decline in the price of each of these listed equity securities and equity-based derivative instruments would result in a $28.6 million, or 2.4%, decline in the fair value of our total investment portfolio.

Computations of the prospective effects of hypothetical equity price changes are based on numerous assumptions, including the maintenance of the existing level and composition of investment securities and should not be relied on as indicative of future results.

Commodity Price Risk

Generally, market prices of commodities are subject to fluctuation. Our investment portfolio periodically includes long or short investments in commodities or in derivatives directly impacted by fluctuations in the prices of commodities. As of March 31, 2017, our investment portfolio included unhedged exposure to changes in gold prices, through ownership of physical gold and derivative instruments with underlying exposure to changes in gold prices. Additionally, as of March 31, 2017, our investment portfolio included derivative instruments with underlying exposure to changes in natural gas and oil prices.

The following table summarizes the net impact that a 10% increase and decrease in commodity prices would have on the value of our investment portfolio as of March 31, 2017. The below table excludes the indirect effect that changes in commodity prices might have on equity securities in our investment portfolio. 

	10% increase in commodity prices				10% decrease in commodity prices
Commodity	Change in fair value		Change in fair value as % of investment portfolio		Change in fair value			Change in fair value as % of investment portfolio
	($ in thousands)				($ in thousands)
Gold	$	12,493	1.1	%	$	(12,493	)	(1.1	)%
Natural Gas	5,460		0.5		(5,460		)	(0.5	)
Oil	2,577		0.2		(2,577		)	(0.2	)
Total	$	20,530	1.8	%	$	(20,530	)	(1.8	)%

We, along with our investment advisor, periodically monitor our exposure to any other commodity price fluctuations and generally do not expect changes in other commodity prices to have a materially adverse impact on our operations.

Foreign Currency Risk

Certain of our reinsurance contracts provide that ultimate losses may be payable or calculated in foreign currencies depending on the country of original loss. Foreign currency exchange rate risk exists to the extent that our foreign currency loss reserves (case reserves and IBNR) are in excess of the corresponding foreign currency cash balances and there is an increase in the exchange rate of that foreign currency. As of March 31, 2017, we had a net unhedged foreign currency exposure on GBP denominated loss reserves of £(0.1) million. As of March 31, 2017, a 10% decrease in the U.S. dollar against the GBP (all else being constant) would result in additional estimated loss reserves of $0.0 million and a corresponding foreign exchange loss. Alternatively, a 10% increase in the U.S dollar against the GBP, would result in a reduction of $0.0 million in our recorded loss reserves and a corresponding foreign exchange gain.

While we do not seek to specifically match our liabilities under reinsurance policies that are payable in foreign currencies with investments denominated in such currencies, we continually monitor our exposure to potential foreign currency losses and may use foreign currency cash and cash equivalents or forward foreign currency exchange contracts in an effort to mitigate against adverse foreign currency movements.

50

We are also exposed to foreign currency risk through cash, forwards, options and investments in securities denominated in foreign currencies. Foreign currency exchange rate risk is the potential for adverse changes in the U.S. dollar value of investments (long and short), speculative foreign currency options and cash positions due to a change in the exchange rate of the foreign currency in which cash and financial instruments are denominated. As of March 31, 2017, some of our currency exposure resulting from foreign denominated securities (longs and shorts) was reduced by offsetting cash balances denominated in the corresponding foreign currencies. 

The following table summarizes the net impact that a 10% increase and decrease in the value of the U.S. dollar against select foreign currencies would have on the value of our investment portfolio as of March 31, 2017: 

	10% increase in U.S. dollar					10% decrease in U.S. dollar
Foreign Currency	Change in fair value			Change in fair value as % of investment portfolio		Change in fair value			Change in fair value as % of investment portfolio
	($ in thousands)
Australian Dollar	$	379		—	%	$	(379	)	—	%
British Pound	(982		)	(0.1	)	982			0.1
Chinese Yuan	8,383			0.7		(1,099		)	(0.1	)
Euro	(413		)	—		413			—
Japanese Yen	2,100			0.2		(2,081		)	(0.2	)
Swiss Franc	(586		)	—		586			—
Other	(45		)	—		45			—
Total	$	8,836		0.8	%	$	(1,533	)	(0.2	)%

Computations of the prospective effects of hypothetical currency price changes are based on numerous assumptions, including the maintenance of the existing level and composition of investment securities denominated in foreign currencies and related foreign currency instruments, and should not be relied on as indicative of future results.

Interest Rate Risk

Our investment portfolio includes interest rate sensitive securities, such as corporate and sovereign debt instruments and interest rate options. The primary market risk exposure for any debt instrument is interest rate risk. As interest rates rise, the market value of our long fixed-income portfolio falls, and the opposite is also true as interest rates fall. Additionally, some of our derivative investments may also be sensitive to interest rates and their value may indirectly fluctuate with changes in interest rates. 

The following table summarizes the impact that a 100 basis point increase or decrease in interest rates would have on the value of our investment portfolio as of March 31, 2017:

	100 basis point increase in interest rates				100 basis point decrease in interest rates
	Change in fair value		Change in fair value as % of investment portfolio		Change in fair value			Change in fair value as % of investment portfolio
	($ in thousands)
Debt instruments	$	15,218	1.3	%	$	(19,701	)	(1.7	)%
Net exposure to interest rate risk	$	19,410	1.6	%	$	(23,893	)	(2.0	)%

For the purposes of the above table, the hypothetical impact of changes in interest rates on debt instruments was determined based on the interest rates applicable to each instrument individually. We periodically monitor our net exposure to interest rate risk and generally do not expect changes in interest rates to have a materially adverse impact on our operations.

51

Credit Risk

We are exposed to credit risk primarily from the possibility that counterparties may default on their obligations to us. The amount of the maximum exposure to credit risk is indicated by the carrying value of our financial assets including notes receivable. We evaluate the financial condition of our notes receivable counterparties and monitor our exposure to them on a regular basis. We are also exposed to credit risk from our business partners and clients relating to balances receivable under the reinsurance contracts, including premiums receivable, losses recoverable and commission adjustments recoverable. We monitor the collectability of these balances on a regular basis.

In addition, the securities, commodities, and cash in our investment portfolio are held with several prime brokers, subjecting us to the related credit risk from the possibility that one or more of them may default on their obligations to us. We closely and regularly monitor our concentration of credit risk with each prime broker and, if necessary, transfer cash or securities between prime brokers to diversify and mitigate our credit risk. Other than our investment in derivative contracts and corporate debt, if any, and the fact that our investments and majority of cash balances are held by prime brokers on our behalf, we have no other significant concentrations of credit risk. 

Political Risk

We are exposed to political risk to the extent that we underwrite business from entities located in foreign markets and to the extent that DME Advisors, on our behalf and subject to our investment guidelines, trades securities that are listed on various U.S. and foreign exchanges and markets. The governments in any of these jurisdictions could impose restrictions, regulations or other measures, which may have a material adverse impact on our underwriting operations and investment strategy. We currently do not write political risk coverage on our insurance contracts; however, changes in government laws and regulations may impact our underwriting operations (see “Item 1A. Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016).

Item 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

Disclosure Controls and Procedures

As required by Rules 13a-15 and 15d-15 of the Exchange Act, the Company has evaluated, with the participation of management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, the effectiveness of its disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in such rules) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on such evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective to ensure that information required to be disclosed by the Company in reports prepared in accordance with the rules and regulations of the SEC is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified by the SEC’s rules and forms. Disclosure controls and procedures include, without limitation, controls and procedures designed to ensure that information required to be disclosed by an issuer in the reports that it files or submits under the Exchange Act is accumulated and communicated to the issuer’s management, including its principal executive officer and principal financial officer, or persons performing similar functions, as appropriate to allow timely decisions regarding required disclosure.

Our management, including our Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, does not expect that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures will prevent all errors and all frauds. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, within the Company have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake.

Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people, or by management override of the controls. The design of any system of controls also is based, in part, upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions; over time, controls may become inadequate because of changes in conditions, or the degree of compliance with the policies or procedures may deteriorate. Because of the inherent limitations in a cost-effective control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.  

52

Changes in Internal Control Over Financial Reporting

There have been no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting during the fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2017 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. The Company continues to review its disclosure controls and procedures, including its internal controls over financial reporting, and may from time to time make changes aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and to ensure that the Company’s systems evolve with its business.

PART II — OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1.    LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

From time to time, in the normal course of business, we may be involved in formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, which may include arbitration or litigation, the outcomes of which determine our rights and obligations under our reinsurance contracts and other contractual agreements. In some disputes, we may seek to enforce our rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to us. In other matters, we may resist attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. While the final outcome of legal disputes cannot be predicted with certainty, we do not believe that any of our existing contractual disputes, when finally resolved, will have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition or operating results.

Item 1A. RISK FACTORS

Factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from those in this report are any of the risks described in Item 1A “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 as filed with the SEC. Any of these factors could result in a significant or material adverse effect on our results of operations or financial condition. Additional risk factors not presently known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also impair our business or results of operations.

As of March 31, 2017, there have been no other material changes to the risk factors disclosed in Item 1A “Risk Factors” included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2016 as filed with the SEC. We may disclose changes to such factors or disclose additional factors from time to time in our future filings with the SEC.

Item 2.    UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS 

Our board of directors has adopted a share repurchase plan authorizing the Company to repurchase Class A ordinary shares. On April 26, 2017, our Board of Directors amended the share repurchase plan to extend the duration of the repurchase plan to June 30, 2018 and reinstated the authorization for the Company to purchase up to 2.0 million Class A ordinary shares or securities convertible into Class A ordinary shares in the open market, through privately negotiated transactions or Rule 10b5-1 stock trading plans. As of March 31, 2017, 2.0 million Class A ordinary shares remained authorized for repurchase under the repurchase plan. No Class A ordinary shares were repurchased by the Company during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

Item 3.    DEFAULTS UPON SENIOR SECURITIES 

Not applicable.

Item 4.    MINE SAFETY DISCLOSURES

Not applicable

Item 5.    OTHER INFORMATION

None.

53

Item 6.    EXHIBITS

12.1	Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges and Preferred Share Dividends
31.1	Certification of the Chief Executive Officer filed hereunder pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
31.2	Certification of the Chief Financial Officer filed hereunder pursuant to Section 302 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002
32.1	Certification of the Chief Executive Officer filed hereunder pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (*)
32.2	Certification of the Chief Financial Officer filed hereunder pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes Oxley Act of 2002 (*)
101	The following materials from the Company’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2017 formatted in XBRL (eXtensible Business Reporting Language): (i) the Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets; (ii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income; (iii) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Shareholders’ Equity; (iv) the Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows; and (v) the Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements.

* Furnished herewith.

54

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.

GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD.
(Registrant)
By:	/s/ LEONARD GOLDBERG
	Leonard Goldberg Interim Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)
	May 2, 2017
By:	/s/ TIM COURTIS
	Tim Courtis Chief Financial Officer (principal financial and accounting officer)
	May 2, 2017

55

EX-12.1

Exhibit 12.1

RATIO OF EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES AND PREFERRED SHARE DIVIDENDS

The following table sets forth our consolidated ratios:

	Three months ended March 31, 2017	Three months ended March 31, 2016
	(2)	(2)
Ratio of Earnings to Fixed Charges (1)	16.49	13.87

(1) The ratio of earnings to fixed charges was determined by dividing consolidated earnings by total fixed charges. For purposes of the ratios of earnings to fixed charges (i) earnings consist of consolidated net income before considering income taxes, minority interest and fixed charges and (ii) fixed charges consist of interest on indebtedness, interest expense on funds withheld from reinsurers and that portion of rent expense that is deemed by our management to be an appropriate interest factor. We have estimated that one-third of rent expense represents a reasonable approximation of the interest factor.

(2) No preferred shares were outstanding during the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, and no preferred share dividends were paid during those periods.

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF

GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD.

I, Leonard Goldberg, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the periods covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; 

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; 

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and 

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.   

Dated:	May 2, 2017	/s/ LEONARD GOLDBERG
		Leonard Goldberg Interim Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF

GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD.

I, Tim Courtis, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the periods covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officers and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared; 

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; 

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and 

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant’s fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and 

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and 

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.   

Dated:	May 2, 2017	/s/ TIM COURTIS
		Tim Courtis
		Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF

GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD. 

This certification is provided pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and accompanies the quarterly report on Form 10-Q (the ‘‘Form 10-Q’’) for the year ended March 31, 2017 of Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. (the ‘‘Issuer’’). 

I, Leonard Goldberg, the Principal Executive Officer of the Issuer, certify that to the best of my knowledge: 

1. The Form 10-Q fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)), as amended; and 

2. The information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer. 

Dated:	May 2, 2017	/s/ LEONARD GOLDBERG
		Leonard Goldberg Interim Chief Executive Officer (principal executive officer)

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF

GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD.  

This certification is provided pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 and accompanies the quarterly report on Form 10-Q (the ‘‘Form 10-Q’’) for the quarter ended March 31, 2017 of Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. (the ‘‘Issuer’’). 

I, Tim Courtis, the Principal Financial Officer of the Issuer, certify that to the best of my knowledge: 

1. The Form 10-Q fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (15 U.S.C. 78m(a) or 78o(d)), as amended; and 

2. The information contained in the Form 10-Q fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Issuer.  

Dated:	May 2, 2017	/s/ TIM COURTIS
		Tim Courtis
		Chief Financial Officer

XML

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Apr. 28, 2017
Document and Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	GREENLIGHT CAPITAL RE, LTD.
Entity Central Index Key	0001385613
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Document Type	10-Q
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Amendment Flag	false
Common Class A
Document and Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		31,183,763
Common Class B
Document and Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		6,254,895

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments
Debt instruments, trading, at fair value	$ 8,074	$ 22,473
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	1,054,427	844,001
Other investments, at fair value	139,453	156,063
Total investments	1,201,954	1,022,537
Cash and cash equivalents	37,961	39,858
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	1,344,059	1,202,651
Financial contracts receivable, at fair value	38,255	76,381
Reinsurance balances receivable	268,447	219,126
Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable	2,582	2,704
Deferred acquisition costs, net	73,470	61,022
Unearned premiums ceded	3,155	2,377
Notes receivable, net	35,236	33,734
Other assets	3,717	4,303
Total assets	3,008,836	2,664,693
Liabilities
Securities sold, not yet purchased, at fair value	867,709	859,902
Financial contracts payable, at fair value	3,215	2,237
Due to prime brokers	558,798	319,830
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	340,030	306,641
Unearned premium reserves	265,268	222,527
Reinsurance balances payable	52,249	41,415
Funds withheld	5,576	5,927
Other liabilities	13,639	14,527
Performance compensation payable to related party	1,189	0
Total liabilities	2,107,673	1,773,006
Equity
Preferred share capital (par value $0.10; authorized, 50,000,000; none issued)	0	0
Ordinary share capital (Class A: par value $0.10; authorized, 100,000,000; issued and outstanding, 31,183,763 (2016: 31,111,432): Class B: par value $0.10; authorized, 25,000,000; issued and outstanding, 6,254,895 (2016: 6,254,895))	3,744	3,737
Additional paid-in capital	501,180	500,337
Retained earnings	378,542	370,168
Shareholders’ equity attributable to shareholders	883,466	874,242
Non-controlling interest in joint venture	17,697	17,445
Total equity	901,163	891,687
Total liabilities and equity	$ 3,008,836	$ 2,664,693

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Shareholders' equity
Preferred share capital, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Preferred share capital, authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred share capital, issued	0	0
Common Class A
Shareholders' equity
Ordinary share capital, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Ordinary share capital, authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Ordinary share capital, issued (in shares)	31,183,763	31,111,432
Ordinary share capital, outstanding (in shares)	31,183,763	31,111,432
Common Class B
Shareholders' equity
Ordinary share capital, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Ordinary share capital, authorized (in shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000
Ordinary share capital, issued (in shares)	6,254,895	6,254,895
Ordinary share capital, outstanding (in shares)	6,254,895	6,254,895

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenues
Gross premiums written	$ 197,214	$ 166,792
Gross premiums ceded	(3,426)	(2,107)
Net premiums written	193,788	164,685
Change in net unearned premium reserves	(41,886)	(26,573)
Net premiums earned	151,902	138,112
Net investment income (loss)	11,618	28,435
Other income (expense), net	(7)	(271)
Total revenues	163,513	166,276
Expenses
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net	104,812	90,668
Acquisition costs, net	43,211	38,963
General and administrative expenses	6,743	6,999
Total expenses	154,766	136,630
Income (loss) before income tax	8,747	29,646
Income tax expense	(121)	(204)
Net income (loss) including non-controlling interest	8,626	29,442
Loss (income) attributable to non-controlling interest in joint venture	(252)	(773)
Net income (loss)	$ 8,374	$ 28,669
Earnings (loss) per share
Basic	$ 0.22	$ 0.77
Diluted	$ 0.22	$ 0.77
Weighted average number of ordinary shares used in the determination of earnings and loss per share
Basic	37,341,338	37,107,039
Diluted	37,376,649	37,422,921

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Ordinary share capital	Additional paid-in capital	Retained earnings	Shareholders' equity attributable to shareholders	Non-controlling interest in joint venture
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 848,773	$ 3,703	$ 496,401	$ 325,287	$ 825,391	$ 23,382
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issue of Class A ordinary shares, net of forfeitures	20	20	0	0	20	0
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	740	0	740	0	740	0
Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in joint venture	773	0	0	0	0	773
Net income (loss)	28,669	0	0	28,669	28,669	0
Balance at Mar. 31, 2016	878,975	3,723	497,141	353,956	854,820	24,155
Balance at Dec. 31, 2016	891,687	3,737	500,337	370,168	874,242	17,445
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issue of Class A ordinary shares, net of forfeitures	7	7	0	0	7	0
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	843	0	843	0	843	0
Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in joint venture	252	0	0	0	0	252
Net income (loss)	8,374	0	0	8,374	8,374	0
Balance at Mar. 31, 2017	$ 901,163	$ 3,744	$ 501,180	$ 378,542	$ 883,466	$ 17,697

XML

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Net income (loss)	$ 8,374	$ 28,669
Adjustments to reconcile net income or loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities
Net change in unrealized gains and losses on investments and financial contracts	23,378	(78,700)
Net realized (gains) losses on investments and financial contracts	(48,967)	38,611
Foreign exchange (gains) losses on cash and investments	6,480	5,057
Income (loss) attributable to non-controlling interest in joint venture	252	773
Share-based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	850	760
Depreciation expense	92	102
Net change in
Reinsurance balances receivable	(49,321)	(58,922)
Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable	122	(180)
Deferred acquisition costs, net	(12,448)	(8,361)
Unearned premiums ceded	(778)	446
Other assets	494	(427)
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	(33,389)	(35,135)
Unearned premium reserves	42,741	25,965
Reinsurance balances payable	10,834	1,378
Funds withheld	(351)	(107)
Other liabilities	(888)	(579)
Performance compensation payable to related party	1,189	3,081
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	15,442	(7,299)
Investing activities
Purchases of investments, trading	(365,970)	(423,065)
Sales of investments, trading	239,048	308,059
Payments for financial contracts	(10,538)	(29,976)
Proceeds from financial contracts	47,295	9,123
Securities sold, not yet purchased	323,273	290,478
Dispositions of securities sold, not yet purchased	(345,313)	(276,369)
Change in due to prime brokers	238,968	148,028
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents, net	(143,135)	76,329
Change in notes receivable, net	(1,502)	(10,391)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(17,874)	92,216
Financing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	0	0
Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	535	(945)
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(1,897)	83,972
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of the period	39,858	112,162
Cash and cash equivalents at end of the period	37,961	196,134
Supplementary information
Interest paid in cash	1,883	2,576
Income tax paid in cash	$ 0	$ 0

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ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

ORGANIZATION AND BASIS OF PRESENTATION

Greenlight Capital Re, Ltd. (“GLRE”) was incorporated as an exempted company under the Companies Law of the Cayman Islands on July 13, 2004. GLRE’s principal wholly-owned subsidiary, Greenlight Reinsurance, Ltd. (“Greenlight Re”), provides global specialty property and casualty reinsurance. Greenlight Re has a Class D insurer license issued in accordance with the terms of The Insurance Law, 2010 and underlying regulations thereto (the “Law”) and is subject to regulation by the Cayman Islands Monetary Authority (“CIMA”), in terms of the Law. Greenlight Re commenced underwriting in April 2006. During 2008, Verdant Holding Company, Ltd. (“Verdant”), a wholly-owned subsidiary of GLRE, was incorporated in the state of Delaware. During 2010, GLRE established Greenlight Reinsurance Ireland, Designated Activity Company (“GRIL”), a wholly-owned reinsurance subsidiary based in Dublin, Ireland. GRIL is authorized as a non-life reinsurance undertaking in accordance with the provisions of the European Union (Insurance and Reinsurance) Regulations 2015 (“Irish Regulations”). GRIL provides multi-line property and casualty reinsurance capacity to the European broker market and provides GLRE with an additional platform to serve clients located in Europe and North America.  As used herein, the “Company” refers collectively to GLRE and its consolidated subsidiaries.

The Class A ordinary shares of GLRE are listed on Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol “GLRE”.

These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) and in accordance with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and footnotes required by U.S. GAAP for complete consolidated financial statements. These unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2016. In the opinion of management, these unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements reflect all of the normal recurring adjustments considered necessary for a fair presentation of the Company’s financial position and results of operations as of the dates and for the periods presented.

The results for the three months ended March 31, 2017 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full calendar year.

Reclassifications

During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company revised its classification of the lines of business presented in Note 10 of the condensed consolidated financial statements. As a result the gross written premiums relating to certain lines of business previously reported for the three months ended March 31, 2016 , have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation. The reclassification resulted in no changes to net income (loss) or retained earnings for any of the periods presented.

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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Use of Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. 

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company is required to maintain certain cash in segregated accounts with prime brokers and derivative counterparties. The amount of restricted cash held by prime brokers is primarily used to support the liability created from securities sold, not yet purchased and derivatives. Additionally, restricted cash and cash equivalent balances are held to collateralize regulatory trusts and letters of credit issued to cedents (see Notes 4 and 9). The amount of cash encumbered varies depending on the market value of the securities sold, not yet purchased, and the collateral required by the cedents in the form of trust accounts and letters of credit. In addition, derivative counterparties require cash collateral to support the current value of any amounts that may be due to the counterparty based on the value of the underlying financial instrument.

Premium Revenue Recognition 

The Company accounts for reinsurance contracts in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In the event that a reinsurance contract does not transfer sufficient risk, deposit accounting is used and the contract is reported as a deposit liability. 

The Company writes excess of loss contracts as well as quota share contracts. The Company estimates the ultimate premiums for the entire contract period. These estimates are based on information received from the ceding companies and estimates from actuarial pricing models used by the Company. For excess of loss contracts, the total ultimate estimated premiums are recorded as premiums written at the inception of the contract. For quota share contracts, the premiums are recorded as written based on cession statements from cedents which typically are received monthly or quarterly depending on the terms specified in each contract. For any reporting lag, premiums written are estimated based on the portion of the ultimate estimated premiums relating to the risks underwritten during the lag period. 

Premium estimates are reviewed by management at least quarterly. Such review includes a comparison of actual reported premiums to expected ultimate premiums along with a review of the aging and collection of premium estimates. Based on management’s review, the appropriateness of the premium estimates is evaluated, and any adjustments to these estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Changes in premium estimates, including premium receivable on both excess of loss and quota share contracts, are expected and may result in significant adjustments in any period. A significant portion of amounts included in reinsurance balances receivable represent estimated premiums written, net of commissions and brokerage, and are not currently due based on the terms of the underlying contracts.

Certain contracts allow for reinstatement premiums in the event of a full limit loss prior to the expiry of a contract. A reinstatement premium is not due until there is a full limit loss event and therefore, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company records a reinstatement premium as written only in the event that a client incurs a full limit loss on the contract and the contract allows for a reinstatement of coverage upon payment of an additional premium. For catastrophe contracts which contractually require the payment of a reinstatement premium equal to or greater than the original premium upon the occurrence of a full limit loss, the reinstatement premiums are earned over the original contract period. Reinstatement premiums that are contractually calculated on a pro-rata basis of the original premiums, are earned over the remaining coverage period. For additional premiums which are due on a contract that has no remaining coverage period, the additional premiums are earned in full when due.

Certain contracts may provide for a penalty to be paid if the contract is terminated and canceled prior to its expiration term. Cancellation penalties are recognized in the period the notice of cancellation is received and are recorded in the consolidated statements of income under “other income (expense), net”.

Premiums written are generally recognized as earned over the contract period in proportion to the period of risk covered. Unearned premiums consist of the unexpired portion of reinsurance provided.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs, such as commission and brokerage costs, relate directly to, and vary with, the writing of reinsurance contracts. Acquisition costs relating solely to bound contracts are deferred subject to ultimate recoverability and are amortized over the related contract term. The Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs by determining if the sum of future earned premiums and anticipated investment income is greater than the expected future claims and expenses. If a loss is probable on the unexpired portion of policies in force, a premium deficiency loss is recognized. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the deferred acquisition costs were considered fully recoverable and no premium deficiency loss was recorded. 

Acquisition costs also include profit commissions which are expensed when incurred. Profit commissions are calculated and accrued based on the expected loss experience for contracts and recorded when the current loss estimate indicates that a profit commission is probable under the contract terms. As of March 31, 2017, $17.9 million (December 31, 2016: $15.2 million) of profit commission reserves were included in reinsurance balances payable on the condensed consolidated balance sheets. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, $2.7 million (2016: $1.1 million) of net profit commission expense was included in acquisition costs in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves and Recoverable

The Company establishes reserves for contracts based on estimates of the ultimate cost of all losses including losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). These estimated ultimate reserves are based on the Company’s own actuarial estimates derived from reports received from ceding companies, industry data and historical experience. These estimates are reviewed by the Company periodically on a contract by contract basis and adjusted as necessary. Since reserves are estimates, the final settlement of losses may vary from the reserves established and any adjustments to the estimates, which may be material, are recorded in the period they are determined.

Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable include the amounts due from retrocessionaires for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses on retrocession agreements. Ceded losses incurred but not reported are estimated based on the Company’s actuarial estimates. These estimates are reviewed periodically and adjusted when deemed necessary. The Company may not be able to ultimately recover the loss and loss adjustment expense recoverable amounts due to the retrocessionaires’ inability to pay. The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its retrocessionaires and records provisions for uncollectible reinsurance expenses recoverable when recovery is no longer probable.

Consideration paid by the Company for retroactive reinsurance that meets the conditions for reinsurance accounting (e.g. loss portfolio transfers) are reported as loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable to the extent those amounts do not exceed the associated liabilities. If the amounts paid for retroactive reinsurance exceed the liabilities, the Company increases the related liabilities, at the time the reinsurance contract is effective, and the excess is charged to net income as losses incurred. If the liabilities exceed the amounts paid, the recoverable balance is increased to reflect the difference, and the resulting gain is deferred and amortized over the estimated loss payout period. Changes in the estimated amount of liabilities relating to the underlying reinsured contracts are recognized in net income in the period of the change.

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable include promissory notes receivable from third party entities. These notes are recorded at cost along with accrued interest, if any, which approximates the fair value. Interest income and realized gains or losses on sale of notes receivable are included under net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The Company regularly reviews all notes receivable individually for impairment and records valuation allowance provisions for uncollectible and non-performing notes. The Company places notes on non-accrual status when the recorded value of the note is not considered impaired but there is uncertainty as to the collection of interest in accordance with the terms of the note. For notes receivable placed on non-accrual status, the notes are recorded excluding any accrued interest amount. The Company resumes accrual of interest on a note when none of the principal or interest remains past due, and the Company expects to collect the remaining contractual principal and interest. Interest collected on notes that are placed on non-accrual status is treated on a cash-basis and recorded as interest income when collected, provided that the recorded value of the note is deemed to be fully collectible. Where doubt exists as to the collectability of the remaining recorded value of the notes placed on non-accrual status, any payments received are applied to reduce the recorded value of the notes.

At March 31, 2017, $17.4 million of notes receivable (net of any valuation allowance) were on non-accrual status

(December 31, 2016: $18.6 million) and any payments received were applied to reduce the recorded value of the notes.

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, there was no accrued interest included in the notes receivable balance. Based on management’s assessment, the recorded values of the notes receivable, net of valuation allowance, at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, were expected to be fully collectible.

Financial Instruments

Investments in Securities and Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

The Company’s investments in debt instruments and equity securities that are classified as “trading securities” are carried at fair value. The fair values of the listed equity investments are derived based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs). The fair values of listed equities that have restrictions on sale or transfer which expire within one year, are determined by adjusting the observed market price of the equity using a liquidity discount based on observable market inputs. The fair values of debt instruments are derived based on inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as market maker or broker quotes reflecting recent transactions (Level 2 inputs), and are generally derived based on the average of multiple market maker or broker quotes which are considered to be binding. Where quotes are not available, debt instruments are valued using cash flow models using assumptions and estimates that may be subjective and non-observable (Level 3 inputs).

The Company’s “other investments” may include investments in private and unlisted equity securities, limited partnerships and commodities, which are all carried at fair value. The fair values of commodities are determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1). The Company maximizes the use of observable direct or indirect inputs (Level 2 inputs) when deriving the fair values for “other investments”. For limited partnerships and private and unlisted equity securities, where observable inputs are not available, the fair values are derived based on unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs) such as management’s assumptions developed from available information using the services of the investment advisor, including the most recent net asset values obtained from the managers of those underlying investments. For certain private equity fund investments the Company has elected to measure the fair value using the net asset value practical expedient allowed under U.S. GAAP, and accordingly these investments are not classified as Level 1, 2 or 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

For securities classified as “trading securities” and “other investments”, any realized and unrealized gains or losses are determined on the basis of the specific identification method (by reference to cost or amortized cost, as appropriate) and included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Dividend income and expense are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The ex-dividend date is the date as of when the underlying security must have been traded to be eligible for the dividend declared. Interest income and interest expense are recorded on an accrual basis.

Derivative Financial Instruments

U.S. GAAP requires that an entity recognize all derivatives in the balance sheet at fair value. It also requires that unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value be included in income or comprehensive income, depending on whether the instrument qualifies as a hedge transaction, and if so, the type of hedge transaction. The Company’s derivative financial instrument assets are included in financial contracts receivable. Derivative financial instrument liabilities are included in financial contracts payable. The Company’s derivatives generally do not qualify as hedges for financial reporting purposes and are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis and not offset against any collateral pledged or received. Pursuant to the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) master agreements, securities lending agreements and other agreements, the Company and its counterparties typically have the ability to net certain payments owed to each other in specified circumstances. In addition, in the event a party to one of the ISDA master agreements, securities lending agreements or other agreements defaults, or a transaction is otherwise subject to termination, the non-defaulting party generally has the right to set off outstanding balances due from the defaulting party against payments owed to the defaulting party or collateral held by the non-defaulting party. The Company may from time to time enter into underwriting contracts such as industry loss warranty contracts (“ILW”) that are treated as derivatives for U.S GAAP purposes.

Financial Contracts

The Company enters into financial contracts with counterparties as part of its investment strategy. Financial contracts, which include total return swaps, credit default swaps (“CDS”), futures, options, currency forwards and other derivative instruments, are recorded at their fair value with any unrealized gains and losses included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Financial contracts receivable represents derivative contracts whereby, based upon the contract’s current fair value, the Company will be entitled to receive payments upon settlement of the contract. Financial contracts payable represents derivative contracts whereby, based upon each contract’s current fair value, the Company will be obligated to make payments upon settlement of the contract.

Total return swap agreements, included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as financial contracts receivable and financial contracts payable, are derivative financial instruments whereby the Company is either entitled to receive or obligated to pay the product of a notional amount multiplied by the movement in an underlying security, which the Company may not own, over a specified time frame. In addition, the Company may also be obligated to pay or receive other payments based on interest rates, dividend payments and receipts, or foreign exchange movements during a specified period. The Company measures its rights or obligations to the counterparty based on the fair value movements of the underlying security together with any other payments due. These contracts are carried at fair value, based on observable inputs (Level 2 inputs) with the resultant unrealized gains and losses reflected in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Additionally, any changes in the value of amounts received or paid on swap contracts are reported as a gain or loss in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Financial contracts may also include exchange traded futures or options contracts that are based on the movement of a particular index, equity security, commodity, currency or interest rate. Where such contracts are traded in an active market, the Company’s obligations or rights on these contracts are recorded at fair value based on the observable quoted prices of the same or similar financial contracts in an active market (Level 1) or on broker quotes which reflect market information based on actual transactions (Level 2). Amounts invested in exchange traded options and over the counter (“OTC”) options are recorded either as an asset or liability at inception. Subsequent to initial recognition, unexpired exchange traded option contracts are recorded at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets (Level 1). For OTC options or exchange traded options where a quoted price in an active market is not available, fair values are derived based upon observable inputs (Level 2) such as multiple quotes from brokers and market makers, which are considered to be binding.

The Company may purchase and sell CDS for strategic investment purposes. A CDS is a derivative instrument that provides protection against an investment loss due to specified credit or default events of a reference entity. The seller of a CDS guarantees to pay the buyer a specified amount if the reference entity defaults on its obligations or fails to perform. The buyer of a CDS pays a premium over time to the seller in exchange for obtaining this protection. A CDS trading in an active market is valued at fair value based on broker or market maker quotes for identical instruments in an active market (Level 2) or based on the current credit spreads on identical contracts (Level 2).

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company has no comprehensive income or loss, other than the net income or loss disclosed in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of restricted stock units (“RSU”) and additional potential common shares issuable when stock options are exercised and are determined using the treasury stock method. The Company treats its unvested restricted stock as participating securities in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires that unvested stock awards which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid (referred to as “participating securities”), be included in the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. In the event of a net loss, all RSUs, stock options outstanding and participating securities are excluded from the calculation of both basic and diluted loss per share since their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

	Three months ended March 31
	2017	2016
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	37,341,338	37,107,039
Effect of dilutive employee and director share-based awards	35,311	315,882
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	37,376,649	37,422,921
Anti-dilutive stock options outstanding	335,991	485,991

Taxation

Under current Cayman Islands law, no corporate entity, including GLRE and Greenlight Re, is obligated to pay taxes in the Cayman Islands on either income or capital gains. The Company has an undertaking from the Governor-in-Cabinet of the Cayman Islands, pursuant to the provisions of the Tax Concessions Law, as amended, that, in the event that the Cayman Islands enacts any legislation that imposes tax on profits, income, gains or appreciations, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, such tax will not be applicable to GLRE, Greenlight Re nor their respective operations, or to the Class A or Class B ordinary shares or related obligations, until February 1, 2025.

Verdant is incorporated in Delaware and therefore is subject to taxes in accordance with the U.S. federal rates and regulations prescribed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Verdant’s taxable income is generally expected to be taxed at a rate of 35%.

GRIL is incorporated in Ireland and therefore is subject to the Irish corporation tax rate of 12.5% on its trading income, and 25% on its non-trading income, if any.

Any deferred tax asset is evaluated for recovery and a valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized in the future. The Company has not taken any income tax positions that are subject to significant uncertainty or that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company. 

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, “Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts” (“ASU 2015-09”). ASU 2015-09 requires additional disclosures for short-duration contracts including incurred and paid claims development information, claims duration information, quantitative claims frequency information (unless impracticable), and an explanation of significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. ASU 2015-09 is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2015-09 during 2016 and disclosed the additional information in its condensed consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. The Company has implemented the interim disclosures commencing from the first quarter of 2017. Please refer to Note 5 “Loss and Loss Adjustments Expense Reserves” for the interim disclosures relating to ASU 2015-09.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). The new guidance is intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01, among other things, requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income or loss, requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes and requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset. ASU 2016-01 affects public and private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities. The new guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s net income or loss or retained earnings since the Company’s investments are currently classified as “trading” and the unrealized gains and losses are already recognized in net income or loss.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for any organization in any interim or annual period. The Company currently has two operating leases for its office spaces as disclosed in Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and anticipates implementing ASU 2016-02 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 is intended to improve the accounting for employee share-based payments and affects all organizations that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions are simplified, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any organization in any interim or annual period. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and the adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurements of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 amends the guidance on reporting credits losses and affects loans, debt securities, trade receivables, reinsurance recoverables and other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive cash. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any organization for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the requirements of ASU 2016-13 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and anticipates implementing ASU 2016-13 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statements of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash (Topic 230)” (“ASU 2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 requires restricted cash and cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows and disclose the nature of the restrictions on cash and cash equivalents. ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company currently presents changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents under investing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-18, the Company will amend the presentation in the statement of cash flows to include the restricted cash and cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows and will retrospectively reclassify all periods presented.

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Financial Instruments [Abstract]

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

In the normal course of its business, the Company purchases and sells various financial instruments, which include listed and unlisted equities, corporate and sovereign debt, commodities, futures, put and call options, currency forwards, other derivatives and similar instruments sold, not yet purchased.

 Fair Value Hierarchy

The Company’s financial instruments are carried at fair value, and the net unrealized gains or losses are included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The following table presents the Company’s investments, categorized by the level of the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2017:

	Fair value measurements as of March 31, 2017
Description	Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)			Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)			Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)		Total
	($ in thousands)
Assets:
Debt instruments	$	—		$	7,370		$	704	$	8,074
Listed equity securities	1,035,992			18,435			—		1,054,427
Commodities	118,929			—			—		118,929
Private and unlisted equity securities	—			—			6,076		6,076
	$	1,154,921		$	25,805		$	6,780	$	1,187,506
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)									14,448
Total investments									$	1,201,954
Financial contracts receivable	$	20		$	38,235		$	—	$	38,255
Liabilities:
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased	$	(782,046	)	$	—		$	—	$	(782,046	)
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased	—			(85,663		)	—		(85,663		)
Total securities sold, not yet purchased	$	(782,046	)	$	(85,663	)	$	—	$	(867,709	)
Financial contracts payable	$	(20	)	$	(3,195	)	$	—	$	(3,215	)

⁽¹⁾ Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents the Company’s investments, categorized by the level of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016:

	Fair value measurements as of December 31, 2016
Description	Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)			Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)			Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)		Total
	($ in thousands)
Assets:
Debt instruments	$	—		$	21,819		$	654	$	22,473
Listed equity securities	823,421			20,580			—		844,001
Commodities	137,296			—			—		137,296
Private and unlisted equity securities	—			—			6,109		6,109
	$	960,717		$	42,399		$	6,763	$	1,009,879
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)									12,658
Total investments									$	1,022,537
Financial contracts receivable	$	20		$	76,361		$	—	$	76,381
Liabilities:
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased	$	(770,267	)	$	—		$	—	$	(770,267	)
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased	—			(89,635		)	—		(89,635		)
Total securities sold, not yet purchased	$	(770,267	)	$	(89,635	)	$	—	$	(859,902	)
Financial contracts payable	$	—		$	(2,237	)	$	—	$	(2,237	)

⁽¹⁾ Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

 The following table presents the reconciliation of the balances for all investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2017: 

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Three months ended March 31, 2017
	Debt instruments		Private and unlisted equity securities			Total
	($ in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	654	$	6,109		$	6,763
Purchases			1,750			1,750
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	50		(15		)	35
Transfers out of Level 3	—		(1,768		)	(1,768		)
Ending balance	$	704	$	6,076		$	6,780

During the three months ended March 31, 2017, $1.8 million of the private equity securities were transferred from Level 3 to Level 2 as these securities commenced trading on a listed exchange. However, due to lock-up period restrictions on those securities, they were classified as Level 2 upon transfer until the lock-up period expires. As of March 31, 2017, the fair value of these securities was based on the last traded price on an active market, adjusted for an estimated discount due to the lock-up restriction.

There were no other transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2017.

The following table presents the reconciliation of the balances for all investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2016:

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Three months ended March 31, 2016
	Debt instruments			Private and unlisted equity securities			Total
	($ in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	505		$	8,452		$	8,957
Sales	—			(2,539		)	(2,539		)
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	(9		)	18			9
Ending balance	$	496		$	5,931		$	6,427

There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 during the three months ended March 31, 2016.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company held investments in private equity funds of $14.4 million (December 31, 2016: $12.7 million) with fair values measured using the unadjusted net asset values as reported by the managers of these funds as a practical expedient. Some of these net asset values were reported from periods prior to March 31, 2017. The private equity funds have varying lock-up periods and, as of March 31, 2017, all of the funds had redemption restrictions. The redemption restrictions have been in place since inception of the investments and are not expected to lapse in the near future. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had $8.0 million (December 31, 2016: $9.2 million) of unfunded commitments relating to private equity funds whose fair values are determined based on unadjusted net asset values reported by the managers of these funds. These commitments are included in the amounts presented in the schedule of commitments and contingencies in Note 9 of these condensed consolidated financial statements.  

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, included in net investment income in the condensed consolidated statements of income were net realized losses relating to Level 3 securities of nil (2016: $1.4 million).

For Level 3 securities still held as of the reporting date, the change in net unrealized gain for the three months ended March 31, 2017 of nil (three months ended March 31, 2016: net unrealized losses of $1.4 million), were included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Investments

Debt instruments, trading

At March 31, 2017, the following investments were included in debt instruments:

	Cost/amortized cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair  value
	($ in thousands)
Corporate debt – U.S.	$	16,691	$	—	$	(8,663	)	$	8,028
Corporate debt – Non U.S.	2,109		—		(2,063		)	46
Total debt instruments	$	18,800	$	—	$	(10,726	)	$	8,074

At December 31, 2016, the following investments were included in debt instruments:

	Cost/amortized cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair  value
	($ in thousands)
Corporate debt – U.S.	$	21,294	$	6,509	$	(5,331	)	$	22,472
Corporate debt – Non U.S.	2,109		—		(2,108		)	1
Total debt instruments	$	23,403	$	6,509	$	(7,439	)	$	22,473

The maturity distribution for debt instruments held at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Cost/  amortized  cost		Fair  value		Cost/  amortized  cost		Fair  value
	($ in thousands)
Within one year	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
From one to five years	15,083		6,732		17,803		19,492
From five to ten years	2,767		638		4,649		2,327
More than ten years	950		704		951		654
	$	18,800	$	8,074	$	23,403	$	22,473

Equity securities, trading

At March 31, 2017, the following long positions were included in equity securities, trading: 

	Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Equities – listed	$	936,773	$	152,340	$	(51,603	)	$	1,037,510
Exchange traded funds	15,056		1,861		—			16,917
Total equity securities	$	951,829	$	154,201	$	(51,603	)	$	1,054,427

At December 31, 2016, the following long positions were included in equity securities, trading:

	Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Equities – listed	$	753,813	$	115,379	$	(40,706	)	$	828,486
Exchange traded funds	15,056		459		—			15,515
Total equity securities	$	768,869	$	115,838	$	(40,706	)	$	844,001

Other Investments

“Other investments” include commodities and private and unlisted equity securities. As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, all commodities were comprised of gold bullion. 

At March 31, 2017, the following securities were included in other investments:

	Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses		Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Commodities	$	103,680	$	15,249	$	—	$	118,929
Private and unlisted equity securities	15,385		5,139		—		20,524
	$	119,065	$	20,388	$	—	$	139,453

At December 31, 2016, the following securities were included in other investments: 

	Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Commodities	$	130,671	$	6,625	$	—		$	137,296
Private and unlisted equity securities	14,418		4,375		(26		)	18,767
	$	145,089	$	11,000	$	(26	)	$	156,063

Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

Securities sold, not yet purchased, are securities that the Company has sold, but does not own, in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security. The Company’s risk is that the value of the security will increase rather than decline. Consequently, the settlement amount of the liability for securities sold, not yet purchased, may exceed the amount recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as the Company is obligated to purchase the securities sold, not yet purchased, in the market at prevailing prices to settle its obligations. To establish a position in a security sold, not yet purchased, the Company needs to borrow the security for delivery to the buyer. On each day the transaction is open, the liability for the obligation to replace the borrowed security is marked-to-market and an unrealized gain or loss is recorded. At the time the transaction is closed, the Company realizes a gain or loss equal to the difference between the price at which the security was sold and the cost of replacing the borrowed security. While the transaction is open, the Company will also incur an expense for any dividends or interest which will be paid to the lender of the securities.

At March 31, 2017, the following securities were included in investments in securities sold, not yet purchased:

	Proceeds			Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Equities – listed	$	(677,410	)	$	28,687	$	(133,323	)	$	(782,046	)
Sovereign debt – Non U.S.	(96,230		)	10,567		—			(85,663		)
	$	(773,640	)	$	39,254	$	(133,323	)	$	(867,709	)

At December 31, 2016, the following securities were included in investments in securities sold, not yet purchased: 

	Proceeds			Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Equities – listed	$	(690,270	)	$	30,768	$	(110,765	)	$	(770,267	)
Sovereign debt – Non U.S.	(96,230		)	6,595		—			(89,635		)
	$	(786,500	)	$	37,363	$	(110,765	)	$	(859,902	)

Financial Contracts

As of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company had entered into total return equity swaps, interest rate swaps, commodity swaps, options, warrants, rights, futures and forward contracts with various financial institutions to meet certain investment objectives. Under the terms of each of these financial contracts, the Company is either entitled to receive or is obligated to make payments, which are based on the product of a formula contained within each contract that includes the change in the fair value of the underlying or reference security.

At March 31, 2017, the fair values of financial contracts outstanding were as follows: 

Financial Contracts	Listing currency (1)	Notional amount of underlying instruments	Fair value of net assets (obligations) on financial contracts
		($ in thousands)
Financial contracts receivable
Call options	USD	201,215	$	15,530
Commodity Swaps	USD	58,762	5,902
Forwards	KRW	10,608	253
Interest rate swaps	JPY	21,525	324
Put options (2)	USD	51,543	1,435
Total return swaps – equities	EUR/KRW/GBP/RON/USD	298,894	14,777
Warrants and rights on listed equities	EUR/USD	67	34
Total financial contracts receivable, at fair value			$	38,255
Financial contracts payable
Commodity Swaps	USD	15,808	$	(97	)
Futures	USD	5,998	(20		)
Put options	USD	1,031	(153		)
Total return swaps – equities	EUR/USD/GBP	32,683	(2,945		)
Total financial contracts payable, at fair value			$	(3,215	)

⁽¹⁾ USD = US Dollar; EUR = Euro; GBP = British Pound; JPY = Japanese Yen; KRW = Korean Won; RON = Romanian New Leu.

⁽²⁾ Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.

At December 31, 2016, the fair values of financial contracts outstanding were as follows: 

Financial Contracts	Listing currency (1)	Notional amount of underlying instruments	Fair value of net assets (obligations) on financial contracts
		($ in thousands)
Financial contracts receivable
Call options	USD	134,495	$	26,508
Commodity Swaps	USD	82,009	13,506
Interest rate swaps	JPY	20,490	218
Put options (2)	USD	115,481	6,703
Total return swaps – equities	EUR/GBP/USD	100,199	29,413
Warrants and rights on listed equities	EUR/USD	67	33
Total financial contracts receivable, at fair value			$	76,381
Financial contracts payable
Forwards	KRW	6,880	$	(118	)
Put options	USD	815	(172		)
Total return swaps – equities	EUR/GBP/KRW/RON/USD	31,257	(1,947		)
Total financial contracts payable, at fair value			$	(2,237	)

⁽¹⁾ USD = US Dollar; EUR = Euro; GBP = British Pound; JPY = Japanese Yen; KRW = Korean Won; RON = Romanian New Leu.

⁽²⁾ Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.

Options are derivative financial instruments that give the buyer, in exchange for a premium payment, the right, but not the obligation, to either purchase from (call option) or sell to (put option) the writer, a specified underlying security at a specified price on or before a specified date. The Company enters into option contracts to meet certain investment objectives. For exchange traded option contracts, the exchange acts as the counterparty to specific transactions and therefore bears the risk of delivery to and from counterparties of specific positions.

As of March 31, 2017, the Company held $1.4 million OTC put options (long) (December 31, 2016: $6.7 million) and $14.4 million OTC call options (long) (December 31, 2016: $22.4 million).

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company reported gains and losses on derivatives as follows:

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Location of gains and losses on derivatives recognized in income	Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income
		Three months ended March 31
		2017			2016
		($ in thousands)
Forwards	Net investment income (loss)	$	623		$	(81	)
Futures	Net investment income (loss)	(513		)	984
Interest rate swaps	Net investment income (loss)	105			—
Options, warrants, and rights	Net investment income (loss)	(7,528		)	(2,803		)
Commodity swaps	Net investment income (loss)	(6,959		)	(5,565		)
Total return swaps – equities	Net investment income (loss)	10,311			6,919
Total		$	(3,961	)	$	(546	)

The Company generally does not enter into derivatives for risk management or hedging purposes. The volume of derivative activities varies from period to period depending on potential investment opportunities.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company’s volume of derivative activities (based on notional amounts) was as follows:

2017	Three months ended March 31
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (notional amounts)	Entered		Exited
	($ in thousands)
Forwards	$	3,476	$	—
Futures	29,510		24,069
Options, warrants and rights (1)	347,918		110,102
Commodity swaps	—		8,182
Total return swaps	232,118		60,607
Total	$	613,022	$	202,960

⁽¹⁾ Exited amount excludes derivatives which expired or were exercised during the period.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company’s volume of derivative activities (based on notional amounts) was as follows:

2016	Three months ended March 31
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (notional amounts)	Entered		Exited
	($ in thousands)
Forwards	$	—	$	63
Futures	174,721		169,710
Options, warrants and rights (1)	133,333		175,651
Commodity swaps	75,566		54,374
Total return swaps	1,483		28,271
Total	$	385,103	$	428,069

⁽¹⁾ Exited amount excludes derivatives which expired or were exercised during the period.

The Company does not offset its derivative instruments and presents all amounts in the condensed consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis. The Company has pledged cash collateral to derivative counterparties to support the current value of amounts due to the counterparties on its derivative instruments.

As of March 31, 2017, the gross and net amounts of derivative instruments and the cash collateral applicable to derivative instruments were as follows:

March 31, 2017	(i)			(ii)		(iii) = (i) - (ii)			(iv) Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet						(v) = (iii) + (iv)
Description	Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities)			Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet		Net amounts of assets (liabilities) presented in the balance sheet			Financial instruments available for offset			Cash collateral (received) pledged			Net amount of asset (liability)
	($ in thousands)
Financial contracts receivable	$	38,255		$	—	$	38,255		$	(3,087	)	$	(17,350	)	$	17,818
Financial contracts payable	(3,215		)	—		(3,215		)	3,087			128			—

As of December 31, 2016, the gross and net amounts of derivative instruments and the cash collateral applicable to derivative instruments were as follows:

December 31, 2016	(i)			(ii)		(iii) = (i) - (ii)			(iv) Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet						(v) = (iii) + (iv)
Description	Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities)			Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet		Net amounts of assets (liabilities) presented in the balance sheet			Financial instruments available for offset			Cash collateral (received) pledged			Net amount of asset (liability)
	($ in thousands)
Financial contracts receivable	$	76,381		$	—	$	76,381		$	(938	)	$	(44,572	)	$	30,871
Financial contracts payable	(2,237		)	—		(2,237		)	938			1,299			—

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DUE TO PRIME BROKERS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Due to and from Broker-Dealers and Clearing Organizations [Abstract]

DUE TO PRIME BROKERS

DUE TO PRIME BROKERS

As of March 31, 2017, the amount due to prime brokers was comprised of margin-borrowing from prime brokers relating to investments purchased on margin, as well as margin-borrowing for providing collateral to support some of the Company’s outstanding letters of credit (see Note 9) and trust accounts. Under term margin agreements and certain letter of credit facility agreements, the Company pledges certain investment securities to borrow cash from the prime brokers. The borrowed cash is placed in a custodial account in the name of the Company and this custodial account provides collateral for any letters of credit issued. Similarly for the trust accounts, the Company may borrow cash from prime brokers which is placed in a trust account for the benefit of the cedent. Since there is no legal right of offset, the Company’s liability for the cash borrowed from the prime brokers is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as due to prime brokers while the cash held in the custodial account and trust account is included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash and cash equivalents. 

As of March 31, 2017, Greenlight Re’s investment guidelines, (which may be amended from time to time by the board of directors) allows for up to 15% (GRIL: 5%) net margin leverage for extended periods of time and up to 30% (GRIL: 20%) net margin leverage relating to investing activities for periods of less than 30 days.

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LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES (Notes)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES [Abstract]

Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims Disclosure [Text Block]

LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES

There were no significant changes in the actuarial methodology or assumptions relating to the Company’s loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2017.

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, loss and loss adjustment expense reserves were comprised of the following:

Consolidated	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	($ in thousands)
Case reserves	$	113,997	$	98,815
IBNR	226,033		207,826
Total	$	340,030	$	306,641

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the health insurance IBNR and case reserve on reported claims included in the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves was $17.2 million and $19.0 million, respectively.

A summary of changes in outstanding loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: 

Consolidated	2017			2016
	($ in thousands)
Gross balance at January 1	$	306,641		$	305,997
Less: Losses recoverable	(2,704		)	(3,368		)
Net balance at January 1	303,937			302,629
Incurred losses related to:
Current year	99,807			89,347
Prior years	5,005			1,321
Total incurred	104,812			90,668
Paid losses related to:
Current year	(15,930		)	(12,027		)
Prior years	(55,920		)	(42,639		)
Total paid	(71,850		)	(54,666		)
Foreign currency revaluation	549			(1,047		)
Net balance at March 31	337,448			337,584
Add: Losses recoverable	2,582			3,548
Gross balance at March 31	$	340,030		$	341,132

The changes in the outstanding loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for health claims for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

Health	2017			2016
	($ in thousands)
Gross balance at January 1	$	18,993		$	21,533
Less: Losses recoverable	—			—
Net balance at January 1	18,993			21,533
Incurred losses related to:
Current year	10,015			11,513
Prior years	(261		)	(266		)
Total incurred	9,754			11,247
Paid losses related to:
Current year	(2,123		)	(1,963		)
Prior years	(9,416		)	(8,942		)
Total paid	(11,539		)	(10,905		)
Foreign currency revaluation	—			—
Net balance at March 31	17,208			21,875
Add: Losses recoverable	—			—
Gross balance at March 31	$	17,208		$	21,875

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the net loss reserves on prior period contracts increased by $5.0 million primarily related to the adverse loss development on Florida homeowners’ insurance contracts relating to the practice of “assignment of benefits” and two large claims reported on a surety contract.

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RETROCESSION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]

RETROCESSION

RETROCESSION

The Company, from time to time, purchases retrocessional coverage for one or more of the following reasons: to manage its overall exposure, to reduce its net liability on individual risks, to obtain additional underwriting capacity or to balance its underwriting portfolio. Additionally, retrocession can be used as a mechanism to share the risks and rewards of business written and, therefore, can be used as a tool to align the Company’s interests with those of its counterparties. The Company currently has coverage that provides for recovery of a portion of loss and loss expenses incurred on certain contracts. Loss and loss adjustment expense recoverable from the retrocessionaires are recorded as assets.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred of $104.8 million (2016: $90.7 million), reported on the condensed consolidated statements of income are net of loss and loss expenses recovered and recoverable of $0.1 million (2016: $0.4 million).

Retrocession contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to the insureds. Failure of retrocessionaires to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. At March 31, 2017, the Company had losses receivable and loss reserves recoverable of $2.1 million (December 31, 2016: $2.2 million) from unrated retrocessionaires which were secured by cash collateral held by the Company. At March 31, 2017, $0.5 million (December 31, 2016: $0.5 million) of losses recoverable were from a retrocessionaire rated A- by A.M. Best.

The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its retrocessionaires to assess the ability of the retrocessionaires to honor their respective obligations. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, no provision for uncollectible losses recoverable was considered necessary.

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SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has a stock incentive plan for directors, employees and consultants that is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors. The Company’s shares authorized for issuance pursuant to the stock incentive plan include 3,500,000 (December 31, 2016: 3,500,000) Class A ordinary shares. As of March 31, 2017, 345,592 (December 31, 2016: 424,787) Class A ordinary shares remained available for future issuance under the Company’s stock incentive plan.

Employee and Director Restricted Shares

As part of its stock incentive plan, the Company issues restricted shares for which the fair value is equal to the price of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares on the grant date. Compensation based on the grant date fair market value of the shares is expensed on a straight line basis over the applicable vesting period, net of any estimated forfeitures.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, 113,955 (2016: 149,332) restricted Class A ordinary shares were issued to employees pursuant to the Company’s stock incentive plan. These shares contain certain restrictions relating to, among other things, vesting, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Each of these restricted shares cliff vest after three years from the date of issuance, subject to the grantee’s continued service with the Company. During the vesting period, the holder of the restricted shares retains voting rights and is entitled to any dividends declared by the Company.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, 46,319 (2016: 4,177) restricted shares were forfeited. The restricted shares forfeited during the three months ended March 31, 2017 related to the Company’s former Chief Executive Officer (the “former CEO”) who resigned from the Company prior to the expiration of the applicable vesting periods. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, zero (2016: $0.05 million) stock compensation expense was reversed since the stock compensation relating to the former CEO’s restricted shares was previously reversed during the fourth quarter of 2016, as it was likely that these restricted shares would be forfeited.

The following table summarizes the activity for unvested outstanding restricted share awards during the three months ended March 31, 2017:

	Number of non-vested restricted  shares		Weighted  average grant date fair value
Balance at December 31, 2016	365,432		$	26.76
Granted	113,955		21.65
Vested	(101,518	)	32.60
Forfeited	(46,319	)	24.61
Balance at March 31, 2017	331,550		$	23.52

Employee and Director Stock Options

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, no (2016: 156,000) stock options were exercised by directors or employees resulting in zero (2016: 59,179) Class A ordinary shares issued, net of shares surrendered as a result of the cashless exercise of stock options. When stock options are granted, the Company reduces the corresponding number from the shares authorized for issuance as part of the Company’s stock incentive plan.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, 71,335 stock options vested, relating to the resignation of the Company’s former CEO, which had a weighted average grant date fair value of $10.51 per share, pursuant to the deed of settlement and release. At March 31, 2017, there was no remaining compensation cost to be recognized in future periods relating to the former CEO’s stock options as the expense was recognized in full as of December 31, 2016 when it was deemed likely that the stock options would vest.

On April 1, 2017, 22,750 stock options were granted to the Company’s interim Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to his consulting agreement. These options vested 100% on the date of the grant. The grant date fair value of these options was $10.12 per share based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Employee Restricted Stock Units

The Company issues restricted stock units (“RSUs”) to certain employees as part of the stock incentive plan. The grant date fair value of the RSUs is equal to the price of the Company’s Class A ordinary shares on the grant date. Compensation cost based on the grant date fair market value of the RSUs is expensed on a straight line basis over the vesting period.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, 11,559 (2016: 7,444) RSUs were issued to employees pursuant to the Company’s stock incentive plan. These shares contain certain restrictions relating to, among other things, vesting, forfeiture in the event of termination of employment and transferability. Each of these RSUs cliff vest after three years from the date of issuance, subject to the grantee’s continued service with the Company. On the vesting date, the Company converts each RSU into one Class A ordinary share and issues new Class A ordinary shares from the shares authorized for issuance as part of the Company’s stock incentive plan.

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, no (2016: 11,330) RSUs were forfeited by employees, resulting in reversal of zero (2016: $0.2 million) stock compensation expense.

Employee RSU activity during the three months ended March 31, 2017 was as follows:

	Number of non-vested RSUs		Weighted  average grant date fair value
Balance at December 31, 2016	15,934		$	27.88
Granted	11,559		21.65
Vested	(4,695	)	32.60
Forfeited	—		—
Balance at March 31, 2017	22,798		$	23.50

For the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the general and administrative expenses included stock compensation expense (net of forfeitures) of $0.9 million and $0.8 million, respectively, for the expensing of the fair value of stock options, restricted stock and RSUs granted to employees and directors, net of forfeitures.

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

Investment Advisory Agreement

The Company and its reinsurance subsidiaries are party to a joint venture agreement with DME Advisors, LP (“DME Advisors”) under which the Company, its reinsurance subsidiaries and DME Advisors LLC (“DME”) are participants of a joint venture for the purpose of managing certain jointly held assets, as may be amended from time to time (the “venture agreement”). In addition, the Company, its reinsurance subsidiaries and DME have entered into a separate investment advisory agreement with DME Advisors, as may be amended from time to time (the “advisory agreement”). Effective January 1, 2017, the venture agreement and the advisory agreement were amended and restated to replace the previous agreements dated January 1, 2014, and will expire on December 31, 2019 and renew automatically for successive three-year periods. DME and DME Advisors are related to the Company and each is an affiliate of David Einhorn, Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors.

Pursuant to the venture agreement, performance allocation equal to 20% of the net investment income of the Company’s share of the account managed by DME Advisors is allocated, subject to a loss carry forward provision, to DME’s account. The loss carry forward provision requires DME to earn a reduced performance allocation of 10% on net investment income in any year subsequent to the year in which the investment account incurs a loss, until all the losses are recouped and an additional amount equal to 150% of the aggregate investment loss is earned. DME is not entitled to earn a performance allocation in a year in which the investment portfolio incurs a loss. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, $1.2 million performance allocation (2016: $3.1 million) was deducted from gross investment income.  

Pursuant to the advisory agreement, a monthly management fee, equal to 0.125% (1.5% on an annual basis) of the Company’s investment account managed by DME Advisors, is paid to DME Advisors. Included in the net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2017 were management fees of $4.3 million (2016: $4.2 million). The management fees have been fully paid as of March 31, 2017.

Pursuant to the venture and advisory agreements, the Company has agreed to indemnify DME and DME Advisors for any expense, loss, liability, or damage arising out of any claim asserted or threatened in connection with DME Advisors serving as the Company’s investment advisor. The Company will reimburse DME and DME Advisors for reasonable costs and expenses of investigating and/or defending such claims, provided such claims were not caused due to gross negligence, breach of contract or misrepresentation by DME or DME Advisors. For the three months ended March 31, 2017, there were no indemnification payments payable or paid by the Company.

Green Brick Partners, Inc.

David Einhorn also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Green Brick Partners, Inc. (“GRBK”), a publicly traded company. As of March 31, 2017, $34.5 million (December 31, 2016: $34.8 million) of GRBK listed equities were included on the balance sheet as “equity securities, trading, at fair value”. The Company along with certain affiliates of DME Advisors, collectively own 49% of the issued and outstanding common shares of GRBK. Under applicable securities laws, DME Advisors may be limited at times in its ability to trade GRBK shares on behalf of the Company.

Service Agreement

The Company has entered into a service agreement with DME Advisors, pursuant to which DME Advisors provides certain investor relations services to the Company for compensation of five thousand dollars per month (plus expenses). The agreement is automatically renewed annually until terminated by either the Company or DME Advisors for any reason with 30 days prior written notice to the other party.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES

Letters of Credit and Trusts

At March 31, 2017, the Company had the following letter of credit facilities, which automatically renew each year unless terminated by either party in accordance with the applicable required notice period:

	Facility		Termination Date	Notice period required for termination
	($ in thousands)
Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited	$	100,000	June 30, 2017	90 days prior to termination date
Citibank Europe plc	400,000		October 11, 2017	120 days prior to termination date
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.	100,000		January 27, 2018	120 days prior to termination date
	$	600,000

As of March 31, 2017, an aggregate amount of $189.4 million (December 31, 2016: $255.4 million) in letters of credit were issued under the above facilities. Under the facilities, the Company provides collateral that may consist of equity securities, restricted cash, and cash and cash equivalents. As of March 31, 2017, total equity securities, restricted cash, and cash and cash equivalents with a fair value in the aggregate of $202.8 million (December 31, 2016: $310.9 million) were pledged as collateral against the letters of credit issued (also see Note 4). Each of the facilities contain customary events of default and restrictive covenants, including but not limited to, limitations on liens on collateral, transactions with affiliates, mergers and sales of assets, as well as solvency and maintenance of certain minimum pledged equity requirements, and restricts issuance of any debt without the consent of the letter of credit provider. Additionally, if an event of default exists, as defined in the letter of credit facilities, Greenlight Re will be prohibited from paying dividends to its parent company. The Company was in compliance with all the covenants of each of these facilities as of March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016.

In addition to the letters of credit, the Company has established regulatory trust arrangements for certain cedents. As of March 31, 2017, collateral of $267.6 million (December 31, 2016: $86.4 million) was provided to cedents in the form of regulatory trust accounts.

Operating Lease Obligations

Greenlight Re has entered into lease agreements for office space in the Cayman Islands. Under the terms of the lease agreements, Greenlight Re is committed to annual rent payments ranging from $0.3 million at inception to $0.5 million at lease termination. The leases expire on June 30, 2018 and Greenlight Re has the option to renew the leases for a further five-year term. Included in the schedule below are the minimum lease payment obligations relating to these leases as of March 31, 2017.

GRIL has entered into a lease agreement for office space in Dublin, Ireland. Under the terms of this lease agreement, GRIL is committed to minimum annual rent payments denominated in Euros approximating €0.1 million until May 2021, and adjusted to the prevailing market rates for each of the two subsequent five-year terms. GRIL has the option to terminate the lease agreement in 2021. Included in the schedule below are the net minimum lease payment obligations relating to this lease as of March 31, 2017.

The total rent expense related to leased office space for the three months ended March 31, 2017 was $0.2 million (2016: $0.1 million). 

Private Equity and Limited Partnerships

From time to time, the Company makes investments in private equity vehicles. As part of the Company’s participation in such private equity investments, the Company may make funding commitments. As of March 31, 2017, the Company had commitments to invest an additional $8.0 million (December 31, 2016: $9.2 million) in private equity investments. Included in the schedule below are the minimum payment obligations relating to these investments as of March 31, 2017.

Schedule of Commitments and Contingencies

The following is a schedule of future minimum payments required under the above commitments: 

	2017		2018		2019		2020		2021		Thereafter		Total
	($ in thousands)
Operating lease obligations	$	465	$	388	$	155	$	155	$	58	$	—	$	1,221
Private equity and limited partnerships (1)	7,952		—		—		—		—		—		7,952
	$	8,417	$	388	$	155	$	155	$	58	$	—	$	9,173

⁽¹⁾ Given the nature of these investments, the Company is unable to determine with any degree of accuracy when these commitments will be called. Therefore, for purposes of the above table, the Company has assumed that all commitments with no fixed payment schedules will be called during the year ending December 31, 2017.

Litigation

From time to time, in the normal course of business, the Company may be involved in formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, which may include arbitration or litigation, the outcomes of which determine the rights and obligations under the Company’s reinsurance contracts and other contractual agreements. In some disputes, the Company may seek to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it. In other matters, the Company may resist attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. While the final outcome of legal disputes cannot be predicted with certainty, the Company does not believe that any existing dispute, when finally resolved, will have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, financial condition or operating results.

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SEGMENT REPORTING

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT REPORTING

SEGMENT REPORTING

The Company manages its business on the basis of one operating segment, Property & Casualty Reinsurance. The following tables provide a breakdown of the Company’s gross premiums written by line of business and by geographic area of risks insured for the periods indicated: 

Gross Premiums Written by Line of Business^*

	Three months ended March 31
	2017				2016
	($ in thousands)
Property
Commercial	$	5,170	2.6	%	$	8,750	5.3	%
Motor	15,744		8.0		9,365		5.6
Personal	21,573		10.9		23,236		13.9
Total Property	42,487		21.5		41,351		24.8
Casualty
General Liability	9,499		4.8		8,199		4.9
Motor	78,341		39.7		49,566		29.7
Professional	14,553		7.4		11,628		7.0
Workers' Compensation	10,536		5.4		4,766		2.9
Total Casualty	112,929		57.3		74,159		44.5
Specialty
Accident & Health	23,739		12.1		27,121		16.2
Financial	12,056		6.1		15,382		9.2
Marine	2,223		1.1		3,652		2.2
Other	3,780		1.9		5,127		3.1
Total Specialty	41,798		21.2		51,282		30.7
	$	197,214	100.0	%	$	166,792	100.0	%

* During the year ended December 31, 2016, the Company revised its classification of the lines of business. As a result, the gross written premiums in the above table relating to certain lines of business previously reported for the three months ended March 31, 2016 have been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Gross Premiums Written by Geographic Area of Risks Insured

	Three months ended March 31
	2017				2016
	($ in thousands)
U.S. and Caribbean	$	171,758	87.1	%	$	130,744		78.4	%
Worldwide (1)	25,294		12.8		34,358			20.6
Europe	146		0.1		1,910			1.1
Asia (2)	16		—		(220		)	(0.1	)
	$	197,214	100.0	%	$	166,792		100.0	%

⁽¹⁾ “Worldwide” is comprised of contracts that reinsure risks in more than one geographic area and do not specifically exclude the U.S.

⁽²⁾ The negative balance represents reversal of premiums due to premium adjustments, termination of contracts or premium returned upon novation or commutation of contracts.

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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Use of Estimates

Use of Estimates

The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in conformity with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of income and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ from these estimates. 

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company is required to maintain certain cash in segregated accounts with prime brokers and derivative counterparties. The amount of restricted cash held by prime brokers is primarily used to support the liability created from securities sold, not yet purchased and derivatives. Additionally, restricted cash and cash equivalent balances are held to collateralize regulatory trusts and letters of credit issued to cedents (see Notes 4 and 9). The amount of cash encumbered varies depending on the market value of the securities sold, not yet purchased, and the collateral required by the cedents in the form of trust accounts and letters of credit. In addition, derivative counterparties require cash collateral to support the current value of any amounts that may be due to the counterparty based on the value of the underlying financial instrument.

Premium Revenue Recognition

Premium Revenue Recognition 

The Company accounts for reinsurance contracts in accordance with U.S. GAAP. In the event that a reinsurance contract does not transfer sufficient risk, deposit accounting is used and the contract is reported as a deposit liability. 

The Company writes excess of loss contracts as well as quota share contracts. The Company estimates the ultimate premiums for the entire contract period. These estimates are based on information received from the ceding companies and estimates from actuarial pricing models used by the Company. For excess of loss contracts, the total ultimate estimated premiums are recorded as premiums written at the inception of the contract. For quota share contracts, the premiums are recorded as written based on cession statements from cedents which typically are received monthly or quarterly depending on the terms specified in each contract. For any reporting lag, premiums written are estimated based on the portion of the ultimate estimated premiums relating to the risks underwritten during the lag period. 

Premium estimates are reviewed by management at least quarterly. Such review includes a comparison of actual reported premiums to expected ultimate premiums along with a review of the aging and collection of premium estimates. Based on management’s review, the appropriateness of the premium estimates is evaluated, and any adjustments to these estimates are recorded in the period in which they are determined. Changes in premium estimates, including premium receivable on both excess of loss and quota share contracts, are expected and may result in significant adjustments in any period. A significant portion of amounts included in reinsurance balances receivable represent estimated premiums written, net of commissions and brokerage, and are not currently due based on the terms of the underlying contracts.

Certain contracts allow for reinstatement premiums in the event of a full limit loss prior to the expiry of a contract. A reinstatement premium is not due until there is a full limit loss event and therefore, in accordance with U.S. GAAP, the Company records a reinstatement premium as written only in the event that a client incurs a full limit loss on the contract and the contract allows for a reinstatement of coverage upon payment of an additional premium. For catastrophe contracts which contractually require the payment of a reinstatement premium equal to or greater than the original premium upon the occurrence of a full limit loss, the reinstatement premiums are earned over the original contract period. Reinstatement premiums that are contractually calculated on a pro-rata basis of the original premiums, are earned over the remaining coverage period. For additional premiums which are due on a contract that has no remaining coverage period, the additional premiums are earned in full when due.

Certain contracts may provide for a penalty to be paid if the contract is terminated and canceled prior to its expiration term. Cancellation penalties are recognized in the period the notice of cancellation is received and are recorded in the consolidated statements of income under “other income (expense), net”.

Premiums written are generally recognized as earned over the contract period in proportion to the period of risk covered. Unearned premiums consist of the unexpired portion of reinsurance provided.

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Deferred Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs, such as commission and brokerage costs, relate directly to, and vary with, the writing of reinsurance contracts. Acquisition costs relating solely to bound contracts are deferred subject to ultimate recoverability and are amortized over the related contract term. The Company evaluates the recoverability of deferred acquisition costs by determining if the sum of future earned premiums and anticipated investment income is greater than the expected future claims and expenses. If a loss is probable on the unexpired portion of policies in force, a premium deficiency loss is recognized. At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the deferred acquisition costs were considered fully recoverable and no premium deficiency loss was recorded. 

Acquisition costs also include profit commissions which are expensed when incurred. Profit commissions are calculated and accrued based on the expected loss experience for contracts and recorded when the current loss estimate indicates that a profit commission is probable under the contract terms.

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves and Recoverable

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves and Recoverable

The Company establishes reserves for contracts based on estimates of the ultimate cost of all losses including losses incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). These estimated ultimate reserves are based on the Company’s own actuarial estimates derived from reports received from ceding companies, industry data and historical experience. These estimates are reviewed by the Company periodically on a contract by contract basis and adjusted as necessary. Since reserves are estimates, the final settlement of losses may vary from the reserves established and any adjustments to the estimates, which may be material, are recorded in the period they are determined.

Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable include the amounts due from retrocessionaires for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses on retrocession agreements. Ceded losses incurred but not reported are estimated based on the Company’s actuarial estimates. These estimates are reviewed periodically and adjusted when deemed necessary. The Company may not be able to ultimately recover the loss and loss adjustment expense recoverable amounts due to the retrocessionaires’ inability to pay. The Company regularly evaluates the financial condition of its retrocessionaires and records provisions for uncollectible reinsurance expenses recoverable when recovery is no longer probable.

Consideration paid by the Company for retroactive reinsurance that meets the conditions for reinsurance accounting (e.g. loss portfolio transfers) are reported as loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable to the extent those amounts do not exceed the associated liabilities. If the amounts paid for retroactive reinsurance exceed the liabilities, the Company increases the related liabilities, at the time the reinsurance contract is effective, and the excess is charged to net income as losses incurred. If the liabilities exceed the amounts paid, the recoverable balance is increased to reflect the difference, and the resulting gain is deferred and amortized over the estimated loss payout period. Changes in the estimated amount of liabilities relating to the underlying reinsured contracts are recognized in net income in the period of the change.

Notes Receivable

Notes Receivable

Notes receivable include promissory notes receivable from third party entities. These notes are recorded at cost along with accrued interest, if any, which approximates the fair value. Interest income and realized gains or losses on sale of notes receivable are included under net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

The Company regularly reviews all notes receivable individually for impairment and records valuation allowance provisions for uncollectible and non-performing notes. The Company places notes on non-accrual status when the recorded value of the note is not considered impaired but there is uncertainty as to the collection of interest in accordance with the terms of the note. For notes receivable placed on non-accrual status, the notes are recorded excluding any accrued interest amount. The Company resumes accrual of interest on a note when none of the principal or interest remains past due, and the Company expects to collect the remaining contractual principal and interest. Interest collected on notes that are placed on non-accrual status is treated on a cash-basis and recorded as interest income when collected, provided that the recorded value of the note is deemed to be fully collectible. Where doubt exists as to the collectability of the remaining recorded value of the notes placed on non-accrual status, any payments received are applied to reduce the recorded value of the notes.

Financial Instruments

Financial Instruments

Investments in Securities and Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

The Company’s investments in debt instruments and equity securities that are classified as “trading securities” are carried at fair value. The fair values of the listed equity investments are derived based on quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets (Level 1 inputs). The fair values of listed equities that have restrictions on sale or transfer which expire within one year, are determined by adjusting the observed market price of the equity using a liquidity discount based on observable market inputs. The fair values of debt instruments are derived based on inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly, such as market maker or broker quotes reflecting recent transactions (Level 2 inputs), and are generally derived based on the average of multiple market maker or broker quotes which are considered to be binding. Where quotes are not available, debt instruments are valued using cash flow models using assumptions and estimates that may be subjective and non-observable (Level 3 inputs).

The Company’s “other investments” may include investments in private and unlisted equity securities, limited partnerships and commodities, which are all carried at fair value. The fair values of commodities are determined based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1). The Company maximizes the use of observable direct or indirect inputs (Level 2 inputs) when deriving the fair values for “other investments”. For limited partnerships and private and unlisted equity securities, where observable inputs are not available, the fair values are derived based on unobservable inputs (Level 3 inputs) such as management’s assumptions developed from available information using the services of the investment advisor, including the most recent net asset values obtained from the managers of those underlying investments. For certain private equity fund investments the Company has elected to measure the fair value using the net asset value practical expedient allowed under U.S. GAAP, and accordingly these investments are not classified as Level 1, 2 or 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

For securities classified as “trading securities” and “other investments”, any realized and unrealized gains or losses are determined on the basis of the specific identification method (by reference to cost or amortized cost, as appropriate) and included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Dividend income and expense are recorded on the ex-dividend date. The ex-dividend date is the date as of when the underlying security must have been traded to be eligible for the dividend declared. Interest income and interest expense are recorded on an accrual basis.

Derivative Financial Instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

U.S. GAAP requires that an entity recognize all derivatives in the balance sheet at fair value. It also requires that unrealized gains and losses resulting from changes in fair value be included in income or comprehensive income, depending on whether the instrument qualifies as a hedge transaction, and if so, the type of hedge transaction. The Company’s derivative financial instrument assets are included in financial contracts receivable. Derivative financial instrument liabilities are included in financial contracts payable. The Company’s derivatives generally do not qualify as hedges for financial reporting purposes and are recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheets on a gross basis and not offset against any collateral pledged or received. Pursuant to the International Swaps and Derivatives Association (“ISDA”) master agreements, securities lending agreements and other agreements, the Company and its counterparties typically have the ability to net certain payments owed to each other in specified circumstances. In addition, in the event a party to one of the ISDA master agreements, securities lending agreements or other agreements defaults, or a transaction is otherwise subject to termination, the non-defaulting party generally has the right to set off outstanding balances due from the defaulting party against payments owed to the defaulting party or collateral held by the non-defaulting party. The Company may from time to time enter into underwriting contracts such as industry loss warranty contracts (“ILW”) that are treated as derivatives for U.S GAAP purposes.

Financial Contracts

The Company enters into financial contracts with counterparties as part of its investment strategy. Financial contracts, which include total return swaps, credit default swaps (“CDS”), futures, options, currency forwards and other derivative instruments, are recorded at their fair value with any unrealized gains and losses included in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Financial contracts receivable represents derivative contracts whereby, based upon the contract’s current fair value, the Company will be entitled to receive payments upon settlement of the contract. Financial contracts payable represents derivative contracts whereby, based upon each contract’s current fair value, the Company will be obligated to make payments upon settlement of the contract.

Total return swap agreements, included on the condensed consolidated balance sheets as financial contracts receivable and financial contracts payable, are derivative financial instruments whereby the Company is either entitled to receive or obligated to pay the product of a notional amount multiplied by the movement in an underlying security, which the Company may not own, over a specified time frame. In addition, the Company may also be obligated to pay or receive other payments based on interest rates, dividend payments and receipts, or foreign exchange movements during a specified period. The Company measures its rights or obligations to the counterparty based on the fair value movements of the underlying security together with any other payments due. These contracts are carried at fair value, based on observable inputs (Level 2 inputs) with the resultant unrealized gains and losses reflected in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income. Additionally, any changes in the value of amounts received or paid on swap contracts are reported as a gain or loss in net investment income (loss) in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Financial contracts may also include exchange traded futures or options contracts that are based on the movement of a particular index, equity security, commodity, currency or interest rate. Where such contracts are traded in an active market, the Company’s obligations or rights on these contracts are recorded at fair value based on the observable quoted prices of the same or similar financial contracts in an active market (Level 1) or on broker quotes which reflect market information based on actual transactions (Level 2). Amounts invested in exchange traded options and over the counter (“OTC”) options are recorded either as an asset or liability at inception. Subsequent to initial recognition, unexpired exchange traded option contracts are recorded at fair value based on quoted prices in active markets (Level 1). For OTC options or exchange traded options where a quoted price in an active market is not available, fair values are derived based upon observable inputs (Level 2) such as multiple quotes from brokers and market makers, which are considered to be binding.

The Company may purchase and sell CDS for strategic investment purposes. A CDS is a derivative instrument that provides protection against an investment loss due to specified credit or default events of a reference entity. The seller of a CDS guarantees to pay the buyer a specified amount if the reference entity defaults on its obligations or fails to perform. The buyer of a CDS pays a premium over time to the seller in exchange for obtaining this protection. A CDS trading in an active market is valued at fair value based on broker or market maker quotes for identical instruments in an active market (Level 2) or based on the current credit spreads on identical contracts (Level 2).

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The Company has no comprehensive income or loss, other than the net income or loss disclosed in the condensed consolidated statements of income.

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Earnings (Loss) Per Share

Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares and participating securities outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings per share includes the dilutive effect of restricted stock units (“RSU”) and additional potential common shares issuable when stock options are exercised and are determined using the treasury stock method. The Company treats its unvested restricted stock as participating securities in accordance with U.S. GAAP, which requires that unvested stock awards which contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid (referred to as “participating securities”), be included in the number of shares outstanding for both basic and diluted earnings per share calculations. In the event of a net loss, all RSUs, stock options outstanding and participating securities are excluded from the calculation of both basic and diluted loss per share since their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Taxation

Taxation

Under current Cayman Islands law, no corporate entity, including GLRE and Greenlight Re, is obligated to pay taxes in the Cayman Islands on either income or capital gains. The Company has an undertaking from the Governor-in-Cabinet of the Cayman Islands, pursuant to the provisions of the Tax Concessions Law, as amended, that, in the event that the Cayman Islands enacts any legislation that imposes tax on profits, income, gains or appreciations, or any tax in the nature of estate duty or inheritance tax, such tax will not be applicable to GLRE, Greenlight Re nor their respective operations, or to the Class A or Class B ordinary shares or related obligations, until February 1, 2025.

Verdant is incorporated in Delaware and therefore is subject to taxes in accordance with the U.S. federal rates and regulations prescribed by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”). Verdant’s taxable income is generally expected to be taxed at a rate of 35%.

GRIL is incorporated in Ireland and therefore is subject to the Irish corporation tax rate of 12.5% on its trading income, and 25% on its non-trading income, if any.

Any deferred tax asset is evaluated for recovery and a valuation allowance is recorded when it is more likely than not that the deferred tax asset will not be realized in the future. The Company has not taken any income tax positions that are subject to significant uncertainty or that are reasonably likely to have a material impact on the Company.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, “Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts” (“ASU 2015-09”). ASU 2015-09 requires additional disclosures for short-duration contracts including incurred and paid claims development information, claims duration information, quantitative claims frequency information (unless impracticable), and an explanation of significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. ASU 2015-09 is effective for public entities for annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and interim reporting periods within annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016 with early adoption permitted. The Company adopted ASU 2015-09 during 2016 and disclosed the additional information in its condensed consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2016. The Company has implemented the interim disclosures commencing from the first quarter of 2017. Please refer to Note 5 “Loss and Loss Adjustments Expense Reserves” for the interim disclosures relating to ASU 2015-09.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, “Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities” (“ASU 2016-01”). The new guidance is intended to improve the recognition and measurement of financial instruments. ASU 2016-01, among other things, requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income or loss, requires public business entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes and requires separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measurement category and form of financial asset. ASU 2016-01 affects public and private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and employee benefit plans that hold financial assets or owe financial liabilities. The new guidance is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-01 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, the adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company’s net income or loss or retained earnings since the Company’s investments are currently classified as “trading” and the unrealized gains and losses are already recognized in net income or loss.

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, “Leases (Topic 842)” (“ASU 2016-02”). Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize the following for all leases (with the exception of short-term leases) at the commencement date: a lease liability, which is a lessee’s obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis; and a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee’s right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for public companies for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for any organization in any interim or annual period. The Company currently has two operating leases for its office spaces as disclosed in Note 9 of the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of adopting ASU 2016-02 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and anticipates implementing ASU 2016-02 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2019.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, “Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting” (“ASU 2016-09”). ASU 2016-09 is intended to improve the accounting for employee share-based payments and affects all organizations that issue share-based payment awards to their employees. Several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions are simplified, including: (a) income tax consequences; (b) classification of awards as either equity or liabilities; and (c) classification on the statement of cash flows. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any organization in any interim or annual period. The Company adopted ASU 2016-09 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2017 and the adoption of ASU 2016-09 did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, “Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurements of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments” (“ASU 2016-13”). ASU 2016-13 amends the guidance on reporting credits losses and affects loans, debt securities, trade receivables, reinsurance recoverables and other financial assets that have the contractual right to receive cash. The amendments are effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those annual periods. Early adoption is permitted for any organization for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018 and interim periods within those annual periods. The Company is in the process of evaluating the impact of the requirements of ASU 2016-13 on the Company’s consolidated financial statements and anticipates implementing ASU 2016-13 during the first quarter of fiscal year 2020.

In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, “Statements of Cash Flows - Restricted Cash (Topic 230)” (“ASU 2016-18”). ASU 2016-18 requires restricted cash and cash equivalents to be included with cash and cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows and disclose the nature of the restrictions on cash and cash equivalents. ASU 2016-18 is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company currently presents changes in restricted cash and cash equivalents under investing activities in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows. Upon adoption of ASU 2016-18, the Company will amend the presentation in the statement of cash flows to include the restricted cash and cash equivalents with cash and cash equivalents in the condensed consolidated statements of cash flows and will retrospectively reclassify all periods presented.

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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Schedule of Weighted Average Number of Shares

	Three months ended March 31
	2017	2016
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	37,341,338	37,107,039
Effect of dilutive employee and director share-based awards	35,311	315,882
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	37,376,649	37,422,921
Anti-dilutive stock options outstanding	335,991	485,991

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Mar. 31, 2016

Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]

Fair Value Hierarchy

The following table presents the Company’s investments, categorized by the level of the fair value hierarchy as of March 31, 2017:

	Fair value measurements as of March 31, 2017
Description	Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)			Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)			Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)		Total
	($ in thousands)
Assets:
Debt instruments	$	—		$	7,370		$	704	$	8,074
Listed equity securities	1,035,992			18,435			—		1,054,427
Commodities	118,929			—			—		118,929
Private and unlisted equity securities	—			—			6,076		6,076
	$	1,154,921		$	25,805		$	6,780	$	1,187,506
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)									14,448
Total investments									$	1,201,954
Financial contracts receivable	$	20		$	38,235		$	—	$	38,255
Liabilities:
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased	$	(782,046	)	$	—		$	—	$	(782,046	)
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased	—			(85,663		)	—		(85,663		)
Total securities sold, not yet purchased	$	(782,046	)	$	(85,663	)	$	—	$	(867,709	)
Financial contracts payable	$	(20	)	$	(3,195	)	$	—	$	(3,215	)

⁽¹⁾ Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

The following table presents the Company’s investments, categorized by the level of the fair value hierarchy as of December 31, 2016:

	Fair value measurements as of December 31, 2016
Description	Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)			Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)			Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)		Total
	($ in thousands)
Assets:
Debt instruments	$	—		$	21,819		$	654	$	22,473
Listed equity securities	823,421			20,580			—		844,001
Commodities	137,296			—			—		137,296
Private and unlisted equity securities	—			—			6,109		6,109
	$	960,717		$	42,399		$	6,763	$	1,009,879
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)									12,658
Total investments									$	1,022,537
Financial contracts receivable	$	20		$	76,361		$	—	$	76,381
Liabilities:
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased	$	(770,267	)	$	—		$	—	$	(770,267	)
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased	—			(89,635		)	—		(89,635		)
Total securities sold, not yet purchased	$	(770,267	)	$	(89,635	)	$	—	$	(859,902	)
Financial contracts payable	$	—		$	(2,237	)	$	—	$	(2,237	)

⁽¹⁾ Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs

The following table presents the reconciliation of the balances for all investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2017: 

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Three months ended March 31, 2017
	Debt instruments		Private and unlisted equity securities			Total
	($ in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	654	$	6,109		$	6,763
Purchases			1,750			1,750
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	50		(15		)	35
Transfers out of Level 3	—		(1,768		)	(1,768		)
Ending balance	$	704	$	6,076		$	6,780

The following table presents the reconciliation of the balances for all investments measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2016:

	Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)
	Three months ended March 31, 2016
	Debt instruments			Private and unlisted equity securities			Total
	($ in thousands)
Beginning balance	$	505		$	8,452		$	8,957
Sales	—			(2,539		)	(2,539		)
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	(9		)	18			9
Ending balance	$	496		$	5,931		$	6,427

Maturity Distribution for Debt Instruments

The maturity distribution for debt instruments held at March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 was as follows:

	March 31, 2017				December 31, 2016
	Cost/  amortized  cost		Fair  value		Cost/  amortized  cost		Fair  value
	($ in thousands)
Within one year	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
From one to five years	15,083		6,732		17,803		19,492
From five to ten years	2,767		638		4,649		2,327
More than ten years	950		704		951		654
	$	18,800	$	8,074	$	23,403	$	22,473

Other Investments

At March 31, 2017, the following securities were included in other investments:

	Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses		Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Commodities	$	103,680	$	15,249	$	—	$	118,929
Private and unlisted equity securities	15,385		5,139		—		20,524
	$	119,065	$	20,388	$	—	$	139,453

At December 31, 2016, the following securities were included in other investments: 

	Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Commodities	$	130,671	$	6,625	$	—		$	137,296
Private and unlisted equity securities	14,418		4,375		(26		)	18,767
	$	145,089	$	11,000	$	(26	)	$	156,063

Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased

Securities sold, not yet purchased, are securities that the Company has sold, but does not own, in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security. The Company’s risk is that the value of the security will increase rather than decline. Consequently, the settlement amount of the liability for securities sold, not yet purchased, may exceed the amount recorded in the condensed consolidated balance sheet as the Company is obligated to purchase the securities sold, not yet purchased, in the market at prevailing prices to settle its obligations. To establish a position in a security sold, not yet purchased, the Company needs to borrow the security for delivery to the buyer. On each day the transaction is open, the liability for the obligation to replace the borrowed security is marked-to-market and an unrealized gain or loss is recorded. At the time the transaction is closed, the Company realizes a gain or loss equal to the difference between the price at which the security was sold and the cost of replacing the borrowed security. While the transaction is open, the Company will also incur an expense for any dividends or interest which will be paid to the lender of the securities.

At March 31, 2017, the following securities were included in investments in securities sold, not yet purchased:

	Proceeds			Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Equities – listed	$	(677,410	)	$	28,687	$	(133,323	)	$	(782,046	)
Sovereign debt – Non U.S.	(96,230		)	10,567		—			(85,663		)
	$	(773,640	)	$	39,254	$	(133,323	)	$	(867,709	)

At December 31, 2016, the following securities were included in investments in securities sold, not yet purchased: 

	Proceeds			Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Equities – listed	$	(690,270	)	$	30,768	$	(110,765	)	$	(770,267	)
Sovereign debt – Non U.S.	(96,230		)	6,595		—			(89,635		)
	$	(786,500	)	$	37,363	$	(110,765	)	$	(859,902	)

Fair values of Financial Contracts Outstanding

At March 31, 2017, the fair values of financial contracts outstanding were as follows: 

Financial Contracts	Listing currency (1)	Notional amount of underlying instruments	Fair value of net assets (obligations) on financial contracts
		($ in thousands)
Financial contracts receivable
Call options	USD	201,215	$	15,530
Commodity Swaps	USD	58,762	5,902
Forwards	KRW	10,608	253
Interest rate swaps	JPY	21,525	324
Put options (2)	USD	51,543	1,435
Total return swaps – equities	EUR/KRW/GBP/RON/USD	298,894	14,777
Warrants and rights on listed equities	EUR/USD	67	34
Total financial contracts receivable, at fair value			$	38,255
Financial contracts payable
Commodity Swaps	USD	15,808	$	(97	)
Futures	USD	5,998	(20		)
Put options	USD	1,031	(153		)
Total return swaps – equities	EUR/USD/GBP	32,683	(2,945		)
Total financial contracts payable, at fair value			$	(3,215	)

⁽¹⁾ USD = US Dollar; EUR = Euro; GBP = British Pound; JPY = Japanese Yen; KRW = Korean Won; RON = Romanian New Leu.

⁽²⁾ Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.

At December 31, 2016, the fair values of financial contracts outstanding were as follows: 

Financial Contracts	Listing currency (1)	Notional amount of underlying instruments	Fair value of net assets (obligations) on financial contracts
		($ in thousands)
Financial contracts receivable
Call options	USD	134,495	$	26,508
Commodity Swaps	USD	82,009	13,506
Interest rate swaps	JPY	20,490	218
Put options (2)	USD	115,481	6,703
Total return swaps – equities	EUR/GBP/USD	100,199	29,413
Warrants and rights on listed equities	EUR/USD	67	33
Total financial contracts receivable, at fair value			$	76,381
Financial contracts payable
Forwards	KRW	6,880	$	(118	)
Put options	USD	815	(172		)
Total return swaps – equities	EUR/GBP/KRW/RON/USD	31,257	(1,947		)
Total financial contracts payable, at fair value			$	(2,237	)

⁽¹⁾ USD = US Dollar; EUR = Euro; GBP = British Pound; JPY = Japanese Yen; KRW = Korean Won; RON = Romanian New Leu.

⁽²⁾ Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.

Gain (Loss) on derivatives recognized in income

During the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company reported gains and losses on derivatives as follows:

Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments	Location of gains and losses on derivatives recognized in income	Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income
		Three months ended March 31
		2017			2016
		($ in thousands)
Forwards	Net investment income (loss)	$	623		$	(81	)
Futures	Net investment income (loss)	(513		)	984
Interest rate swaps	Net investment income (loss)	105			—
Options, warrants, and rights	Net investment income (loss)	(7,528		)	(2,803		)
Commodity swaps	Net investment income (loss)	(6,959		)	(5,565		)
Total return swaps – equities	Net investment income (loss)	10,311			6,919
Total		$	(3,961	)	$	(546	)

Schedule of Notional Amounts of Outstanding Derivative Positions [Table Text Block]

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, the Company’s volume of derivative activities (based on notional amounts) was as follows:

2017	Three months ended March 31
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (notional amounts)	Entered		Exited
	($ in thousands)
Forwards	$	3,476	$	—
Futures	29,510		24,069
Options, warrants and rights (1)	347,918		110,102
Commodity swaps	—		8,182
Total return swaps	232,118		60,607
Total	$	613,022	$	202,960

⁽¹⁾ Exited amount excludes derivatives which expired or were exercised during the period.

For the three months ended March 31, 2016, the Company’s volume of derivative activities (based on notional amounts) was as follows:

2016	Three months ended March 31
Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (notional amounts)	Entered		Exited
	($ in thousands)
Forwards	$	—	$	63
Futures	174,721		169,710
Options, warrants and rights (1)	133,333		175,651
Commodity swaps	75,566		54,374
Total return swaps	1,483		28,271
Total	$	385,103	$	428,069

⁽¹⁾ Exited amount excludes derivatives which expired or were exercised during the period.

Offsetting assets and liabilities

As of March 31, 2017, the gross and net amounts of derivative instruments and the cash collateral applicable to derivative instruments were as follows:

March 31, 2017	(i)			(ii)		(iii) = (i) - (ii)			(iv) Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet						(v) = (iii) + (iv)
Description	Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities)			Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet		Net amounts of assets (liabilities) presented in the balance sheet			Financial instruments available for offset			Cash collateral (received) pledged			Net amount of asset (liability)
	($ in thousands)
Financial contracts receivable	$	38,255		$	—	$	38,255		$	(3,087	)	$	(17,350	)	$	17,818
Financial contracts payable	(3,215		)	—		(3,215		)	3,087			128			—

As of December 31, 2016, the gross and net amounts of derivative instruments and the cash collateral applicable to derivative instruments were as follows:

December 31, 2016	(i)			(ii)		(iii) = (i) - (ii)			(iv) Gross amounts not offset in the balance sheet						(v) = (iii) + (iv)
Description	Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities)			Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet		Net amounts of assets (liabilities) presented in the balance sheet			Financial instruments available for offset			Cash collateral (received) pledged			Net amount of asset (liability)
	($ in thousands)
Financial contracts receivable	$	76,381		$	—	$	76,381		$	(938	)	$	(44,572	)	$	30,871
Financial contracts payable	(2,237		)	—		(2,237		)	938			1,299			—

Debt instruments

Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]

Trading securities, Debt and Equities

Debt instruments, trading

At March 31, 2017, the following investments were included in debt instruments:

	Cost/amortized cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair  value
	($ in thousands)
Corporate debt – U.S.	$	16,691	$	—	$	(8,663	)	$	8,028
Corporate debt – Non U.S.	2,109		—		(2,063		)	46
Total debt instruments	$	18,800	$	—	$	(10,726	)	$	8,074

At December 31, 2016, the following investments were included in debt instruments:

	Cost/amortized cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair  value
	($ in thousands)
Corporate debt – U.S.	$	21,294	$	6,509	$	(5,331	)	$	22,472
Corporate debt – Non U.S.	2,109		—		(2,108		)	1
Total debt instruments	$	23,403	$	6,509	$	(7,439	)	$	22,473

Total equity securities

Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]

Trading securities, Debt and Equities

At March 31, 2017, the following long positions were included in equity securities, trading: 

	Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Equities – listed	$	936,773	$	152,340	$	(51,603	)	$	1,037,510
Exchange traded funds	15,056		1,861		—			16,917
Total equity securities	$	951,829	$	154,201	$	(51,603	)	$	1,054,427

At December 31, 2016, the following long positions were included in equity securities, trading:

	Cost		Unrealized gains		Unrealized losses			Fair value
	($ in thousands)
Equities – listed	$	753,813	$	115,379	$	(40,706	)	$	828,486
Exchange traded funds	15,056		459		—			15,515
Total equity securities	$	768,869	$	115,838	$	(40,706	)	$	844,001

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LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES [Abstract]

Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Table Text Block]

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, loss and loss adjustment expense reserves were comprised of the following:

Consolidated	March 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	($ in thousands)
Case reserves	$	113,997	$	98,815
IBNR	226,033		207,826
Total	$	340,030	$	306,641

At March 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the health insurance IBNR and case reserve on reported claims included in the loss and loss adjustment expense reserves was $17.2 million and $19.0 million, respectively.

A summary of changes in outstanding loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: 

Consolidated	2017			2016
	($ in thousands)
Gross balance at January 1	$	306,641		$	305,997
Less: Losses recoverable	(2,704		)	(3,368		)
Net balance at January 1	303,937			302,629
Incurred losses related to:
Current year	99,807			89,347
Prior years	5,005			1,321
Total incurred	104,812			90,668
Paid losses related to:
Current year	(15,930		)	(12,027		)
Prior years	(55,920		)	(42,639		)
Total paid	(71,850		)	(54,666		)
Foreign currency revaluation	549			(1,047		)
Net balance at March 31	337,448			337,584
Add: Losses recoverable	2,582			3,548
Gross balance at March 31	$	340,030		$	341,132

The changes in the outstanding loss and loss adjustment expense reserves for health claims for the three months ended March 31, 2017 and 2016 are as follows:

Health	2017			2016
	($ in thousands)
Gross balance at January 1	$	18,993		$	21,533
Less: Losses recoverable	—			—
Net balance at January 1	18,993			21,533
Incurred losses related to:
Current year	10,015			11,513
Prior years	(261		)	(266		)
Total incurred	9,754			11,247
Paid losses related to:
Current year	(2,123		)	(1,963		)
Prior years	(9,416		)	(8,942		)
Total paid	(11,539		)	(10,905		)
Foreign currency revaluation	—			—
Net balance at March 31	17,208			21,875
Add: Losses recoverable	—			—
Gross balance at March 31	$	17,208		$	21,875

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SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Stock Options, Activity

For the three months ended March 31, 2017, 71,335 stock options vested, relating to the resignation of the Company’s former CEO, which had a weighted average grant date fair value of $10.51 per share, pursuant to the deed of settlement and release. At March 31, 2017, there was no remaining compensation cost to be recognized in future periods relating to the former CEO’s stock options as the expense was recognized in full as of December 31, 2016 when it was deemed likely that the stock options would vest.

On April 1, 2017, 22,750 stock options were granted to the Company’s interim Chief Executive Officer, pursuant to his consulting agreement. These options vested 100% on the date of the grant. The grant date fair value of these options was $10.12 per share based on the Black-Scholes option pricing model.

Restricted stock

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity

	Number of non-vested restricted  shares		Weighted  average grant date fair value
Balance at December 31, 2016	365,432		$	26.76
Granted	113,955		21.65
Vested	(101,518	)	32.60
Forfeited	(46,319	)	24.61
Balance at March 31, 2017	331,550		$	23.52

RSUs

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Schedule of Share-based Compensation, Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Units Activity

.

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Letters of Credit Facilities

At March 31, 2017, the Company had the following letter of credit facilities, which automatically renew each year unless terminated by either party in accordance with the applicable required notice period:

	Facility		Termination Date	Notice period required for termination
	($ in thousands)
Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited	$	100,000	June 30, 2017	90 days prior to termination date
Citibank Europe plc	400,000		October 11, 2017	120 days prior to termination date
JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.	100,000		January 27, 2018	120 days prior to termination date
	$	600,000

Schedule of Commitments and Contingencies, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule

Schedule of Commitments and Contingencies

The following is a schedule of future minimum payments required under the above commitments: 

	2017		2018		2019		2020		2021		Thereafter		Total
	($ in thousands)
Operating lease obligations	$	465	$	388	$	155	$	155	$	58	$	—	$	1,221
Private equity and limited partnerships (1)	7,952		—		—		—		—		—		7,952
	$	8,417	$	388	$	155	$	155	$	58	$	—	$	9,173

⁽¹⁾ Given the nature of these investments, the Company is unable to determine with any degree of accuracy when these commitments will be called. Therefore, for purposes of the above table, the Company has assumed that all commitments with no fixed payment schedules will be called during the year ending December 31, 2017.

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SEGMENT REPORTING (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2017

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Gross Premiums Written by Line of Business

he following tables provide a breakdown of the Company’s gross premiums written by line of business and by geographic area of risks insured for the periods indicated: 

Gross Premiums Written by Line of Business^*

	Three months ended March 31
	2017				2016
	($ in thousands)
Property
Commercial	$	5,170	2.6	%	$	8,750	5.3	%
Motor	15,744		8.0		9,365		5.6
Personal	21,573		10.9		23,236		13.9
Total Property	42,487		21.5		41,351		24.8
Casualty
General Liability	9,499		4.8		8,199		4.9
Motor	78,341		39.7		49,566		29.7
Professional	14,553		7.4		11,628		7.0
Workers' Compensation	10,536		5.4		4,766		2.9
Total Casualty	112,929		57.3		74,159		44.5
Specialty
Accident & Health	23,739		12.1		27,121		16.2
Financial	12,056		6.1		15,382		9.2
Marine	2,223		1.1		3,652		2.2
Other	3,780		1.9		5,127		3.1
Total Specialty	41,798		21.2		51,282		30.7
	$	197,214	100.0	%	$	166,792	100.0	%

*

Gross Premiums Written by Geographic Area of Risks Insured

Gross Premiums Written by Geographic Area of Risks Insured

	Three months ended March 31
	2017				2016
	($ in thousands)
U.S. and Caribbean	$	171,758	87.1	%	$	130,744		78.4	%
Worldwide (1)	25,294		12.8		34,358			20.6
Europe	146		0.1		1,910			1.1
Asia (2)	16		—		(220		)	(0.1	)
	$	197,214	100.0	%	$	166,792		100.0	%

⁽¹⁾ “Worldwide” is comprised of contracts that reinsure risks in more than one geographic area and do not specifically exclude the U.S.

⁽²⁾ The negative balance represents reversal of premiums due to premium adjustments, termination of contracts or premium returned upon novation or commutation of contracts.

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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Premium deficiency loss	$ 0		$ 0
Profit commission reserves	17,900		15,200
Profit commission expense	2,700	$ 1,100
Notes receivable balance related to note placed on non-accrual status	17,400		18,600
Accrued interest	$ 0		$ 0

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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Earnings Per Share Reconciliation (Details) - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Weighted average shares outstanding - basic	37,341,338	37,107,039
Effect of dilutive employee and director share-based awards	35,311	315,882
Weighted average shares outstanding - diluted	37,376,649	37,422,921
Stock Options
Earnings Per Share, Diluted, by Common Class, Including Two Class Method [Line Items]
Anti-dilutive stock options outstanding	335,991	485,991

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SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Income taxes (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017
Verdant
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Income tax rate	35.00%
GRIL | Ireland
Income Taxes [Line Items]
Tax rate on trading income	12.50%
Tax rate on non-trading income	25.00%

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Investments Categorized by Level of Fair Value Hierarchy (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets:		$ 1,187,506	$ 1,009,879
Debt instruments		8,074	22,473
Listed equity securities		1,054,427	844,001
Commodities		118,929	137,296
Private and unlisted equity securities		6,076	6,109
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)	[1]	14,448	12,658
Total investments		1,201,954	1,022,537
Financial contracts receivable		38,255	76,381
Total securities sold, not yet purchased		(867,709)	(859,902)
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased		(782,046)	(770,267)
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased		(85,663)	(89,635)
Financial contracts payable		(3,215)	(2,237)
Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets:		1,154,921	960,717
Debt instruments		0	0
Listed equity securities		1,035,992	823,421
Commodities		118,929	137,296
Private and unlisted equity securities		0	0
Financial contracts receivable		20	20
Total securities sold, not yet purchased		(782,046)	(770,267)
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased		(782,046)	(770,267)
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased		0	0
Financial contracts payable		(20)	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets:		25,805	42,399
Debt instruments		7,370	21,819
Listed equity securities		18,435	20,580
Commodities		0	0
Private and unlisted equity securities		0	0
Financial contracts receivable		38,235	76,361
Total securities sold, not yet purchased		(85,663)	(89,635)
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased		0	0
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased		(85,663)	(89,635)
Financial contracts payable		(3,195)	(2,237)
Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Assets:		6,780	6,763
Debt instruments		704	654
Listed equity securities		0	0
Commodities		0	0
Private and unlisted equity securities		6,076	6,109
Financial contracts receivable		0	0
Total securities sold, not yet purchased		0	0
Listed equity securities, sold not yet purchased		0	0
Debt instruments, sold not yet purchased		0	0
Financial contracts payable		$ 0	$ 0

[1] Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Fair Value Hierarchy- Additional Information (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value		$ 6,780,000	$ 6,427,000	$ 6,763,000	$ 8,957,000
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)	[1]	14,448,000		12,658,000
Transfers out of Level 3		(1,768,000)	0
Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1 due to lock-up period restriction expiration		0		0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net			9,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases		1,750,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales			(2,539,000)
Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3			0
Net investment income (loss)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net		0	(1,400,000)
Change in unrealized gains		0	1,400,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value		704,000	496,000	654,000	505,000
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net		50,000	(9,000)
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales			0
Private equity and limited partnerships (1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset Value		6,076,000	5,931,000	$ 6,109,000	$ 8,452,000
Transfers out of Level 3		1,768,000
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net		(15,000)	18,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases		1,750,000
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Sales			(2,539,000)
Private equity and limited partnerships (1) | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3		1,800,000
Equity Securities [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Transfers into Level 3		0	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3			0
Financial contracts receivable | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3		0	0
Transfers into Level 3		0	0
Financial contracts payable
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Liability, Gain (Loss) Included in Earnings		35,000
Financial contracts payable | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3			0
Transfers into Level 3		$ 0	$ 0

[1] Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Level 3 reconciliation (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 6,763,000	$ 8,957,000
Purchases	1,750,000
Sales		(2,539,000)
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net		9,000
Transfers out of Level 3	(1,768,000)	0
Fair Value, Assets, Level 2 to Level 1 Transfers, Amount	0		$ 0
Ending balance	6,780,000	6,427,000
Debt instruments
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	654,000	505,000
Purchases
Sales		0
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	50,000	(9,000)
Transfers out of Level 3	0
Ending balance	704,000	496,000
Private equity and limited partnerships (1)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	6,109,000	8,452,000
Purchases	1,750,000
Sales		(2,539,000)
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	(15,000)	18,000
Transfers out of Level 3	1,768,000
Ending balance	6,076,000	5,931,000
Financial contracts payable
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	35,000
Net investment income (loss)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Total realized and unrealized gains (losses) and amortization included in earnings, net	0	(1,400,000)
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Change in Unrealized Gain (Loss)	0	1,400,000
Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Quoted prices in active markets (Level 1) | Total equity securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Private equity and limited partnerships (1)
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3	1,800,000
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Financial contracts receivable
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers into Level 3	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	0	0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Total equity securities
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) | Financial contracts payable
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Transfers out of Level 3		0
Fair Value, Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Transfers into Level 3	$ 0	$ 0

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Investments Included in Debt Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	$ 18,800	$ 23,403
Debt instruments	8,074	22,473
Corporate debt – U.S.
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	16,691	21,294
Unrealized gains	0	6,509
Unrealized losses	(8,663)	(5,331)
Debt instruments	8,028	22,472
Corporate debt – Non U.S.
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	2,109	2,109
Unrealized gains	0	0
Unrealized losses	(2,063)	(2,108)
Debt instruments	46	1
Total debt instruments
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	18,800	23,403
Unrealized gains	0	6,509
Unrealized losses	$ (10,726)	$ (7,439)

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Maturity of Debt Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Financial Instruments [Abstract]
Debt instruments, trading, within one year, cost	$ 0	$ 0
Debt instruments, trading, within one year, fair value	0	0
Debt instruments, trading, from one to five years, cost	15,083	17,803
Debt instruments, trading, from one to five years, fair value	6,732	19,492
Debt instruments, trading, from five to ten years, cost	2,767	4,649
Debt instruments, trading, from five to ten years, fair value	638	2,327
Debt instruments, trading, more than ten years, cost	950	951
Debt instruments, trading, more than ten years, fair value	704	654
Cost/ amortized cost	18,800	23,403
Debt instruments	$ 8,074	$ 22,473

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Investments in Equity Securities Trading (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	$ 18,800	$ 23,403
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	1,054,427	844,001
Equities – listed
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	936,773	753,813
Unrealized gains	152,340	115,379
Unrealized losses	(51,603)	(40,706)
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	1,037,510	828,486
Exchange traded funds
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	15,056	15,056
Unrealized gains	1,861	459
Unrealized losses	0	0
Equity securities, trading, at fair value	16,917	15,515
Total equity securities
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost/amortized cost	951,829	768,869
Unrealized gains	154,201	115,838
Unrealized losses	$ (51,603)	$ (40,706)

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Other Investments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	$ 119,065	$ 145,089
Unrealized gains	20,388	11,000
Unrealized losses	0	(26)
Fair value	139,453	156,063
Commodities
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	103,680	130,671
Unrealized gains	15,249	6,625
Unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	118,929	137,296
Private and unlisted equity securities [Member]
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Cost	15,385	14,418
Unrealized gains	5,139	4,375
Unrealized losses	0	(26)
Fair value	$ 20,524	$ 18,767

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS NAV Instruments (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)	[1]	$ 14,448	$ 12,658
Percentage of funds that have investment restrictions		100.00%
Private Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Unfunded commitments relating to private equity funds		$ 8,000	9,200
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Private Equity Funds [Member]
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]
Private equity funds measured at net asset value (1)		$ 14,400	$ 12,700

[1] Investments measured at fair value using the net asset value practical expedient have not been classified in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value amounts are presented in the above table to facilitate reconciliation to the condensed consolidated balance sheets.

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Investments in Securities Sold, Not Yet Purchased (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Corporate debt – U.S.
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Unrealized gains	$ 0	$ 6,509
Unrealized losses	(8,663)	(5,331)
Total equity securities
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Unrealized gains	154,201	115,838
Unrealized losses	(51,603)	(40,706)
Exchange traded funds
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Unrealized gains	1,861	459
Unrealized losses	0	0
Securities Sold, Not yet Purchased
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Proceeds	(773,640)	(786,500)
Unrealized gains	39,254	37,363
Unrealized losses	(133,323)	(110,765)
Fair value	(867,709)	(859,902)
Securities Sold, Not yet Purchased | Total equity securities
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Proceeds	(677,410)	(690,270)
Unrealized gains	28,687	30,768
Unrealized losses	(133,323)	(110,765)
Fair value	(782,046)	(770,267)
Securities Sold, Not yet Purchased | Sovereign debt – Non U.S.
Investments Sold, Not yet Purchased [Line Items]
Proceeds	(96,230)	(96,230)
Unrealized gains	10,567	6,595
Unrealized losses	0	0
Fair value	$ (85,663)	$ (89,635)

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Fair Value of Financial Contracts Outstanding (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable	$ 38,255		$ 76,381
Financial contracts payable	(3,215)		(2,237)
Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable	38,255		76,381
Financial contracts payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts payable	(3,215)		(2,237)
Call options | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	201,215		134,495
Financial contracts receivable	15,530		26,508
Commodity Swaps | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	58,762		82,009
Financial contracts receivable	5,902		13,506
Commodity Swaps | Financial contracts payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts payable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	15,808
Financial contracts payable	(97)
Forwards | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	10,608
Financial contracts receivable	253
Forwards | Financial contracts payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts payable, Notional amount of underlying instruments			6,880
Financial contracts payable			(118)
Futures | Financial contracts payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts payable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	5,998
Financial contracts payable	(20)
Put options (2) | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	51,543	[1]	115,481	[2]
Financial contracts receivable	1,435	[1]	6,703	[2]
Put options (2) | Financial contracts payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts payable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	1,031		815
Financial contracts payable	(153)		(172)
Total return swaps – equities | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	298,894		100,199
Financial contracts receivable	14,777		29,413
Total return swaps – equities | Financial contracts payable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts payable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	32,683		31,257
Financial contracts payable	(2,945)		(1,947)
Warrants and rights on listed equities | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	67		67
Financial contracts receivable	34		33
Interest rate swaps | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Notional amount of underlying instruments	21,525		20,490
Financial contracts receivable	324		218
NO MARKET (E.G. UNLISTED) [Member] | Call options | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	14,400		22,400
NO MARKET (E.G. UNLISTED) [Member] | Put options (2) | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	$ 1,400		$ 6,700

[1] Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.

[2] Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Reported Gains and Losses on Derivatives (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	$ (3,961)	$ (546)
Commodity Swaps | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	(6,959)	(5,565)
Forwards | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	623	(81)
Futures | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	(513)	984
Interest Rate Swaps | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	105	0
Options, warrants, and rights | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	(7,528)	(2,803)
Total return swaps – equities | Net investment income (loss)
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]
Gain (loss) on derivatives recognized in income	$ 10,311	$ 6,919

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Volumes of Derivative Activities (Details) - Derivatives not designated as hedging instruments (notional amounts) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Entered		$ 613,022	$ 385,103
Exited		202,960	428,069
Forwards
Derivative [Line Items]
Entered		3,476	0
Exited		0	63
Futures
Derivative [Line Items]
Entered		29,510	174,721
Exited		24,069	169,710
Options, warrants and rights (1)
Derivative [Line Items]
Entered		347,918	133,333
Exited	[1]	110,102	175,651
Commodity Swaps
Derivative [Line Items]
Entered		0	75,566
Exited		8,182	54,374
Total return swaps – equities
Derivative [Line Items]
Entered		232,118	1,483
Exited		$ 60,607	$ 28,271

[1] Exited amount excludes derivatives which expired or were exercised during the period.

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FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS Schedule of Gross and Net Amounts of Financial Instruments and Cash Collateral (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable, Gross amounts of recognized assets	$ 38,255		$ 76,381
Financial contracts receivable, Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet	0		0
Financial contracts receivable	38,255		76,381
Financial contracts receivable, Financial instruments available for offset	(3,087)		(938)
Financial contracts receivable, Cash collateral (received) pledged	(17,350)		(44,572)
Financial contracts receivable, Net amount of asset (liability)	17,818		30,871
Financial contracts payable, Gross amounts of recognized assets (liabilities)	(3,215)		(2,237)
Financial contracts payable, Gross amounts offset in the balance sheet	0		0
Financial contracts payable, Net amounts of assets (liabilities) presented in the balance sheet	(3,215)		(2,237)
Financial contracts payable, Financial instruments available for offset	3,087		938
Financial contracts payable, Cash collateral (received) pledged	128		1,299
Financial contracts payable, Net amount of asset (liability)	0		0
Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable	38,255		76,381
Put Option [Member] | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Financial contracts receivable	1,435	[1]	6,703	[2]
Put Option [Member] | NO MARKET (E.G. UNLISTED) [Member] | Financial contracts receivable
Derivative [Line Items]
Derivative Instruments Not Designated as Hedging Instruments, Asset, at Fair Value	$ 1,400		$ 6,700

[1] Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.

[2] Includes options on the Japanese Yen and the Chinese Yuan, denominated in U.S. dollars.

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DUE TO PRIME BROKERS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Due to Prime Brokers [Line Items]
Amounts due to prime brokers	$ 558,798	$ 319,830
GLRE
Due to Prime Brokers [Line Items]
Maximum temporary leverage	30.00%
Maximum long-term leverage	15.00%
GRIL
Due to Prime Brokers [Line Items]
Maximum temporary leverage	20.00%
Maximum long-term leverage	5.00%

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LOSS AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSE RESERVES (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Case reserves			$ 113,997,000	$ 98,815,000
IBNR			226,033,000	207,826,000
Total	$ 306,641,000	$ 305,997,000	340,030,000	306,641,000	$ 341,132,000	$ 305,997,000
Gross balance at January 1	306,641,000	305,997,000
Less: Losses recoverable			2,582,000	2,704,000	3,548,000	3,368,000
Net balance at January 1	303,937,000	302,629,000
Current year	99,807,000	89,347,000
Prior years	(5,005,000)	(1,321,000)
Total incurred	104,812,000	90,668,000
Current year	(15,930,000)	(12,027,000)
Prior years	55,920,000	42,639,000
Total paid	71,850,000	54,666,000
Foreign currency revaluation	(549,000)	1,047,000
Net balance at March 31	337,448,000	337,584,000
Gross balance at March 31	340,030,000	341,132,000
Accident & Health
Liability for Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Total	18,993,000	21,533,000	17,208,000	18,993,000	21,875,000	21,533,000
Gross balance at January 1	18,993,000	21,533,000
Less: Losses recoverable			0	0	$ 0	$ 0
Net balance at January 1	18,993,000	21,533,000
Current year	10,015,000	11,513,000
Prior years	(261,000)	(266,000)
Total incurred	9,754,000	11,247,000
Current year	(2,123,000)	(1,963,000)
Prior years	9,416,000	8,942,000
Total paid	11,539,000	10,905,000
Foreign currency revaluation	0	0
Net balance at March 31	17,208,000	21,875,000
Gross balance at March 31	$ 17,208,000	$ 21,875,000
Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Liability for Unpaid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net			$ 17,200,000	$ 19,000,000

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RETROCESSION (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred, net	$ 104,812,000	$ 90,668,000
Loss and loss expenses recovered and recoverable	100,000	400,000
Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable	2,582,000	$ 3,548,000	$ 2,704,000	$ 3,368,000
Funds withheld	5,576,000		5,927,000
Collateral Held in Trust	267,600,000		86,400,000
Provision for uncollectible losses recoverable	0		0
Unrated [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable	2,100,000		2,200,000
AM Best, A- Rating [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Loss and loss adjustment expenses recoverable	$ 500,000		$ 500,000

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SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Narrative (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Number of Shares	71,335
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Fair Value Assumptions, Expected Term	10 years	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 10.12
Number of stock options exercised	0	156,000
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Vested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value	$ 10.51
Employee Service Share-based Compensation, Nonvested Awards, Compensation Not yet Recognized, Stock Options	$ 0.0
General and Administrative Expense
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based compensation expense	$ 0.9	$ 0.8
Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares issued from the exercise of stock options	0	59,179
Stock options | Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares authorized for stock incentive plan	3,500,000		3,500,000
Shares available for future issuance relating to share purchase options granted to service provider	345,592		424,787
Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Number of RSUs issued to employees	113,955
Restricted stock | Common Class A
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	113,955	149,332
Number of restricted shares forfeited	46,319	4,177
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	3 years
Stock compensation expense reversed due to forfeitures	$ 0.0	$ 0.2
Number of RSUs issued to employees	11,559	7,444
Share Based Compensation Arrangement By Share Based Payment Award Fair Value Assumptions Expected Forfeiture Rate	6.00%	0.00%
Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	100.00%
Vesting In Year One [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	0.00%
Vesting In Year Two [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	0.00%
Vesting In Year Three [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage	0.00%

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SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Restricted Shares (Details) - Restricted stock - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Period	3 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Balance	365,432
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Granted	113,955
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Vested	(101,518)
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Forfeited	(46,319)
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Balance	331,550
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value, Balance	$ 26.76
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	21.65
Weighted average grant date fair value, Vested	32.60
Weighted average grant date fair value, Forfeited	24.61
Weighted average grant date fair value, Balance	$ 23.52
Stock Granted, Value, Share-based Compensation, Forfeited	$ 0.0	$ 0.0
Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Restricted Stock Award, Gross	113,955	149,332
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Number of restricted shares forfeited	(46,319)	(4,177)

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SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Restricted Stock Units (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Millions	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Restricted stock
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Balance	365,432
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Granted	113,955
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Vested	(101,518)
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Forfeited	(46,319)
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Balance	331,550
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value, Balance	$ 26.76
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	21.65
Weighted average grant date fair value, Vested	32.60
Weighted average grant date fair value, Forfeited	24.61
Weighted average grant date fair value, Balance	$ 23.52
RSUs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Number of Shares [Roll Forward]
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Balance	15,934
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Granted	11,559	7,444
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Vested	(4,695)
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Forfeited	0	(11,330)
Number of non-vested restricted shares, Balance	22,798
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Equity Instruments Other than Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Abstract]
Weighted average grant date fair value, Balance	$ 27.88
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	21.65
Weighted average grant date fair value, Vested	32.60
Weighted average grant date fair value, Forfeited	0.00
Weighted average grant date fair value, Balance	$ 23.50
Stock Issued During Period, Value, Restricted Stock Award, Forfeitures	$ 0.0	$ 0.2

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SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Share Based Compensation Options Rollfoward (Details) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Number of options, Exercised	0	(156,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Nonvested, Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value [Roll Forward]
Weighted average grant date fair value, Granted	$ 10.12

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SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION Black Scholes option pricing model assumptions (Details) - shares		3 Months Ended
	Apr. 01, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expected term (in years)		10 years	10 years
Grant Date [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Award Vesting Rights, Percentage		100.00%
Subsequent Event [Member] | Common Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Grants in Period, Gross	22,750

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RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) - USD ($)		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investment Income		$ (11,618,000)		$ (28,435,000)
Debt instruments		8,074,000			$ 22,473,000
Listed equity securities		$ 1,054,427,000			844,001,000
Investment Advisory Agreement | Board of Directors Chairman
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Performance compensation full rate		20.00%
Performance compensation reduced rate		10.00%
Loss carry forward recoupment required		150.00%
Performance compensation expense		$ 1,189,400		3,100,000
Investment management fee rate - monthly		0.125%
Investment management fee rate - annual		1.50%
Management fees		$ 4,300,000		$ 4,200,000
Equity Securities [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Listed equity securities		34,500,000			34,800,000
Service Agreement [Member] | Board of Directors Chairman
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Investor relations monthly fee		5,000
Private Equity Funds [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months		7,952,000	[1]		$ 9,200,000
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	[1]	$ 7,952,000

[1] Given the nature of these investments, the Company is unable to determine with any degree of accuracy when these commitments will be called. Therefore, for purposes of the above table, the Company has assumed that all commitments with no fixed payment schedules will be called during the year ending December 31, 2017

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Letters of Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Contractual Obligation, Future Minimum Payments Due, Remainder of Fiscal Year	$ 8,417
Amount of letters of credit issued	189,400	$ 255,400
Total equity securities, restricted cash, and cash and cash equivalents fair value pledged as security against the letters of credit	202,800	$ 310,900
Facility
Letters of Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	600,000
Facility | Butterfield Bank (Cayman) Limited [Member]
Letters of Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 100,000
Notice period required for termination	90 days
Facility | Citibank Europe plc
Letters of Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 400,000
Notice period required for termination	120 days
Facility | JP Morgan Chase Bank N.A.
Letters of Credit Facilities [Line Items]
Line of Credit Facility, Maximum Borrowing Capacity	$ 100,000
Notice period required for termination	120 days

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COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES Lease (Details) $ in Thousands, € in Millions		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017 USD ($)		Mar. 31, 2017 EUR (€)	Mar. 31, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Total rent expense related to leased office space		$ 200			$ 100
Operating Lease obligations, 2016		465
Operating lease obligations, 2017		388
Operating lease obligations, 2018		155
Operating lease obligations, 2019		155
Operating lease obligations, 2020		58
Operating lease obligations, Thereafter		0
Operating lease obligations, Total		1,221
Contractual Obligations Total 2016		8,417
Contractual Obligations Total 2017		388
Contractual Obligations Total 2018		155
Contractual Obligations Total 2019		155
Contractual Obligations Total 2020		58
Contractual Obligations Total, Thereafter		0
Contractual Obligations Total		$ 9,173
GLRE
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Operating lease renewal option		5 years		5 years
GLRE | Minimum
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Annual rent payments		$ 300
GLRE | Maximum
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Annual rent payments		500
GRIL
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Annual rent payments | €				€ 0.1
Private equity and limited partnerships (1)
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due in Next Twelve Months		7,952	[1]			$ 9,200
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Two Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Three Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Four Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due within Five Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation, Due after Five Years	[1]	0
Unrecorded Unconditional Purchase Obligation	[1]	$ 7,952

[1] Given the nature of these investments, the Company is unable to determine with any degree of accuracy when these commitments will be called. Therefore, for purposes of the above table, the Company has assumed that all commitments with no fixed payment schedules will be called during the year ending December 31, 2017

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SEGMENT REPORTING (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments	1
Gross premiums written	$ 197,214	$ 166,792
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	100.00%	100.00%
Total Property
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 42,487	$ 41,351
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	21.50%	24.80%
Commercial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 5,170	$ 8,750
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	2.60%	5.30%
Motor
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 15,744	$ 9,365
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	8.00%	5.60%
Personal
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 21,573	$ 23,236
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	10.90%	13.90%
Total Casualty
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 112,929	$ 74,159
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	57.30%	44.50%
General Liability
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 9,499	$ 8,199
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	4.80%	4.90%
Motor
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 78,341	$ 49,566
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	39.70%	29.70%
Professional
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 14,553	$ 11,628
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	7.40%	7.00%
Workers' Compensation
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 10,536	$ 4,766
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	5.40%	2.90%
Total Specialty
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 41,798	$ 51,282
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	21.20%	30.70%
Accident & Health
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 23,739	$ 27,121
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	12.10%	16.20%
Financial
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 12,056	$ 15,382
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	6.10%	9.20%
Marine
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 2,223	$ 3,652
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	1.10%	2.20%
Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	$ 3,780	$ 5,127
Premiums Written, Gross as a percentage of Total Gross Premiums Written	1.90%	3.10%

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SEGMENT REPORTING Geographic information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2017	Mar. 31, 2016
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Gross premiums written		$ (197,214)	$ (166,792)
Gross premiums by geographical area as a percentage of total gross premiums		100.00%	100.00%
U.S. and Caribbean
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Gross premiums written		$ (171,758)	$ (130,744)
Gross premiums by geographical area as a percentage of total gross premiums		87.10%	78.40%
Worldwide (1)
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Gross premiums written	[1]	$ (25,294)	$ (34,358)
Gross premiums by geographical area as a percentage of total gross premiums	[1]	12.80%	20.60%
Europe
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Gross premiums written		$ (146)	$ (1,910)
Gross premiums by geographical area as a percentage of total gross premiums		0.10%	1.10%
Asia (2)
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Gross premiums written		$ (16)	$ (220)	[2]
Gross premiums by geographical area as a percentage of total gross premiums		0.00%	(0.10%)	[2]

[1] “Worldwide” is comprised of contracts that reinsure risks in more than one geographic area and do not specifically exclude the U.S.

[2] The negative balance represents reversal of premiums due to premium adjustments, termination of contracts or premium returned upon novation or commutation of contracts.