DUE TO PRIME BROKERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2017

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

DUE TO PRIME BROKERS AND OTHER FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS

As of December 31, 2017, the amount due to prime brokers is comprised of margin-borrowing from prime brokers and custodians 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 and trust accounts (see Notes 6 and 14). Under term margin agreements with prime brokers and revolving credit facilities with custodians and certain letter of credit facility agreements, the Company pledges certain investment securities to borrow cash. The cash borrowed under letter of credit facility agreements 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 or custodians 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 and custodians is included on the consolidated balance sheets as due to prime brokers and other financial institutions while the cash held in the custodial account and trust accounts are included on the consolidated balance sheets as restricted cash and cash equivalents.



	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	($ in thousands)
Due to Prime Brokers	$	647,700	$	319,830
Due to Other Financial Institutions	25,000		—
	$	672,700	$	319,830

Greenlight Re’s investment guidelines, among other stipulations in the guidelines, allow 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.

Schedule of Due to (from) Broker-Dealers and Clearing Organizations [Table Text Block]



	December 31, 2017		December 31, 2016
	($ in thousands)
Due to Prime Brokers	$	647,700	$	319,830
Due to Other Financial Institutions	25,000		—
	$	672,700	$	319,830