6.1 A reinsurer seeking to increase its premium income and perhaps obtain a more varied portfolio will often contemplate extending its geographical representation. One method of doing this is by establishing branch offices, but this demands an initial capital cost and the reinsurer may be entering an unfamiliar marketplace. An alternative is for reinsurers to utilise underwriting agents, who not only represented that they have the necessary local expertise but also provide a local underwriting presence at minimal cost.