The characteristic performance of a reinsurer – Jurisdiction for reinsurance contracts

In a recent decision, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court dealt with the question of the characteristic services performed by a reinsurer (BGer 4A_408/2013 of 17 January 2014). Subject of the dispute in this leading court case was the determination of the place of fulfillment (performance) of the characteristic services in order to establish the jurisdiction for a conflict arising from an international reinsurance arrangement.