Onderlinge

Onderlinge, in the Dutch financial sector, refers to mutual insurance associations in which policyholders are members and, in effect, owners. They operate on mutual principles: members participate in governance and profits are directed to benefits for members rather than to external shareholders. The aim is often solidarity, affordable coverage, and risk-sharing among members.

Structurally, onderlinge typically feature governance by a general meeting where members elect representatives to the board, which in turn appoints management. The organizations may operate on a non-profit or non-distributing basis, with premiums and reserves used to cover risks and to improve member benefits. Product portfolios have traditionally included life and non-life insurance, disability and health-related cover, pensions, and savings or investment components, with policies tailored to the needs of the member community.

Historically, onderlinge emerged in the 19th century as a means for groups of people to pool risk and share losses. In the late 20th century many mutual insurers demutualized, transforming into joint-stock companies (naamloze vennootschappen) or converting to cooperative forms, while some still maintain the mutual structure or branding.

Regulation and supervision fall under Dutch authorities, principally De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) and the Authority for the Financial Markets (AFM). Onderlinge are subject to modern insurance regulation, including Solvency II requirements, consumer protection rules, and governance standards. Because of the shift toward capital markets, the number of traditional mutuals has declined, but a niche remains where the member-driven, customer-focused ethos persists, often with a regional or community orientation in life, non-life, and savings products.