1. This paper is based upon experience derived and impressions gained from working as a foreigner in the Dutch life assurance market. The views expressed are essentially personal

2. In setting up a life assurance operation in a foreign country the factors to be considered are immensely complex and the decision to enter the market is merely the beginning of a long process of analysis and further decisions. In this paper I have made no attempt either to enumerate or to consider these factors. This is a descriptive paper and not an analytical one.

3. After a short historical review the broad elements which comprise the present Dutch market are discussed and finally I mention briefly what I see as some of the important trends and future possibilities for this market.