Risicodrag

Risicodrag is a term used in Dutch law and finance to describe who bears the financial consequences of uncertain events within a transaction, contract, or organizational arrangement. The risicodrager is the party that assumes the risk and may face losses if adverse events occur, in exchange for benefits such as lower costs, greater autonomy, or the chance of higher returns. Risk can be retained entirely by one party (retained risk) or allocated through contracts and instruments that transfer risk to others, such as insurance, hedging, warranties, or indemnities.

Contexts

Risicodrag appears in many settings, including procurement, project management, insurance, and public administration. In contracting, risk allocation determines which party bears price, performance, or liability risks. In insurance and finance, risk is often transferred to insurers or counterparties who price the likelihood and cost of adverse events. Public and private entities may choose to distribute risk to align incentives and make budgets more predictable.

Management

Managing risicodrag involves risk assessment, setting risk appetite, and selecting instruments to control exposure. Common tools include insurance contracts, hedging with financial instruments, diversification, and contractual clauses that limit liability or allocate risk.

See also: risk management, risk transfer, self-insurance, indemnity, hedging.