How is a Treaty defined in terms of reinsurance?

A treaty in the context of reinsurance is defined as an obligatory agreement between the ceding company and the reinsurer. This type of arrangement signifies a formal agreement where the ceding company agrees to cede a specified portion of its risks to the reinsurer. Unlike casual agreements or temporary arrangements that may lack formal obligations, a treaty establishes a binding legal framework outlining the responsibilities and terms under which risks are shared. It typically encompasses a range of policies or risks rather than being limited to individual transactions, thereby ensuring both parties are contractually obligated to adhere to the agreed-upon terms throughout the duration of the treaty. This characteristic provides stability and predictability in risk management for both the ceding company and the reinsurer.