<?xml version="1.0" encoding="US-ASCII"?>
<!--XBRL Document Created with Wdesk from Workiva-->
<!-- -->
<linkbase xsi:schemaLocation="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase http://www.xbrl.org/2003/xbrl-linkbase-2003-12-31.xsd" xmlns="http://www.xbrl.org/2003/linkbase" xmlns:xbrldt="http://xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns:xsi="http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance">
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/BackgroundAndBusinessDescription" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#BackgroundAndBusinessDescription" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/BackgroundAndBusinessDescriptionAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#BackgroundAndBusinessDescriptionAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/BackgroundAndBusinessDescriptionReorganizationCostsTables" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#BackgroundAndBusinessDescriptionReorganizationCostsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesChangeInAccountingDetails" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesChangeInAccountingDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesFxGainLossDetails" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesFxGainLossDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesGoodwillDetails" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesNotes" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesNotes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesEstimateOfFutureNetMinimumLeasePaymentsTables" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#CommitmentsAndContingenciesEstimateOfFutureNetMinimumLeasePaymentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/ComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeScheduleOfAmountsReclassedOutOfEachComponentOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ComprehensiveIncomeScheduleOfAmountsReclassedOutOfEachComponentOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeScheduleOfChangesInBalancesOfEachComponentOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ComprehensiveIncomeScheduleOfChangesInBalancesOfEachComponentOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfTotalComprehensiveIncome" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfTotalComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfTotalComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ConsolidatedStatementsOfTotalComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstruments" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#DerivativeInstruments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummarizeInformationByMajorCategoryOfCdsContractsDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsSummarizeInformationByMajorCategoryOfCdsContractsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfGrossFairValuesOfIndividualDerivativeInstrumentsDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfGrossFairValuesOfIndividualDerivativeInstrumentsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfGrossPrincipalNotionalOutstandingForCdsContractsDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfGrossPrincipalNotionalOutstandingForCdsContractsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfLocationAndAmountOfGainsAndLossesOfDerivativeContractsDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfLocationAndAmountOfGainsAndLossesOfDerivativeContractsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfNotionalAmountsOfAfssTradingDerivativeProductsDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfNotionalAmountsOfAfssTradingDerivativeProductsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfNotionalForVieDerivativesOutstandingDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfNotionalForVieDerivativesOutstandingDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#DerivativeInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsInformationAboutValuationInputsForFixedIncomeSecuritiesClassifiedAsLevel3Detail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsInformationAboutValuationInputsForFixedIncomeSecuritiesClassifiedAsLevel3Detail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsInformationAboutValuationInputsForVariableInterestEntityAssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsLevel3Detail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsInformationAboutValuationInputsForVariableInterestEntityAssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsLevel3Detail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfCarryingAmountAndFairValueOfAmbacsFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfCarryingAmountAndFairValueOfAmbacsFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfChangesInLevel3FairValueCategoryDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfChangesInLevel3FairValueCategoryDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfGainsAndLossesRealizedAndUnrealizedRelatingToLevel3AssetsAndLiabilitiesIncludedInEarningsDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfGainsAndLossesRealizedAndUnrealizedRelatingToLevel3AssetsAndLiabilitiesIncludedInEarningsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfInformationAboutDescribedModelInputsUsedToDetermineFairValueOfEachClassOfCreditDerivativesDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfInformationAboutDescribedModelInputsUsedToDetermineFairValueOfEachClassOfCreditDerivativesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfInformationAboutDescribedModelInputsUsedToDetermineFairValueOfEachClassOfCreditDerivativesPhantomDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfInformationAboutDescribedModelInputsUsedToDetermineFairValueOfEachClassOfCreditDerivativesPhantomDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsEffectOfReinsuranceOnPremiumsWrittenAndEarnedDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsEffectOfReinsuranceOnPremiumsWrittenAndEarnedDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsEstimatedFutureAmortizationExpenseForInsuranceIntangibleAssetDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsEstimatedFutureAmortizationExpenseForInsuranceIntangibleAssetDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsComponentsOfLossAndLossExpenseReservesAndSubrogationRecoverableDetails" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsComponentsOfLossAndLossExpenseReservesAndSubrogationRecoverableDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfPercentageCededToReinsurersAndReinsuranceRecoverableAndRatingLevelsDetails" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfPercentageCededToReinsurersAndReinsuranceRecoverableAndRatingLevelsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummarizedFutureGrossUndiscountedPremiumsExpectedToBeCollectedAndFutureExpectedPremiumsEarnedNetOfReinsuranceDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummarizedFutureGrossUndiscountedPremiumsExpectedToBeCollectedAndFutureExpectedPremiumsEarnedNetOfReinsuranceDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfGrossPremiumReceivableRollForwardDirectAndAssumedContractsDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfGrossPremiumReceivableRollForwardDirectAndAssumedContractsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfInformationRelatedToPoliciesCurrentlyIncludedInAmbacsLossReservesOrSubrogationRecoverableDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfInformationRelatedToPoliciesCurrentlyIncludedInAmbacsLossReservesOrSubrogationRecoverableDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfInformationRelatedToPoliciesCurrentlyIncludedInAmbacsLossReservesOrSubrogationRecoverablePhantomDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfInformationRelatedToPoliciesCurrentlyIncludedInAmbacsLossReservesOrSubrogationRecoverablePhantomDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfLossReserveRollForwardNetOfSubrogationRecoverableAndReinsuranceDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfLossReserveRollForwardNetOfSubrogationRecoverableAndReinsuranceDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfRollforwardOfRmbsSubrogationByEstimationApproachDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfRollforwardOfRmbsSubrogationByEstimationApproachDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsTables" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceSummaryOfPercentageCededToReinsurersAndReinsuranceRecoverableAndRatingLevelsDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceSummaryOfPercentageCededToReinsurersAndReinsuranceRecoverableAndRatingLevelsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesEffectOfIncomeTaxesOnNetIncomeAndStockholdersEquityDetails" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesEffectOfIncomeTaxesOnNetIncomeAndStockholdersEquityDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesEffectiveTaxRatesDifferingFromPrevailingFederalCorporateIncomeTaxRatesDetails" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesEffectiveTaxRatesDifferingFromPrevailingFederalCorporateIncomeTaxRatesDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesNolUsageTableDetails" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesNolUsageTableDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesProvisionForIncomeTaxesChargedToIncomeFromContinuingOperationsDetails" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesProvisionForIncomeTaxesChargedToIncomeFromContinuingOperationsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesMajorJurisdictionsDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxesMajorJurisdictionsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesSignificantPortionsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAndDeferredTaxAssetsDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxesSignificantPortionsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAndDeferredTaxAssetsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/Investments" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#Investments" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#InvestmentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentsExcludingVieInvestmentsDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#InvestmentsSummaryOfAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentsExcludingVieInvestmentsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentsExcludingVieInvestmentsHeldBySuccessorAmbacByContractualMaturityDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#InvestmentsSummaryOfAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentsExcludingVieInvestmentsHeldBySuccessorAmbacByContractualMaturityDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfAmountsIncludedInNetRealizedLossesGainsAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#InvestmentsSummaryOfAmountsIncludedInNetRealizedLossesGainsAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfFairValueIncludingFinancialGuaranteeAndWeightedAverageUnderlyingRatingExcludingFinancialGuaranteeOfInsuredSecuritiesDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#InvestmentsSummaryOfFairValueIncludingFinancialGuaranteeAndWeightedAverageUnderlyingRatingExcludingFinancialGuaranteeOfInsuredSecuritiesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfFairValueIncludingFinancialGuaranteeAndWeightedAverageUnderlyingRatingExcludingFinancialGuaranteeOfInsuredSecuritiesPhantomDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#InvestmentsSummaryOfFairValueIncludingFinancialGuaranteeAndWeightedAverageUnderlyingRatingExcludingFinancialGuaranteeOfInsuredSecuritiesPhantomDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfGrossUnrealizedLossesAndFairValuesOfAmbacsAvailableForSaleInvestmentsDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#InvestmentsSummaryOfGrossUnrealizedLossesAndFairValuesOfAmbacsAvailableForSaleInvestmentsDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfNetInvestmentIncomeDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#InvestmentsSummaryOfNetInvestmentIncomeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfRollForwardOfAmbacsCumulativeCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesForWhichPortionOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentWasRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#InvestmentsSummaryOfRollForwardOfAmbacsCumulativeCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesForWhichPortionOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentWasRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfSourcesOfCollateralReceivedAndVariousInvestmentAgreementInWhichCollateralPledgedDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#InvestmentsSummaryOfSourcesOfCollateralReceivedAndVariousInvestmentAgreementInWhichCollateralPledgedDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/NetIncomePerShare" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#NetIncomePerShare" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/NetIncomePerShareAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#NetIncomePerShareAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/NetIncomePerShareReconciliationOfCommonSharesUsedForBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#NetIncomePerShareReconciliationOfCommonSharesUsedForBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/NetIncomePerShareTables" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#NetIncomePerShareTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#SegmentInformation" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/SegmentInformationScheduleOfGrossPremiumsWrittenNetPremiumsEarnedAndNetChangeInFairValueOfCreditDerivativesDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#SegmentInformationScheduleOfGrossPremiumsWrittenNetPremiumsEarnedAndNetChangeInFairValueOfCreditDerivativesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/SegmentInformationSummaryOfFinancialInformationByReportableSegmentDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#SegmentInformationSummaryOfFinancialInformationByReportableSegmentDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntities" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntities" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesSummaryOfCarryingAmountOfAssetsLiabilitiesAndMaximumExposureToLossOfAmbacsVariableInterestsInNonConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesSummaryOfCarryingAmountOfAssetsLiabilitiesAndMaximumExposureToLossOfAmbacsVariableInterestsInNonConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesSummaryOfFairValueOfFixedIncomeSecuritiesByAssetTypeHeldByConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesSummaryOfFairValueOfFixedIncomeSecuritiesByAssetTypeHeldByConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesSupplementalInformationAboutLoansHeldAsAssetsAndLongTermDebtAssociatedWithConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetail" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesSupplementalInformationAboutLoansHeldAsAssetsAndLongTermDebtAssociatedWithConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetail" xlink:type="simple" />
  <roleRef roleURI="http://www.ambac.com/role/SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#all" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-default" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#dimension-domain" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#domain-member" xlink:type="simple" />
  <arcroleRef arcroleURI="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:href="http://www.xbrl.org/2005/xbrldt-2005.xsd#hypercube-dimension" xlink:type="simple" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/BackgroundAndBusinessDescription" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/BackgroundAndBusinessDescriptionAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationTable_9BDBA7E7FA2BB05CA1CDE1E442FF5F90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationTable_9BDBA7E7FA2BB05CA1CDE1E442FF5F90" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_B2EC02A025399666BC84E1E442FFE242" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationTable_9BDBA7E7FA2BB05CA1CDE1E442FF5F90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_B2EC02A025399666BC84E1E442FFE242" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_42C8B5BDA0742990DC5EE1E442FF8CA1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_B2EC02A025399666BC84E1E442FFE242" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_42C8B5BDA0742990DC5EE1E442FF8CA1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_42C8B5BDA0742990DC5EE1E442FF8CA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RestructuringCostAndReserveAxis_B2EC02A025399666BC84E1E442FFE242" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfRestructuringDomain_42C8B5BDA0742990DC5EE1E442FF8CA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_7D898A3537ABAFB0BD2DE1E442FF2623" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationTable_9BDBA7E7FA2BB05CA1CDE1E442FF5F90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_7D898A3537ABAFB0BD2DE1E442FF2623" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1BDCB69C7E160025D97DE1E442FF0508_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_7D898A3537ABAFB0BD2DE1E442FF2623" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1BDCB69C7E160025D97DE1E442FF0508_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1BDCB69C7E160025D97DE1E442FF0508" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_7D898A3537ABAFB0BD2DE1E442FF2623" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1BDCB69C7E160025D97DE1E442FF0508" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_254AA8BDEFE245F5715AE1E442FFB199" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1BDCB69C7E160025D97DE1E442FF0508" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_254AA8BDEFE245F5715AE1E442FFB199" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D9EB254EE5C3D01D4571E1E442FFA224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationTable_9BDBA7E7FA2BB05CA1CDE1E442FF5F90" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D9EB254EE5C3D01D4571E1E442FFA224" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B2813065C89107A89E82E1E442FFFBFC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D9EB254EE5C3D01D4571E1E442FFA224" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B2813065C89107A89E82E1E442FFFBFC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B2813065C89107A89E82E1E442FFFBFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_D9EB254EE5C3D01D4571E1E442FFA224" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B2813065C89107A89E82E1E442FFFBFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmbacAssuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmbacAssuranceMember_FB438C714FD3EBD912E2E1E442FFB141" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_B2813065C89107A89E82E1E442FFFBFC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmbacAssuranceMember_FB438C714FD3EBD912E2E1E442FFB141" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityIncorporationDateOfIncorporation" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationDateOfIncorporation_FCEA89403208738D969EE1E442FFF3FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityIncorporationDateOfIncorporation_FCEA89403208738D969EE1E442FFF3FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_EB6891E0C3A140CB9442E1E442FF43D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NumberOfReportableSegments_EB6891E0C3A140CB9442E1E442FF43D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ProceedsFromTheSaleOfJuniorSurplusNotes" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ProceedsFromTheSaleOfJuniorSurplusNotes_7E7B6EBB8D133DE2D886E1E442FF2EC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ProceedsFromTheSaleOfJuniorSurplusNotes_7E7B6EBB8D133DE2D886E1E442FF2EC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NetParExposureForPoliciesAllocatedToSegregatedAccount" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NetParExposureForPoliciesAllocatedToSegregatedAccount_E051809274B3A429B099E1E442FF6315" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NetParExposureForPoliciesAllocatedToSegregatedAccount_E051809274B3A429B099E1E442FF6315" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentWarrantsExpirationDate" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentWarrantsExpirationDate_FBBE2AE051E524B1BC44E1E442FF1B71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentWarrantsExpirationDate_FBBE2AE051E524B1BC44E1E442FF1B71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_MinimumSurplusAmount" xlink:label="loc_ambc_MinimumSurplusAmount_B694E569320A1A7621D3E1E442FFC1E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_ambc_MinimumSurplusAmount_B694E569320A1A7621D3E1E442FFC1E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PaymentAsPercentageOfPermittedPolicyClaim" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PaymentAsPercentageOfPermittedPolicyClaim_6A3931E6175CDECA576CE1E442FFF410" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PaymentAsPercentageOfPermittedPolicyClaim_6A3931E6175CDECA576CE1E442FFF410" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_C11272B071FF0168EF23E1E442FFC99E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_C11272B071FF0168EF23E1E442FFC99E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_36C0B45CC4CD7659DA96E1E442FFEE56" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_36C0B45CC4CD7659DA96E1E442FFEE56" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_98806A554647213D97E2E1E442FFE9F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_98806A554647213D97E2E1E442FFE9F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_02746885FD193BB60594E1E442FF6398" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_02746885FD193BB60594E1E442FF6398" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_ADD3AE7B06C2ED6035CCE1E442FF23F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_ADD3AE7B06C2ED6035CCE1E442FF23F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_49B958ED913E4E0833D1E1E442FF3963" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_49B958ED913E4E0833D1E1E442FF3963" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_47753306EBF366EB263BE1E442FF7B72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_47753306EBF366EB263BE1E442FF7B72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance_3B610C76310E60F36937E1E442FF36FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_BackgroundAndBasisOfPresentationLineItems_81B4C0093AC209632A0FE1E442FFC106" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatutoryAccountingPracticesStatutoryCapitalAndSurplusBalance_3B610C76310E60F36937E1E442FF36FA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/BackgroundAndBusinessDescriptionReorganizationCostsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesChangeInAccountingDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_4CAD53099C7F60151F8B86A77B0BFB8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B5D2DA178E6D1DD448AC86A77B05CE1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_4CAD53099C7F60151F8B86A77B0BFB8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B5D2DA178E6D1DD448AC86A77B05CE1B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0E810486B1C2CB59B6F386A77B05C4AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B5D2DA178E6D1DD448AC86A77B05CE1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0E810486B1C2CB59B6F386A77B05C4AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F50DABFCAEAA418CC9DC86A77B051064_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0E810486B1C2CB59B6F386A77B05C4AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F50DABFCAEAA418CC9DC86A77B051064_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F50DABFCAEAA418CC9DC86A77B051064" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0E810486B1C2CB59B6F386A77B05C4AA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F50DABFCAEAA418CC9DC86A77B051064" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_893F60BFC1E16A5F1FE586A77B310D1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F50DABFCAEAA418CC9DC86A77B051064" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_893F60BFC1E16A5F1FE586A77B310D1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreationDateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreationDateAxis_E6287AA9211B7397B36B86A77B065B90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B5D2DA178E6D1DD448AC86A77B05CE1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreationDateAxis_E6287AA9211B7397B36B86A77B065B90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefaultFinancialStatementsDateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefaultFinancialStatementsDateMember_8E0B839A8FEDE13F570186A77B07BFBE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreationDateAxis_E6287AA9211B7397B36B86A77B065B90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefaultFinancialStatementsDateMember_8E0B839A8FEDE13F570186A77B07BFBE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DefaultFinancialStatementsDateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DefaultFinancialStatementsDateMember_8E0B839A8FEDE13F570186A77B07BFBE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreationDateAxis_E6287AA9211B7397B36B86A77B065B90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DefaultFinancialStatementsDateMember_8E0B839A8FEDE13F570186A77B07BFBE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_20A7460A473E9E671BFF86A77B07952D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B5D2DA178E6D1DD448AC86A77B05CE1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_20A7460A473E9E671BFF86A77B07952D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_059D0870F08523ADA71686A77B074C03_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_20A7460A473E9E671BFF86A77B07952D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_059D0870F08523ADA71686A77B074C03_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_059D0870F08523ADA71686A77B074C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_20A7460A473E9E671BFF86A77B07952D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_059D0870F08523ADA71686A77B074C03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_89900EC5B8A8F83FEB9C86F4B62E8B4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_059D0870F08523ADA71686A77B074C03" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_89900EC5B8A8F83FEB9C86F4B62E8B4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A28920145FC143BF678786A77B072B91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B5D2DA178E6D1DD448AC86A77B05CE1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A28920145FC143BF678786A77B072B91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5DC42EA4A40D8E665B0B86A77B07EB7C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A28920145FC143BF678786A77B072B91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5DC42EA4A40D8E665B0B86A77B07EB7C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5DC42EA4A40D8E665B0B86A77B07EB7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_A28920145FC143BF678786A77B072B91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5DC42EA4A40D8E665B0B86A77B07EB7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_3FC37D86E866FA327A3D86A77B08AEEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B5D2DA178E6D1DD448AC86A77B05CE1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_3FC37D86E866FA327A3D86A77B08AEEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_C34C1FDCACBF59A7BF9A86A77B08D3AA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_3FC37D86E866FA327A3D86A77B08AEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_C34C1FDCACBF59A7BF9A86A77B08D3AA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_C34C1FDCACBF59A7BF9A86A77B08D3AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForNewAccountingPronouncementsAxis_3FC37D86E866FA327A3D86A77B08AEEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TypeOfAdoptionMember_C34C1FDCACBF59A7BF9A86A77B08D3AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_F1B660D5222219DCD7A986A77B08EB4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B5D2DA178E6D1DD448AC86A77B05CE1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_F1B660D5222219DCD7A986A77B08EB4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_3855E4E0E27541C36F1086A77B094A62_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_F1B660D5222219DCD7A986A77B08EB4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_3855E4E0E27541C36F1086A77B094A62_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_3855E4E0E27541C36F1086A77B094A62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForChangeInAccountingPrincipleAxis_F1B660D5222219DCD7A986A77B08EB4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ChangeInAccountingPrincipleMember_3855E4E0E27541C36F1086A77B094A62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis_5B07B3F94B30D77D33C686A77B09B06F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_B5D2DA178E6D1DD448AC86A77B05CE1B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis_5B07B3F94B30D77D33C686A77B09B06F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_E3F95F73442B7D44539586A77B0A6636_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis_5B07B3F94B30D77D33C686A77B09B06F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_E3F95F73442B7D44539586A77B0A6636_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_E3F95F73442B7D44539586A77B0A6636" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ErrorCorrectionsAndPriorPeriodAdjustmentsRestatementByRestatementPeriodAndAmountAxis_5B07B3F94B30D77D33C686A77B09B06F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsForErrorCorrectionDomain_E3F95F73442B7D44539586A77B0A6636" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_2281D97E3C501B4986FD86A77B1C82B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_4CAD53099C7F60151F8B86A77B0BFB8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_2281D97E3C501B4986FD86A77B1C82B5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentLineItems_011C5B37C8C204406CDD578F479A9F8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentsTable_AF1463FD3DBF67B600D5578F479AA731" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentLineItems_011C5B37C8C204406CDD578F479A9F8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentsTable_AF1463FD3DBF67B600D5578F479AA731" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_8534D156BEC13575D5F9578F479A9147" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentsTable_AF1463FD3DBF67B600D5578F479AA731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_8534D156BEC13575D5F9578F479A9147" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_550CAE1023B26ED4EE56578F479AEAD7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_8534D156BEC13575D5F9578F479A9147" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_550CAE1023B26ED4EE56578F479AEAD7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_550CAE1023B26ED4EE56578F479AEAD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_8534D156BEC13575D5F9578F479A9147" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_550CAE1023B26ED4EE56578F479AEAD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_VariableInterestEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityMember_78D2D72C610B8E24F66A578F479ABA55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_550CAE1023B26ED4EE56578F479AEAD7" xlink:to="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityMember_78D2D72C610B8E24F66A578F479ABA55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_729A8CAEA766ABF8BB7A578F479A8157" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentsTable_AF1463FD3DBF67B600D5578F479AA731" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_729A8CAEA766ABF8BB7A578F479A8157" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D52680FB2CFFE3D64F11578F479A53DB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_729A8CAEA766ABF8BB7A578F479A8157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D52680FB2CFFE3D64F11578F479A53DB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D52680FB2CFFE3D64F11578F479A53DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_729A8CAEA766ABF8BB7A578F479A8157" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D52680FB2CFFE3D64F11578F479A53DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_0CEA999D2FF2C854EA5E578F479A79B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D52680FB2CFFE3D64F11578F479A53DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_0CEA999D2FF2C854EA5E578F479A79B5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_4F8FFC883FC96FBD5AAA578F479A0B12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D52680FB2CFFE3D64F11578F479A53DB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_4F8FFC883FC96FBD5AAA578F479A0B12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DeferredAmountsandJuniorDeferredAmountsAccruedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DeferredAmountsandJuniorDeferredAmountsAccruedInterestRate_6B93FB5BD8DF6B2810FC578F479A8299" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentLineItems_011C5B37C8C204406CDD578F479A9F8D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DeferredAmountsandJuniorDeferredAmountsAccruedInterestRate_6B93FB5BD8DF6B2810FC578F479A8299" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_F5D755BE6AFF422C7C2A578F479ADF0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentLineItems_011C5B37C8C204406CDD578F479A9F8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BusinessAcquisitionPercentageOfVotingInterestsAcquired_F5D755BE6AFF422C7C2A578F479ADF0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAmortizationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAmortizationExpense_9A1FC603D8D47454EF1A578F479AB7E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentLineItems_011C5B37C8C204406CDD578F479A9F8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostAmortizationExpense_9A1FC603D8D47454EF1A578F479AB7E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_B0380A90C59AEF7267C6578F479AE158" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentLineItems_011C5B37C8C204406CDD578F479A9F8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_B0380A90C59AEF7267C6578F479AE158" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_9746864FFF212E648733578F479A95DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_B0380A90C59AEF7267C6578F479AE158" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_9746864FFF212E648733578F479A95DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_GoodwillWrittenoffRelatedtoBankruptcyClaimBankruptcyClaim" xlink:label="loc_ambc_GoodwillWrittenoffRelatedtoBankruptcyClaimBankruptcyClaim_2451151484C2B8FDE9C6578F479A751A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_B0380A90C59AEF7267C6578F479AE158" xlink:to="loc_ambc_GoodwillWrittenoffRelatedtoBankruptcyClaimBankruptcyClaim_2451151484C2B8FDE9C6578F479A751A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_C464ED8B10E16FF133D4578F479A7A01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillRollForward_B0380A90C59AEF7267C6578F479AE158" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_C464ED8B10E16FF133D4578F479A7A01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_5EF4E2C6BFABD216C4A1578F479AB1A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentLineItems_011C5B37C8C204406CDD578F479A9F8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsNet_5EF4E2C6BFABD216C4A1578F479AB1A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtorReorganizationItemsDebtorInPossessionFacilityFinancingCosts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtorReorganizationItemsDebtorInPossessionFacilityFinancingCosts_4670E1083E22D4F812ED578F479A6D8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentLineItems_011C5B37C8C204406CDD578F479A9F8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtorReorganizationItemsDebtorInPossessionFacilityFinancingCosts_4670E1083E22D4F812ED578F479A6D8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtorReorganizationItemsLegalAndAdvisoryProfessionalFees" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtorReorganizationItemsLegalAndAdvisoryProfessionalFees_0F8F3128DC2107C754EA578F479A9934" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentLineItems_011C5B37C8C204406CDD578F479A9F8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtorReorganizationItemsLegalAndAdvisoryProfessionalFees_0F8F3128DC2107C754EA578F479A9934" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtorReorganizationItemsGainLossOnSettlementOfOtherClaimsNet1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtorReorganizationItemsGainLossOnSettlementOfOtherClaimsNet1_044BB373ADEE21BE0200578F479A7E65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentLineItems_011C5B37C8C204406CDD578F479A9F8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtorReorganizationItemsGainLossOnSettlementOfOtherClaimsNet1_044BB373ADEE21BE0200578F479A7E65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DebtorReorganizationItemsFreshStartAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DebtorReorganizationItemsFreshStartAdjustments_C8C681EBD018AA288059578F479A2FC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentLineItems_011C5B37C8C204406CDD578F479A9F8D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DebtorReorganizationItemsFreshStartAdjustments_C8C681EBD018AA288059578F479A2FC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReorganizationItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReorganizationItems_724B2156F4DE60015F61578F479AB0B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FreshStartAdjustmentLineItems_011C5B37C8C204406CDD578F479A9F8D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReorganizationItems_724B2156F4DE60015F61578F479AB0B0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesFxGainLossDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3361DC1FB34A3F4710F1E1E442F021E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A5A546674C5714A4D704E1E442F04AAC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_3361DC1FB34A3F4710F1E1E442F021E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A5A546674C5714A4D704E1E442F04AAC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2727CFAC3553ECB93FC2E1E442F03BA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A5A546674C5714A4D704E1E442F04AAC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2727CFAC3553ECB93FC2E1E442F03BA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_41E15FF563841242797DE1E442F08439_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2727CFAC3553ECB93FC2E1E442F03BA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_41E15FF563841242797DE1E442F08439_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_41E15FF563841242797DE1E442F08439" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2727CFAC3553ECB93FC2E1E442F03BA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_41E15FF563841242797DE1E442F08439" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_FE1E0EB2CAC76AC03385E1E442F04236" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_41E15FF563841242797DE1E442F08439" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_FE1E0EB2CAC76AC03385E1E442F04236" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_52F0E07BCEAA3471B557E1E442F032D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_41E15FF563841242797DE1E442F08439" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_52F0E07BCEAA3471B557E1E442F032D1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesGoodwillDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_C7AB0E47E4734308BB95D379E8D79479" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_3917E74B3064D260F3F0D379E8D7A43D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_C7AB0E47E4734308BB95D379E8D79479" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_3917E74B3064D260F3F0D379E8D7A43D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2B6C41A39A491CC5A4CCD379E8D79987" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_3917E74B3064D260F3F0D379E8D7A43D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2B6C41A39A491CC5A4CCD379E8D79987" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_21B874AFD1A86CE08FE7D379E8D775B1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2B6C41A39A491CC5A4CCD379E8D79987" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_21B874AFD1A86CE08FE7D379E8D775B1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_21B874AFD1A86CE08FE7D379E8D775B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2B6C41A39A491CC5A4CCD379E8D79987" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_21B874AFD1A86CE08FE7D379E8D775B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_452B47900487244D026FD379E8D796FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_21B874AFD1A86CE08FE7D379E8D775B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_452B47900487244D026FD379E8D796FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_EF125AF1C671B984D08BD379E8D7A0E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_C7AB0E47E4734308BB95D379E8D79479" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_EF125AF1C671B984D08BD379E8D7A0E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_7D047FA2FBFCBC488263D379E8D8125B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_C7AB0E47E4734308BB95D379E8D79479" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_7D047FA2FBFCBC488263D379E8D8125B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesNotes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesPolicies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/BasisOfPresentationAndSignificantAccountingPoliciesTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_2C6AD694B32028EAD3A7D27CBEAD67CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_C1C593406D3D3197FA41D27CBEAC96F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillLineItems_2C6AD694B32028EAD3A7D27CBEAD67CC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_C1C593406D3D3197FA41D27CBEAC96F6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_92277E48572081D7D6C5D27CBEAC5F0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfGoodwillTable_C1C593406D3D3197FA41D27CBEAC96F6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_92277E48572081D7D6C5D27CBEAC5F0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_E5CA53EFA87F1A29968AD27CBEACD5CE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_92277E48572081D7D6C5D27CBEAC5F0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_E5CA53EFA87F1A29968AD27CBEACD5CE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_E5CA53EFA87F1A29968AD27CBEACD5CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_92277E48572081D7D6C5D27CBEAC5F0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IndefiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_E5CA53EFA87F1A29968AD27CBEACD5CE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingencies" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8C682EA7117E698F0955863C5EBF5501" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_212C6A8292838E8CAFBB863C5EBE815F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8C682EA7117E698F0955863C5EBF5501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_212C6A8292838E8CAFBB863C5EBE815F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_8C0E731D5ED71F39CDE8863C5EBF1E90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_212C6A8292838E8CAFBB863C5EBE815F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_8C0E731D5ED71F39CDE8863C5EBF1E90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_81127A0FD46A75DAC65B863C5EBFDE8D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_8C0E731D5ED71F39CDE8863C5EBF1E90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_81127A0FD46A75DAC65B863C5EBFDE8D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_81127A0FD46A75DAC65B863C5EBFDE8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseAxis_8C0E731D5ED71F39CDE8863C5EBF1E90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationCaseTypeDomain_81127A0FD46A75DAC65B863C5EBFDE8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6B33B054A54BBDEC8DA3863C5EBF5A14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_212C6A8292838E8CAFBB863C5EBE815F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6B33B054A54BBDEC8DA3863C5EBF5A14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_381521F4B75C06D6C061863C5EBF3929_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6B33B054A54BBDEC8DA3863C5EBF5A14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_381521F4B75C06D6C061863C5EBF3929_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_381521F4B75C06D6C061863C5EBF3929" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6B33B054A54BBDEC8DA3863C5EBF5A14" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_381521F4B75C06D6C061863C5EBF3929" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_D638C4F39AFBA32F0F72863C5EBFC866" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_381521F4B75C06D6C061863C5EBF3929" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_D638C4F39AFBA32F0F72863C5EBFC866" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ABD1FD3792EBCC1906F2863C5EBFDA3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesTable_212C6A8292838E8CAFBB863C5EBE815F" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ABD1FD3792EBCC1906F2863C5EBFDA3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7DBDF4294FB9CE98264A863C5EBF564B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ABD1FD3792EBCC1906F2863C5EBFDA3B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7DBDF4294FB9CE98264A863C5EBF564B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7DBDF4294FB9CE98264A863C5EBF564B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_ABD1FD3792EBCC1906F2863C5EBFDA3B" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7DBDF4294FB9CE98264A863C5EBF564B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmbacMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmbacMember_33CA59F6DF6BADA4CC33863C5EBF2568" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7DBDF4294FB9CE98264A863C5EBF564B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmbacMember_33CA59F6DF6BADA4CC33863C5EBF2568" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmbacAssuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmbacAssuranceMember_B17D18B841F34E607090863C5EBF82BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_7DBDF4294FB9CE98264A863C5EBF564B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmbacAssuranceMember_B17D18B841F34E607090863C5EBF82BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainContingencyUnrecordedAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainContingencyUnrecordedAmount_C4219C49BF33A03C19C38653893FB3FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8C682EA7117E698F0955863C5EBF5501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainContingencyUnrecordedAmount_C4219C49BF33A03C19C38653893FB3FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount_D97C2F3EADCA23FFEFF0863C5EC02B51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8C682EA7117E698F0955863C5EBF5501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount_D97C2F3EADCA23FFEFF0863C5EC02B51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement_BE610945F38D65D5885C863C5EC0C72D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesLineItems_8C682EA7117E698F0955863C5EBF5501" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossRelatedToLitigationSettlement_BE610945F38D65D5885C863C5EC0C72D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/CommitmentsAndContingenciesEstimateOfFutureNetMinimumLeasePaymentsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/ComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeScheduleOfAmountsReclassedOutOfEachComponentOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_A3AE2DA1250AB9EA7992D379E8AA2261" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_7CD6B38F4981AA499B9ED379E8A9282D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_A3AE2DA1250AB9EA7992D379E8AA2261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_7CD6B38F4981AA499B9ED379E8A9282D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C5662C79A0901938CE76D379E8AAD790" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_7CD6B38F4981AA499B9ED379E8A9282D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C5662C79A0901938CE76D379E8AAD790" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DAF1DD992508E40AE876D379E8AA33AB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C5662C79A0901938CE76D379E8AAD790" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DAF1DD992508E40AE876D379E8AA33AB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DAF1DD992508E40AE876D379E8AA33AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C5662C79A0901938CE76D379E8AAD790" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DAF1DD992508E40AE876D379E8AA33AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_A6A69A081AB095897336D379E8AAC861" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DAF1DD992508E40AE876D379E8AA33AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_A6A69A081AB095897336D379E8AAC861" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_BE465AABA8FCE0FCFADAD379E8AA864D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DAF1DD992508E40AE876D379E8AA33AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_BE465AABA8FCE0FCFADAD379E8AA864D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_1F15B476CECC5A253E79D379E8AAD4B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_7CD6B38F4981AA499B9ED379E8A9282D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_1F15B476CECC5A253E79D379E8AAD4B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_B20999FFFE15F0F5E122D379E8AA99DE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_1F15B476CECC5A253E79D379E8AAD4B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_B20999FFFE15F0F5E122D379E8AA99DE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_B20999FFFE15F0F5E122D379E8AA99DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeAxis_1F15B476CECC5A253E79D379E8AAD4B7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_B20999FFFE15F0F5E122D379E8AA99DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_90C98C423686BD995646D379E8AAC6A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDomain_B20999FFFE15F0F5E122D379E8AA99DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_90C98C423686BD995646D379E8AAC6A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_EBF072F9628C52E78CDFD379E8AA8B1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeTable_7CD6B38F4981AA499B9ED379E8A9282D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_EBF072F9628C52E78CDFD379E8AA8B1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2A70467646CA18BEEFC4D379E8AA3976_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_EBF072F9628C52E78CDFD379E8AA8B1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2A70467646CA18BEEFC4D379E8AA3976_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2A70467646CA18BEEFC4D379E8AA3976" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_EBF072F9628C52E78CDFD379E8AA8B1C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2A70467646CA18BEEFC4D379E8AA3976" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_41B40547E2FD6F4DFCB0D379E8AA4E14" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2A70467646CA18BEEFC4D379E8AA3976" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_41B40547E2FD6F4DFCB0D379E8AA4E14" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_77632F036C6BD0039712D379E8AAD75A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_2A70467646CA18BEEFC4D379E8AA3976" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_77632F036C6BD0039712D379E8AAD75A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_10D4E8FEEBE5DC493214D379E8AA1C85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_A3AE2DA1250AB9EA7992D379E8AA2261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnInvestmentsExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_10D4E8FEEBE5DC493214D379E8AA1C85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_EF34B3BA9B883CC4405AD379E8AB7720" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_A3AE2DA1250AB9EA7992D379E8AA2261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_EF34B3BA9B883CC4405AD379E8AB7720" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_1805FC0D40A42F3BE4FCD379E8AB7C1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_A3AE2DA1250AB9EA7992D379E8AA2261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAvailableToCommonStockholdersBasic_1805FC0D40A42F3BE4FCD379E8AB7C1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax_647DDC7F1E8058CECAC7D379E8ABA6A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_A3AE2DA1250AB9EA7992D379E8AA2261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetPriorServiceCostCreditBeforeTax_647DDC7F1E8058CECAC7D379E8ABA6A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax_781B611503BE0AD07B9ED379E8AB52A0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_A3AE2DA1250AB9EA7992D379E8AA2261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossReclassificationAdjustmentFromAOCIPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansForNetGainLossBeforeTax_781B611503BE0AD07B9ED379E8AB52A0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_A21EF982D08332158FD7D379E8AB0A8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_A3AE2DA1250AB9EA7992D379E8AA2261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_A21EF982D08332158FD7D379E8AB0A8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_6E742267F17E538046DFD379E8ABEED1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationAdjustmentOutOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLineItems_A3AE2DA1250AB9EA7992D379E8AA2261" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_6E742267F17E538046DFD379E8ABEED1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeScheduleOfChangesInBalancesOfEachComponentOfAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_62FAE435F865F3106482E1E442C14CEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_1F48524DBA85C5139392E1E442C13259" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_62FAE435F865F3106482E1E442C14CEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_1F48524DBA85C5139392E1E442C13259" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1859D88088E52E97A8F4E1E442C11E20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_1F48524DBA85C5139392E1E442C13259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1859D88088E52E97A8F4E1E442C11E20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_606E2AA6CE3D1B38786EE1E442C1F7E7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1859D88088E52E97A8F4E1E442C11E20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_606E2AA6CE3D1B38786EE1E442C1F7E7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_606E2AA6CE3D1B38786EE1E442C1F7E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_1859D88088E52E97A8F4E1E442C11E20" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_606E2AA6CE3D1B38786EE1E442C1F7E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_04D487DCB5418F652C13E1E442C1F8F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_606E2AA6CE3D1B38786EE1E442C1F7E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedNetUnrealizedInvestmentGainLossMember_04D487DCB5418F652C13E1E442C1F8F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_8FFDCB009836086FB42EE1E442C1182C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_606E2AA6CE3D1B38786EE1E442C1F7E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherPostretirementBenefitPlansDefinedBenefitMember_8FFDCB009836086FB42EE1E442C1182C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_047308F521314622D245E1E442C1DC2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_606E2AA6CE3D1B38786EE1E442C1F7E7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedTranslationAdjustmentMember_047308F521314622D245E1E442C1DC2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_BD5588C22B7EEE2C3009E1E442C197C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossTable_1F48524DBA85C5139392E1E442C13259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_BD5588C22B7EEE2C3009E1E442C197C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1358E2896950B12C3501E1E442C170DD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_BD5588C22B7EEE2C3009E1E442C197C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1358E2896950B12C3501E1E442C170DD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1358E2896950B12C3501E1E442C170DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_BD5588C22B7EEE2C3009E1E442C197C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1358E2896950B12C3501E1E442C170DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_32635CA1568AA13E5660E1E442C1AB71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1358E2896950B12C3501E1E442C170DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_32635CA1568AA13E5660E1E442C1AB71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_3B0918BFE36492127E31E1E442C17143" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1358E2896950B12C3501E1E442C170DD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_3B0918BFE36492127E31E1E442C17143" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward_1B27F0B4516CC662594CE1E442C16655" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossLineItems_62FAE435F865F3106482E1E442C14CEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward_1B27F0B4516CC662594CE1E442C16655" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_ED6167F4F063E764DEF0E1E442C1BE8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward_1B27F0B4516CC662594CE1E442C16655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_ED6167F4F063E764DEF0E1E442C1BE8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_AFA3A3A773D45E6F6FB1E1E442C1A268" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward_1B27F0B4516CC662594CE1E442C16655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeReclassificationsNetOfTax_AFA3A3A773D45E6F6FB1E1E442C1A268" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_AF8213166AA10745D22EE1E442C1D8AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward_1B27F0B4516CC662594CE1E442C16655" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReclassificationFromAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeCurrentPeriodNetOfTax_AF8213166AA10745D22EE1E442C1D8AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossExcludingNoncontrollingInterestNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossExcludingNoncontrollingInterestNetOfTax_D665802B0FBBBDE2FFD5E1E442C1B58D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ChangesInAccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeRollForward_1B27F0B4516CC662594CE1E442C16655" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossExcludingNoncontrollingInterestNetOfTax_D665802B0FBBBDE2FFD5E1E442C1B58D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/ComprehensiveIncomeTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheets" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2CEC1A9BA9E1FB8233CC863C6112B8F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_39107E3CAA3EF13E9BBD863C61127B90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2CEC1A9BA9E1FB8233CC863C6112B8F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_39107E3CAA3EF13E9BBD863C61127B90" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_09078AAF1F36045B03D1863C6112D2AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_39107E3CAA3EF13E9BBD863C61127B90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_09078AAF1F36045B03D1863C6112D2AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E87EE12EEF0999F7F980863C6112B575_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_09078AAF1F36045B03D1863C6112D2AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E87EE12EEF0999F7F980863C6112B575_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E87EE12EEF0999F7F980863C6112B575" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_09078AAF1F36045B03D1863C6112D2AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E87EE12EEF0999F7F980863C6112B575" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_4BDCF5FA0BF0B76A59D9863C61129F3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E87EE12EEF0999F7F980863C6112B575" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_4BDCF5FA0BF0B76A59D9863C61129F3E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_BEA85031A7ED245838B2863C611271D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_39107E3CAA3EF13E9BBD863C61127B90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_BEA85031A7ED245838B2863C611271D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_58501B4D9AC4A990B86A863C6112DAFE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_BEA85031A7ED245838B2863C611271D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_58501B4D9AC4A990B86A863C6112DAFE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_58501B4D9AC4A990B86A863C6112DAFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_BEA85031A7ED245838B2863C611271D7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_58501B4D9AC4A990B86A863C6112DAFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_BA0510ED497E3DA54050863C611209D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_58501B4D9AC4A990B86A863C6112DAFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_BA0510ED497E3DA54050863C611209D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2CEC1A9BA9E1FB8233CC863C6112B8F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_27B6EA05C6F1745CAE75863C61127BE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtSecurities_27B6EA05C6F1745CAE75863C61127BE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_AA494A35F889DAED418B863C61128BA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalents_AA494A35F889DAED418B863C61128BA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPledgedAsCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPledgedAsCollateral_C2C5D2DDA48472D2A046863C61126D25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPledgedAsCollateral_C2C5D2DDA48472D2A046863C61126D25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments_E129764197F62B7D4EA3863C61122E80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments_E129764197F62B7D4EA3863C61122E80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsAndSecuritiesAtCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsAndSecuritiesAtCost_0FE15536FB8B6069EC76863C611285EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsAndSecuritiesAtCost_0FE15536FB8B6069EC76863C611285EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Investments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Investments_DDECE66037EECEE93A70863C61128342" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Investments_DDECE66037EECEE93A70863C61128342" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_95F1E605233258B83EF9863C6112416A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_95F1E605233258B83EF9863C6112416A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherReceivables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherReceivables_AD302AB552495D07482E863C611220D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherReceivables_AD302AB552495D07482E863C611220D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_EA6910846C0B2764F6C4863C611298B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_EA6910846C0B2764F6C4863C611298B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet_5ABD916174DF8FE236B4863C6112DCD4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableNet_5ABD916174DF8FE236B4863C6112DCD4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAtCarryingValue_2F84FEF8E3B3447D7426863C6112CB01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAtCarryingValue_2F84FEF8E3B3447D7426863C6112CB01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceRecoverables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRecoverables_0563DB1DC272353060F7863C61122CAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceRecoverables_0563DB1DC272353060F7863C61122CAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PrepaidReinsurancePremiums" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidReinsurancePremiums_261BA8CE6984A395C546863C6112D820" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PrepaidReinsurancePremiums_261BA8CE6984A395C546863C6112D820" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue_830E8BFF515F58E8F060863C6112E9BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue_830E8BFF515F58E8F060863C6112E9BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_7DC005FF62506B0E4B19863C6112425E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotesReceivableNet_7DC005FF62506B0E4B19863C6112425E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_8B243F319D5A9CA2C2DF863C6112D11E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_8B243F319D5A9CA2C2DF863C6112D11E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_A8BAB90B32A335165ED3863C611201C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesReceivable_A8BAB90B32A335165ED3863C611201C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_1F3D6C90C8C8E90BD506863C6112B2B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_1F3D6C90C8C8E90BD506863C6112B2B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Goodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_F7DBDAD4EB4744F9DD6D863C6112E868" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Goodwill_F7DBDAD4EB4744F9DD6D863C6112E868" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_AB68AC76D9E29FC66ED6863C61127F80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssets_AB68AC76D9E29FC66ED6863C61127F80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_3ACC95341C3440D94738863C6112546F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_3ACC95341C3440D94738863C6112546F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_VariableInterestEntityClassificationOfCarryingAmountAssetsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityClassificationOfCarryingAmountAssetsAbstract_F4ED43826B3260E5452F863C61127504" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AssetsAbstract_F95A8961DDBE34114884863C6112905B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityClassificationOfCarryingAmountAssetsAbstract_F4ED43826B3260E5452F863C61127504" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2CEC1A9BA9E1FB8233CC863C6112B8F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums_B90638CE10EFC4B568D5863C6112FAB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnearnedPremiums_B90638CE10EFC4B568D5863C6112FAB6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_87F835B9F06C71FCE228863C6112D38F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_87F835B9F06C71FCE228863C6112D38F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePayable_6439D577065A04822C40863C6112A850" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePayable_6439D577065A04822C40863C6112A850" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BorrowingsUnderGuaranteedInvestmentAgreements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BorrowingsUnderGuaranteedInvestmentAgreements_1D4B5FF3DD159ACD60A8863C6112A63F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BorrowingsUnderGuaranteedInvestmentAgreements_1D4B5FF3DD159ACD60A8863C6112A63F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_886B54DD2C00173F44EB863C61127B31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_886B54DD2C00173F44EB863C61127B31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_1CA28736097B1069BD4B863C6112A926" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccruedIncomeTaxesCurrent_1CA28736097B1069BD4B863C6112A926" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_D8DB8814FEB09ED0DFC5863C6112AA4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebt_D8DB8814FEB09ED0DFC5863C6112AA4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_F3D6731FF8EF3F68A638863C61121A06" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestPayableCurrentAndNoncurrent_F3D6731FF8EF3F68A638863C61121A06" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_47C12785F343CDC98B94863C61128F21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_47C12785F343CDC98B94863C61128F21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_C97B6CC2327FCC13B2C2863C6112F00F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilities_C97B6CC2327FCC13B2C2863C6112F00F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentRelatedLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentRelatedLiabilities_48A267CB771F2727A557863C6112742F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentRelatedLiabilities_48A267CB771F2727A557863C6112742F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Liabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_61622366B4B1BE77D69F863C6112CCC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Liabilities_61622366B4B1BE77D69F863C6112CCC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilitiesAbstract_A08C8F76570C411BB2EA863C6112C3A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstract_FD01D368B8F86063847A863C61123FE6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilitiesAbstract_A08C8F76570C411BB2EA863C6112C3A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_DE91609597B631942907863C6112FEA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2CEC1A9BA9E1FB8233CC863C6112B8F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_DE91609597B631942907863C6112FEA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_A8DEC22E11A0ED66109A863C6112DFC0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_DE91609597B631942907863C6112FEA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockValue_A8DEC22E11A0ED66109A863C6112DFC0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_BD67C08337A82E5CF26E863C611206CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_DE91609597B631942907863C6112FEA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockValue_BD67C08337A82E5CF26E863C611206CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_BBC76252928F1A2F8A3D863C61122A0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_DE91609597B631942907863C6112FEA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapital_BBC76252928F1A2F8A3D863C61122A0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_99ADC82ADE4C71E74E29863C611273C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_DE91609597B631942907863C6112FEA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_99ADC82ADE4C71E74E29863C611273C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_33F37579CD9AB28824DD863C61120D2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_DE91609597B631942907863C6112FEA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficit_33F37579CD9AB28824DD863C61120D2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_E58FE6CED4F81357F047863C6112E023" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_DE91609597B631942907863C6112FEA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValue_E58FE6CED4F81357F047863C6112E023" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_A5A41BF019D238521C99863C61121821" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_DE91609597B631942907863C6112FEA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquity_A5A41BF019D238521C99863C61121821" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinorityInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_C6FE3174E8536C1C4743863C6112FA3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_DE91609597B631942907863C6112FEA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinorityInterest_C6FE3174E8536C1C4743863C6112FA3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_FD368785B0677C0EC382863C6112D80E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_DE91609597B631942907863C6112FEA4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_FD368785B0677C0EC382863C6112D80E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_BCF0D5CCA46D41F045E3863C61120DC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2CEC1A9BA9E1FB8233CC863C6112B8F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquity_BCF0D5CCA46D41F045E3863C61120DC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_1C0A8A5D2CDEAA350E7786926D137AE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_2CEC1A9BA9E1FB8233CC863C6112B8F0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxLiabilitiesNet_1C0A8A5D2CDEAA350E7786926D137AE1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/ConsolidatedBalanceSheetsParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7B183BE44DC1F2BD4BB6E1E4433E5C50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7B183BE44DC1F2BD4BB6E1E4433E5C50" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_5C394AA65C13379FF0D7E1E4433EA5D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7B183BE44DC1F2BD4BB6E1E4433E5C50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_5C394AA65C13379FF0D7E1E4433EA5D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_53A01DD412530E805198E1E4433E4C53_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_5C394AA65C13379FF0D7E1E4433EA5D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_53A01DD412530E805198E1E4433E4C53_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_53A01DD412530E805198E1E4433E4C53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_5C394AA65C13379FF0D7E1E4433EA5D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_53A01DD412530E805198E1E4433E4C53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_0FCF1AA9F3358AEE3FC7E1E4433EB948" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_53A01DD412530E805198E1E4433E4C53" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_0FCF1AA9F3358AEE3FC7E1E4433EB948" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2BFF48F94D5905A62254E1E4433E03EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7B183BE44DC1F2BD4BB6E1E4433E5C50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2BFF48F94D5905A62254E1E4433E03EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A33C86FAC53A0C9AB446E1E4433E5690_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2BFF48F94D5905A62254E1E4433E03EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A33C86FAC53A0C9AB446E1E4433E5690_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A33C86FAC53A0C9AB446E1E4433E5690" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2BFF48F94D5905A62254E1E4433E03EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A33C86FAC53A0C9AB446E1E4433E5690" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_7DF924A9BC09B5E41B6AE1E4433E3642" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A33C86FAC53A0C9AB446E1E4433E5690" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_7DF924A9BC09B5E41B6AE1E4433E3642" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_F6D7092056696F8AA994E1E4433EC2E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7B183BE44DC1F2BD4BB6E1E4433E5C50" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_F6D7092056696F8AA994E1E4433EC2E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5C81B77115FD828A3F43E1E4433EDEEA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_F6D7092056696F8AA994E1E4433EC2E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5C81B77115FD828A3F43E1E4433EDEEA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5C81B77115FD828A3F43E1E4433EDEEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_F6D7092056696F8AA994E1E4433EC2E2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfStockDomain_5C81B77115FD828A3F43E1E4433EDEEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_E628D407716904A21C1EE1E4433EE88E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleDebtSecuritiesAmortizedCostBasis_E628D407716904A21C1EE1E4433EE88E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralAmortizedCostBasis_2480C3CA39ADE756F514E1E4433E49A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralAmortizedCostBasis_2480C3CA39ADE756F514E1E4433E49A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherShortTermInvestmentsAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherShortTermInvestmentsAmortizedCost_3C468D0DBC35EAD70EA1E1E4433E0611" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherShortTermInvestmentsAmortizedCost_3C468D0DBC35EAD70EA1E1E4433E0611" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_4D6D94F7DB9168D18DEAE1E4433E51FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_4D6D94F7DB9168D18DEAE1E4433E51FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_825332162EB402F04124E1E4433ED082" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_825332162EB402F04124E1E4433ED082" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_C68F49B8F94D710303E4E1E4433E883F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_C68F49B8F94D710303E4E1E4433E883F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_2486B3EC549744C77D4BE1E4433E0008" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesAuthorized_2486B3EC549744C77D4BE1E4433E0008" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_F4A4A6C5BD92D4AFB69AE1E4433ECD57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesIssued_F4A4A6C5BD92D4AFB69AE1E4433ECD57" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_A2423F4BC0BBCC7D8CE5E1E4433E4FB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockSharesOutstanding_A2423F4BC0BBCC7D8CE5E1E4433E4FB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_3AD6C8034B7534CB0553E1E4433E01F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_3AD6C8034B7534CB0553E1E4433E01F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_424D7B4413F7FF12002CE1E4433E5E3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesAuthorized_424D7B4413F7FF12002CE1E4433E5E3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_E580D7996468408851BDE1E4433EF1EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_E580D7996468408851BDE1E4433EF1EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_0F7A8443341D2726D30DE1E4433E2E25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesOutstanding_0F7A8443341D2726D30DE1E4433E2E25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_6959FFF2F2E144D9699EE1E4433EA448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_B8906862D8FDC0BD5C58E1E4433E41B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockShares_6959FFF2F2E144D9699EE1E4433EA448" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfCashFlows" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A273601EFE1EE404324E863C60F25C88" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A91D307CAFC57CD156E1863C60F2083E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A273601EFE1EE404324E863C60F25C88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A91D307CAFC57CD156E1863C60F2083E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_BED79BAE7AC1C5B2FE54863C60F20B97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A91D307CAFC57CD156E1863C60F2083E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_BED79BAE7AC1C5B2FE54863C60F20B97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7FCF6E4D018F131297A6863C60F28C7A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_BED79BAE7AC1C5B2FE54863C60F20B97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7FCF6E4D018F131297A6863C60F28C7A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7FCF6E4D018F131297A6863C60F28C7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_BED79BAE7AC1C5B2FE54863C60F20B97" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7FCF6E4D018F131297A6863C60F28C7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_C7D323686E482BD857F2863C60F20137" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7FCF6E4D018F131297A6863C60F28C7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_C7D323686E482BD857F2863C60F20137" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_48FCD7C20E94D3F8F951863C60F226CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_A91D307CAFC57CD156E1863C60F2083E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_48FCD7C20E94D3F8F951863C60F226CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_867C3B9D122C56B4468E863C60F2C776_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_48FCD7C20E94D3F8F951863C60F226CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_867C3B9D122C56B4468E863C60F2C776_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_867C3B9D122C56B4468E863C60F2C776" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_48FCD7C20E94D3F8F951863C60F226CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_867C3B9D122C56B4468E863C60F2C776" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SurplusNotesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SurplusNotesMember_8053A2606C67A696685A863C60F2841B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_867C3B9D122C56B4468E863C60F2C776" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SurplusNotesMember_8053A2606C67A696685A863C60F2841B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1D57156BE534F814723F863C60F24D1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A273601EFE1EE404324E863C60F25C88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1D57156BE534F814723F863C60F24D1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_24C12446A7AB09439DC8863C60F24552" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1D57156BE534F814723F863C60F24D1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_24C12446A7AB09439DC8863C60F24552" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_F84230EEE76BACD8B479863C60F234A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1D57156BE534F814723F863C60F24D1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_F84230EEE76BACD8B479863C60F234A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_61E5055A29FEE8D4B251863C60F2BA11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1D57156BE534F814723F863C60F24D1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_61E5055A29FEE8D4B251863C60F2BA11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1D57156BE534F814723F863C60F24D1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet_7586AB8E21043F3D1522863C60F29C17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DepreciationAmortizationAndAccretionNet_7586AB8E21043F3D1522863C60F29C17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_9139877F035903CB57AF863C60F2AEA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_9139877F035903CB57AF863C60F2AEA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments_1E41CDC7545412F254DA863C60F2C331" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccretionAmortizationOfDiscountsAndPremiumsInvestments_1E41CDC7545412F254DA863C60F2C331" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_9F783D990963A465AA3A863C60F26F32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShareBasedCompensation_9F783D990963A465AA3A863C60F26F32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes_7D1A41211A935557B5D9863C60F2A4CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInDeferredIncomeTaxes_7D1A41211A935557B5D9863C60F2A4CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable_5BD5955D53C543183A01863C60F21F03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedIncomeTaxesPayable_5BD5955D53C543183A01863C60F21F03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiums" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiums_1C78C147B9CBA4754F1D863C60F29372" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInUnearnedPremiums_1C78C147B9CBA4754F1D863C60F29372" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseReserve" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseReserve_EFBC02795E2331195BE3863C60F2C8F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInLiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseReserve_EFBC02795E2331195BE3863C60F2C8F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReinsurancePayables" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReinsurancePayables_81E7672FC8B43D0B2CFB863C60F20E61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInReinsurancePayables_81E7672FC8B43D0B2CFB863C60F20E61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_1394862FC96D0A796BD4863C60F2B6BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInAccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivable_1394862FC96D0A796BD4863C60F2B6BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPremiumsReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPremiumsReceivable_38B9858C8C7FFA510BC5863C60F265CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInPremiumsReceivable_38B9858C8C7FFA510BC5863C60F265CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_31FA57B80BF6EC2DD237863C60F2A064" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInInterestPayableNet_31FA57B80BF6EC2DD237863C60F2A064" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_91E62879EA03F88E1DCD863C60F2C2FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_91E62879EA03F88E1DCD863C60F2C2FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_AEC1CB2AB7629FC1C135863C60F242D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_AEC1CB2AB7629FC1C135863C60F242D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_ACBE51072B2D2ACA6C9D863C60F288BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealizedInvestmentGainsLosses_ACBE51072B2D2ACA6C9D863C60F288BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivedOverContractPeriodPremiumReceivableWeightedAverageCollectionPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivedOverContractPeriodPremiumReceivableWeightedAverageCollectionPeriod1_D0EBF2D435AB70326A6F863C60F22226" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivedOverContractPeriodPremiumReceivableWeightedAverageCollectionPeriod1_D0EBF2D435AB70326A6F863C60F22226" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet_60605C0555B825DC172F863C60F2E64A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet_60605C0555B825DC172F863C60F2E64A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_3AB08A2AD5E815E856CB863C60F2BD80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_3AB08A2AD5E815E856CB863C60F2BD80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityActivityBetweenVIEAndEntityOperatingIncomeOrLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityActivityBetweenVIEAndEntityOperatingIncomeOrLoss_919A53987F5F240A7FE8863C60F2A3BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityActivityBetweenVIEAndEntityOperatingIncomeOrLoss_919A53987F5F240A7FE8863C60F2A3BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_FC1273C73060B5F3844F863C60F234E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AdjustmentsToReconcileNetIncomeLossToCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_B94786177738F5D06E84863C60F2C343" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInOtherOperatingCapitalNet_FC1273C73060B5F3844F863C60F234E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_47B72CB5FD6DBFD23ED3863C60F2FFB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivitiesAbstract_1D57156BE534F814723F863C60F24D1E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInOperatingActivities_47B72CB5FD6DBFD23ED3863C60F2FFB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4EC31457624379B8E765863C60F201E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A273601EFE1EE404324E863C60F25C88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4EC31457624379B8E765863C60F201E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_AE9F758D3804797F34E8863C60F259AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4EC31457624379B8E765863C60F201E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_AE9F758D3804797F34E8863C60F259AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_B7515D763B8863FA925B863C60F27633" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4EC31457624379B8E765863C60F201E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromMaturitiesPrepaymentsAndCallsOfAvailableForSaleSecurities_B7515D763B8863FA925B863C60F27633" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities_F7F70B9A026A3D89977F863C60F257A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4EC31457624379B8E765863C60F201E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireAvailableForSaleSecurities_F7F70B9A026A3D89977F863C60F257A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfOtherInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfOtherInvestments_03D081ADBE255C140B8A863C60F29363" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4EC31457624379B8E765863C60F201E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromSaleAndMaturityOfOtherInvestments_03D081ADBE255C140B8A863C60F29363" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments_C37B91B715BE03104788863C60F2890B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4EC31457624379B8E765863C60F201E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsToAcquireOtherInvestments_C37B91B715BE03104788863C60F2890B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromShortTermInvestments_750EB5CE8335BEE6B851863C60F2731D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4EC31457624379B8E765863C60F201E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromShortTermInvestments_750EB5CE8335BEE6B851863C60F2731D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromLoansReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromLoansReceivable_0530F29C1065F581E26D863C60F2C256" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4EC31457624379B8E765863C60F201E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromLoansReceivable_0530F29C1065F581E26D863C60F2C256" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseCashCollateralFromCounterparties" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseCashCollateralFromCounterparties_B4223E3185360C88B7FF863C60F2EEA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4EC31457624379B8E765863C60F201E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseCashCollateralFromCounterparties_B4223E3185360C88B7FF863C60F2EEA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_A976457FCD977B51FEF0863C60F287EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4EC31457624379B8E765863C60F201E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PaymentsForProceedsFromOtherInvestingActivities_A976457FCD977B51FEF0863C60F287EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_29A3E64B4D320F76F514863C60F2B4AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivitiesAbstract_4EC31457624379B8E765863C60F201E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInInvestingActivities_29A3E64B4D320F76F514863C60F2B4AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_578F0A9047A21611CB5E863C60F2A344" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A273601EFE1EE404324E863C60F25C88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_578F0A9047A21611CB5E863C60F2A344" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ProceedsFromTheSaleOfJuniorSurplusNotes" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ProceedsFromTheSaleOfJuniorSurplusNotes_B1CBE650AFBE1F5F959C863C60F290DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_578F0A9047A21611CB5E863C60F2A344" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ProceedsFromTheSaleOfJuniorSurplusNotes_B1CBE650AFBE1F5F959C863C60F290DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ProceedsReceivedfromaSecuredBorrowing" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ProceedsReceivedfromaSecuredBorrowing_BC185D3BDCD047819314863C60F2B327" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_578F0A9047A21611CB5E863C60F2A344" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ProceedsReceivedfromaSecuredBorrowing_BC185D3BDCD047819314863C60F2B327" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PaydownOfVariableInterestEntitySecuredBorrowing" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PaydownOfVariableInterestEntitySecuredBorrowing_0A9985257D9EC4BCA003863C60F200BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_578F0A9047A21611CB5E863C60F2A344" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PaydownOfVariableInterestEntitySecuredBorrowing_0A9985257D9EC4BCA003863C60F200BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromWarrantExercises" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromWarrantExercises_23FF1659D043FE64038D863C60F2F857" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_578F0A9047A21611CB5E863C60F2A344" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromWarrantExercises_23FF1659D043FE64038D863C60F2F857" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_WarrantsPurchasedDuringPeriodDollars" xlink:label="loc_ambc_WarrantsPurchasedDuringPeriodDollars_685426D33C8A3E850F40863C60F2C325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_578F0A9047A21611CB5E863C60F2A344" xlink:to="loc_ambc_WarrantsPurchasedDuringPeriodDollars_685426D33C8A3E850F40863C60F2C325" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PaymentsFromDrawdownsOfBorrowingsUnderGuaranteedInvestmentAgreements" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PaymentsFromDrawdownsOfBorrowingsUnderGuaranteedInvestmentAgreements_66E64CDF4A60ABBAD2BD863C60F2A035" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_578F0A9047A21611CB5E863C60F2A344" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PaymentsFromDrawdownsOfBorrowingsUnderGuaranteedInvestmentAgreements_66E64CDF4A60ABBAD2BD863C60F2A035" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_3462E9719CC8FCF25C15863C60F210DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_578F0A9047A21611CB5E863C60F2A344" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RepaymentsOfLongTermDebt_3462E9719CC8FCF25C15863C60F210DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_E003AB2E22342D25E640863C60F2FEAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivitiesAbstract_578F0A9047A21611CB5E863C60F2A344" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetCashProvidedByUsedInFinancingActivities_E003AB2E22342D25E640863C60F2FEAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_FE0A24CCF8852E6C083C863C60F29DE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A273601EFE1EE404324E863C60F25C88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsPeriodIncreaseDecrease_FE0A24CCF8852E6C083C863C60F29DE0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_BB036B73A2669080B3FD863C60F28A67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A273601EFE1EE404324E863C60F25C88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValue_BB036B73A2669080B3FD863C60F28A67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_305733AA008B6276E91A863C60F241DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A273601EFE1EE404324E863C60F25C88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_305733AA008B6276E91A863C60F241DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_DD126B3B8418DB5B9C7E863C60F2E89B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_305733AA008B6276E91A863C60F241DE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxesPaid_DD126B3B8418DB5B9C7E863C60F2E89B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InterestPaidOnVariableInterestEntitySecuredBorrowing" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InterestPaidOnVariableInterestEntitySecuredBorrowing_FD7EE00D8A3B07834C25863C60F2D27B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_305733AA008B6276E91A863C60F241DE" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InterestPaidOnVariableInterestEntitySecuredBorrowing_FD7EE00D8A3B07834C25863C60F2D27B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InterestPaidOnInvestmentAgreements" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InterestPaidOnInvestmentAgreements_3D0340217A2A28C451F9863C60F2EA30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SupplementalCashFlowInformationAbstract_305733AA008B6276E91A863C60F241DE" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InterestPaidOnInvestmentAgreements_3D0340217A2A28C451F9863C60F2EA30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_CE5572D1EA20CD381C95863C60F23136" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A273601EFE1EE404324E863C60F25C88" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpense_CE5572D1EA20CD381C95863C60F23136" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CashReceiptsAndPaymentsRelatedToReorganizationItemsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CashReceiptsAndPaymentsRelatedToReorganizationItemsAbstract_A1DBC39771297B627647863C60F2C274" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A273601EFE1EE404324E863C60F25C88" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CashReceiptsAndPaymentsRelatedToReorganizationItemsAbstract_A1DBC39771297B627647863C60F2C274" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfStockholdersEquity" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_247A825F0D7C55B07FC5863C60F21955" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_BB95BA4C25F3D1D15E7B863C60F21F5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_247A825F0D7C55B07FC5863C60F21955" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_BB95BA4C25F3D1D15E7B863C60F21F5F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_11F412D0E58E14AEF9E0863C60F29BCF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_BB95BA4C25F3D1D15E7B863C60F21F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_11F412D0E58E14AEF9E0863C60F29BCF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F78ACF796DBD437053D4863C60F291FF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_11F412D0E58E14AEF9E0863C60F29BCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F78ACF796DBD437053D4863C60F291FF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F78ACF796DBD437053D4863C60F291FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_11F412D0E58E14AEF9E0863C60F29BCF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F78ACF796DBD437053D4863C60F291FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_C975B7F77DBD29DBCDC3863C60F2A10E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F78ACF796DBD437053D4863C60F291FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_C975B7F77DBD29DBCDC3863C60F2A10E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_41EBF4D4D3DCE8322B86863C60F2BBA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F78ACF796DBD437053D4863C60F291FF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_41EBF4D4D3DCE8322B86863C60F2BBA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_FB7FF192234C80BDC076863C60F2067A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_BB95BA4C25F3D1D15E7B863C60F21F5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_FB7FF192234C80BDC076863C60F2067A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0B881EB3FD6586DF7F99863C60F2E8BF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_FB7FF192234C80BDC076863C60F2067A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0B881EB3FD6586DF7F99863C60F2E8BF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0B881EB3FD6586DF7F99863C60F2E8BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_FB7FF192234C80BDC076863C60F2067A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0B881EB3FD6586DF7F99863C60F2E8BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_22E4EC163DDD94368998863C60F2102B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0B881EB3FD6586DF7F99863C60F2E8BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RetainedEarningsMember_22E4EC163DDD94368998863C60F2102B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_6659F5E6090649DEAEEA863C60F2BAC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0B881EB3FD6586DF7F99863C60F2E8BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeMember_6659F5E6090649DEAEEA863C60F2BAC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PreferredStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_9B2AA81FD72B0628E913863C60F26884" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0B881EB3FD6586DF7F99863C60F2E8BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PreferredStockMember_9B2AA81FD72B0628E913863C60F26884" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_BD98BBB967CEEEBB57C1863C60F29D1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0B881EB3FD6586DF7F99863C60F2E8BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockMember_BD98BBB967CEEEBB57C1863C60F29D1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_61FA5309E305343D8C5B863C60F27C77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0B881EB3FD6586DF7F99863C60F2E8BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalMember_61FA5309E305343D8C5B863C60F27C77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_F16E4F953E58CCB4ACE6863C60F237D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0B881EB3FD6586DF7F99863C60F2E8BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockMember_F16E4F953E58CCB4ACE6863C60F237D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_22B2AB841979185E23FD863C60F25B9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_0B881EB3FD6586DF7F99863C60F2E8BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NoncontrollingInterestMember_22B2AB841979185E23FD863C60F25B9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_5A3B97324F5E320A3FD3863C60F2B1C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_247A825F0D7C55B07FC5863C60F21955" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_5A3B97324F5E320A3FD3863C60F2B1C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_DD014BAB2FDD53FD11BD863C60F2F071" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_5A3B97324F5E320A3FD3863C60F2B1C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_DD014BAB2FDD53FD11BD863C60F2F071" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_CB07BD45A078770352D3863C60F2970B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_5A3B97324F5E320A3FD3863C60F2B1C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_CB07BD45A078770352D3863C60F2970B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_8E903A01F73E65838C75869D5907C063" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_5A3B97324F5E320A3FD3863C60F2B1C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NewAccountingPronouncementOrChangeInAccountingPrincipleEffectOfAdoptionQuantification_8E903A01F73E65838C75869D5907C063" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_CAE8B568113ACFC0C150863C60F206A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_5A3B97324F5E320A3FD3863C60F2B1C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllocatedShareBasedCompensationExpense_CAE8B568113ACFC0C150863C60F206A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross_EB97C192D723B423BED3863C60F2E625" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_5A3B97324F5E320A3FD3863C60F2B1C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodValueShareBasedCompensationGross_EB97C192D723B423BED3863C60F2E625" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_WarrantsPurchasedDuringPeriodDollars" xlink:label="loc_ambc_WarrantsPurchasedDuringPeriodDollars_9781DCBC8E5AF90B151E863C60F2BA25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_5A3B97324F5E320A3FD3863C60F2B1C1" xlink:to="loc_ambc_WarrantsPurchasedDuringPeriodDollars_9781DCBC8E5AF90B151E863C60F2BA25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_E217F565766C5EF68A7E863C60F290BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_5A3B97324F5E320A3FD3863C60F2B1C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueAcquiredCostMethod_E217F565766C5EF68A7E863C60F290BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProceedsFromWarrantExercises" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromWarrantExercises_DC0007477E2E973B77C7863C60F2B9DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncreaseDecreaseInStockholdersEquityRollForward_5A3B97324F5E320A3FD3863C60F2B1C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProceedsFromWarrantExercises_DC0007477E2E973B77C7863C60F2B9DA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfTotalComprehensiveIncome" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_373210400BEB294BAFB39AF7240DFC9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_22F22D1EE80FA894B1EF9AF7240D3934" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_373210400BEB294BAFB39AF7240DFC9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_22F22D1EE80FA894B1EF9AF7240D3934" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F8FEAB625D1B420E70CD9AF7240D902C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_22F22D1EE80FA894B1EF9AF7240D3934" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F8FEAB625D1B420E70CD9AF7240D902C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0178D0A8FC94A9E595C09AF7240DCF61_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F8FEAB625D1B420E70CD9AF7240D902C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0178D0A8FC94A9E595C09AF7240DCF61_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0178D0A8FC94A9E595C09AF7240DCF61" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F8FEAB625D1B420E70CD9AF7240D902C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0178D0A8FC94A9E595C09AF7240DCF61" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_3E9B101BCD28C050F01E9AF7240D324E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_0178D0A8FC94A9E595C09AF7240DCF61" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_3E9B101BCD28C050F01E9AF7240D324E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_373210400BEB294BAFB39AF7240DFC9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_F48927697F4ADFA6925D9AF7240DFAAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_F48927697F4ADFA6925D9AF7240DFAAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncomeAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncomeAbstract_BBBF63AC782A557DB9109AF7240D4C5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncomeAbstract_BBBF63AC782A557DB9109AF7240D4C5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesAvailableForSale" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesAvailableForSale_17FD3AAFD3868CA2AFB89AF7240D9C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncomeAbstract_BBBF63AC782A557DB9109AF7240D4C5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesAvailableForSale_17FD3AAFD3868CA2AFB89AF7240D9C03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherInvestmentIncome" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherInvestmentIncome_BD6C8C91694A78480D0F9AF7240D2564" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncomeAbstract_BBBF63AC782A557DB9109AF7240D4C5F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherInvestmentIncome_BD6C8C91694A78480D0F9AF7240D2564" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_7754D69C4E1B5FA3BAB79AF7240DCC00" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncomeAbstract_BBBF63AC782A557DB9109AF7240D4C5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_7754D69C4E1B5FA3BAB79AF7240DCC00" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecurities_B8D99FC30A6E92763AB69AF7240D20A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAvailableforsaleSecurities_B8D99FC30A6E92763AB69AF7240D20A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAbstract_8843A3245F5B1F298C7C9AF7240DBE3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAbstract_8843A3245F5B1F298C7C9AF7240DBE3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_56B5D29A24A1433D19A79AF7240D3FAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAbstract_8843A3245F5B1F298C7C9AF7240DBE3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossBeforeTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_56B5D29A24A1433D19A79AF7240D3FAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet_A8D65A39F25268B8E1A99AF7240DE448" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsAbstract_8843A3245F5B1F298C7C9AF7240DBE3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet_A8D65A39F25268B8E1A99AF7240DE448" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_36A85AB2E53C86CC25479AF7240DBB0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_36A85AB2E53C86CC25479AF7240DBB0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives_6968735E399E7A1C7ED69AF7240DEEB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnSaleOfDerivatives_6968735E399E7A1C7ED69AF7240DEEB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativesAtFairValueNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativesAtFairValueNetAbstract_0B8F172051C89FD1B5EB9AF7240D9874" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativesAtFairValueNetAbstract_0B8F172051C89FD1B5EB9AF7240D9874" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_B42413349D35B282F0519AF7240D124C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativesAtFairValueNetAbstract_0B8F172051C89FD1B5EB9AF7240D9874" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrealizedGainLossOnDerivatives_B42413349D35B282F0519AF7240D124C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_790BF634878ADC5EDDA39AF7240D515F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditRiskDerivativesAtFairValueNetAbstract_0B8F172051C89FD1B5EB9AF7240D9874" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_790BF634878ADC5EDDA39AF7240D515F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsHeldForTradingPurposesNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsHeldForTradingPurposesNet_42F4A92E805B6F292FC49AF7240D769A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsHeldForTradingPurposesNet_42F4A92E805B6F292FC49AF7240D769A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_945E1A9213EC08E9B5DF9AF7240DB9EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainsLossesOnExtinguishmentOfDebt_945E1A9213EC08E9B5DF9AF7240DB9EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_07480F04235EA306AAD49AF7240D9840" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncome_07480F04235EA306AAD49AF7240D9840" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_25C4772CDA9DB3F7539E9AF7240D65D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherOperatingIncomeExpenseNet_25C4772CDA9DB3F7539E9AF7240D65D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityActivityBetweenVIEAndEntityOperatingIncomeOrLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityActivityBetweenVIEAndEntityOperatingIncomeOrLoss_7B53EB1666D29889185C9AF7240DFC35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityActivityBetweenVIEAndEntityOperatingIncomeOrLoss_7B53EB1666D29889185C9AF7240DFC35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_F01FC0941598FDA88FB49AF7240D8E9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_BA2BADC4ED04E45BE4689AF7240D5FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_F01FC0941598FDA88FB49AF7240D8E9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_1B8E76FFBC8425175B009AF7241D08D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_373210400BEB294BAFB39AF7240DFC9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_1B8E76FFBC8425175B009AF7241D08D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncurredClaimsFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncurredClaimsFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_F92DB074903286DB75619AF7241DD9F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_1B8E76FFBC8425175B009AF7241D08D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncurredClaimsFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_F92DB074903286DB75619AF7241DD9F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_AFDD15E89987E7A1AFF49AF7241D3904" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_1B8E76FFBC8425175B009AF7241D08D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_AFDD15E89987E7A1AFF49AF7241D3904" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherUnderwritingExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherUnderwritingExpense_800EE00BD19C33E837009AF7241DF36E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_1B8E76FFBC8425175B009AF7241D08D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherUnderwritingExpense_800EE00BD19C33E837009AF7241DF36E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_7B62D55BA1E650AC85319AF7241DED09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_1B8E76FFBC8425175B009AF7241D08D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_7B62D55BA1E650AC85319AF7241DED09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_E4BF3E196AF7C72B13249AF7241DEA94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_1B8E76FFBC8425175B009AF7241D08D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_E4BF3E196AF7C72B13249AF7241DEA94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BenefitsLossesAndExpenses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BenefitsLossesAndExpenses_52E0510234DA63591A229AF7241DBFE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OperatingExpensesAbstract_1B8E76FFBC8425175B009AF7241D08D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BenefitsLossesAndExpenses_52E0510234DA63591A229AF7241DBFE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_E03859BA34017F393CCC9AF7241D41BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_373210400BEB294BAFB39AF7240DFC9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_E03859BA34017F393CCC9AF7241D41BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_1C609173DEC12E0246639AF7241D8D4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_373210400BEB294BAFB39AF7240DFC9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_1C609173DEC12E0246639AF7241D8D4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ProfitLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_705C18FB68A260A347659AF7241DFBC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_373210400BEB294BAFB39AF7240DFC9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ProfitLoss_705C18FB68A260A347659AF7241DFBC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_E207C6FA4F3FB12AA1D59AF7241DA84B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_373210400BEB294BAFB39AF7240DFC9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLossAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_E207C6FA4F3FB12AA1D59AF7241DA84B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_7D30024D7FCD83F824609AF7241DBBA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_373210400BEB294BAFB39AF7240DFC9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetIncomeLoss_7D30024D7FCD83F824609AF7241DBBA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_4D4F38DC7C342045FA329AF7241D4C91" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_373210400BEB294BAFB39AF7240DFC9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_4D4F38DC7C342045FA329AF7241D4C91" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_8D2D1E653E19148B93039AF7241DB7B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_4D4F38DC7C342045FA329AF7241D4C91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodNetOfTax_8D2D1E653E19148B93039AF7241DB7B6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_A57CACF3160786BDA6B89AF7241D2AF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_4D4F38DC7C342045FA329AF7241D4C91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTax_A57CACF3160786BDA6B89AF7241D2AF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax_4785A373D8A882B4F1189AF7241DA951" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_4D4F38DC7C342045FA329AF7241D4C91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansAdjustmentNetOfTax_4785A373D8A882B4F1189AF7241DA951" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_1562DB045EB3167CF6129AF7241D1C8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_4D4F38DC7C342045FA329AF7241D4C91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTax_1562DB045EB3167CF6129AF7241D1C8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_6FECCFB41183E512FE859AF7241D47F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_4D4F38DC7C342045FA329AF7241D4C91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_6FECCFB41183E512FE859AF7241D47F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_233F438F8CD883E034139AF7241D5E11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_4D4F38DC7C342045FA329AF7241D4C91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_233F438F8CD883E034139AF7241D5E11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_7551442DCD2C0382B2E29AF7241DB58E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTaxAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestAbstract_233F438F8CD883E034139AF7241D5E11" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTransactionAndTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterest_7551442DCD2C0382B2E29AF7241DB58E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_36B3D197ADE33291B1139AF7241DD395" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxPeriodIncreaseDecreaseAbstract_4D4F38DC7C342045FA329AF7241D4C91" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ComprehensiveIncomeNetOfTax_36B3D197ADE33291B1139AF7241DD395" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_8F08F78FD03B46E905B79AF7241D8342" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_373210400BEB294BAFB39AF7240DFC9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareBasic_8F08F78FD03B46E905B79AF7241D8342" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_3C3F923EC8132B2250E69AF7241D6150" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_373210400BEB294BAFB39AF7240DFC9A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EarningsPerShareDiluted_3C3F923EC8132B2250E69AF7241D6150" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/ConsolidatedStatementsOfTotalComprehensiveIncomeParenthetical" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7D6901761122F9AD9A1E578F57246AEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E18BA81E7135D0D8750E578F57246A7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7D6901761122F9AD9A1E578F57246AEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E18BA81E7135D0D8750E578F57246A7A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_77E0BF2548DFA9AC480B578F57248734" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_E18BA81E7135D0D8750E578F57246A7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_77E0BF2548DFA9AC480B578F57248734" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2E59BAA670E87BB04C0D578F5724D9A8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_77E0BF2548DFA9AC480B578F57248734" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2E59BAA670E87BB04C0D578F5724D9A8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2E59BAA670E87BB04C0D578F5724D9A8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_77E0BF2548DFA9AC480B578F57248734" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2E59BAA670E87BB04C0D578F5724D9A8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_0A79EFE484D9C27AD36E578F57244BAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2E59BAA670E87BB04C0D578F5724D9A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_0A79EFE484D9C27AD36E578F57244BAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_A687974F15D4C3039836578F57245501" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2E59BAA670E87BB04C0D578F5724D9A8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_A687974F15D4C3039836578F57245501" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodTax_5BA126303EF38BF33156578F572447F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7D6901761122F9AD9A1E578F57246AEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeUnrealizedHoldingGainLossOnSecuritiesArisingDuringPeriodTax_5BA126303EF38BF33156578F572447F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax_52955E7FEC4776BA5C3D578F572432A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7D6901761122F9AD9A1E578F57246AEB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherComprehensiveIncomeForeignCurrencyTranslationGainLossArisingDuringPeriodTax_52955E7FEC4776BA5C3D578F572432A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetPriorServiceCostRecognizedInNetPeriodicPensionCostNetOfTaxes" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetPriorServiceCostRecognizedInNetPeriodicPensionCostNetOfTaxes_64D311E7DF7277530776578F572423A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_7D6901761122F9AD9A1E578F57246AEB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherComprehensiveIncomeLossAmortizationPensionAndOtherPostretirementBenefitPlansNetPriorServiceCostRecognizedInNetPeriodicPensionCostNetOfTaxes_64D311E7DF7277530776578F572423A6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstruments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_41B07294E541E806E8ACD32D7A88540D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D782DA1A4AB8EF58B997D32D7A883E34" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_41B07294E541E806E8ACD32D7A88540D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D782DA1A4AB8EF58B997D32D7A883E34" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_468C3DA6DD55E1852DA9D32D7A8848BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D782DA1A4AB8EF58B997D32D7A883E34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_468C3DA6DD55E1852DA9D32D7A8848BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_6C02ED9181588E356E61D32D7A8866D5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_468C3DA6DD55E1852DA9D32D7A8848BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_6C02ED9181588E356E61D32D7A8866D5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_6C02ED9181588E356E61D32D7A8866D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_468C3DA6DD55E1852DA9D32D7A8848BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_6C02ED9181588E356E61D32D7A8866D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CreditDerivativesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_A3DD46A7A55A9F355F6BD32D7A88659F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_6C02ED9181588E356E61D32D7A8866D5" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_A3DD46A7A55A9F355F6BD32D7A88659F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_42FF24E66B5758BD602ED32D7A8858A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_D782DA1A4AB8EF58B997D32D7A883E34" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_42FF24E66B5758BD602ED32D7A8858A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_56D6E895F0CAFC9D6398D32D7A88C7BC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_42FF24E66B5758BD602ED32D7A8858A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_56D6E895F0CAFC9D6398D32D7A88C7BC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_56D6E895F0CAFC9D6398D32D7A88C7BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_42FF24E66B5758BD602ED32D7A8858A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_56D6E895F0CAFC9D6398D32D7A88C7BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_9D0CF4FC538939E18B81D32D7A887E54" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_41B07294E541E806E8ACD32D7A88540D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralRightToReclaimCash_9D0CF4FC538939E18B81D32D7A887E54" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_E14F16E29EDCCE6ADC01D32D7A8813D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_41B07294E541E806E8ACD32D7A88540D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCollateralObligationToReturnCash_E14F16E29EDCCE6ADC01D32D7A8813D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCreditRiskRelatedContingentFeaturesTriggeringCircumstances" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCreditRiskRelatedContingentFeaturesTriggeringCircumstances_0ABD491BA7AAB7F8A2A0D32D7A8899AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_41B07294E541E806E8ACD32D7A88540D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCreditRiskRelatedContingentFeaturesTriggeringCircumstances_0ABD491BA7AAB7F8A2A0D32D7A8899AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NumberOfCreditDerivativeContractsOnAdverselyClassifiedCreditListing" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NumberOfCreditDerivativeContractsOnAdverselyClassifiedCreditListing_19BA33408E6C3D453852D32D7A881A7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_41B07294E541E806E8ACD32D7A88540D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NumberOfCreditDerivativeContractsOnAdverselyClassifiedCreditListing_19BA33408E6C3D453852D32D7A881A7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueForCreditDerivativeContractsOnAdverselyClassifiedCreditListing" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueForCreditDerivativeContractsOnAdverselyClassifiedCreditListing_4600B242DFB94D087160D32D7A88572D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_41B07294E541E806E8ACD32D7A88540D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueForCreditDerivativeContractsOnAdverselyClassifiedCreditListing_4600B242DFB94D087160D32D7A88572D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NotionalPrincipalOutstandingOfCreditDerivativeContractsOnAdverselyClassifiedCreditListing" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NotionalPrincipalOutstandingOfCreditDerivativeContractsOnAdverselyClassifiedCreditListing_ECD10C7420E97AFC836FD32D7A88D5AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_41B07294E541E806E8ACD32D7A88540D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NotionalPrincipalOutstandingOfCreditDerivativeContractsOnAdverselyClassifiedCreditListing_ECD10C7420E97AFC836FD32D7A88D5AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_0836838BD454430C628DD32D7A882F46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_41B07294E541E806E8ACD32D7A88540D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_0836838BD454430C628DD32D7A882F46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_7DEB2069EF5F97E2D973D32D7A8872C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_41B07294E541E806E8ACD32D7A88540D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNetLiabilityPositionAggregateFairValue_7DEB2069EF5F97E2D973D32D7A8872C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue_7D2005A502700F60D9D0D32D7A899A3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_41B07294E541E806E8ACD32D7A88540D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralAlreadyPostedAggregateFairValue_7D2005A502700F60D9D0D32D7A899A3A" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummarizeInformationByMajorCategoryOfCdsContractsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_B79EAACE2C2C188FBAB3863C5F6B1528" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_B4CF8A81D895A8464501863C5F6ABB30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_B79EAACE2C2C188FBAB3863C5F6B1528" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_B4CF8A81D895A8464501863C5F6ABB30" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_7279B573C5005F2629E9863C5F6ABE0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_B4CF8A81D895A8464501863C5F6ABB30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_7279B573C5005F2629E9863C5F6ABE0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_D870D83554607733CF23863C5F6A547E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_7279B573C5005F2629E9863C5F6ABE0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_D870D83554607733CF23863C5F6A547E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_D870D83554607733CF23863C5F6A547E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_7279B573C5005F2629E9863C5F6ABE0A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_D870D83554607733CF23863C5F6A547E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember_3E4F9FED5FC97643B25F863C5F6A3C97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_D870D83554607733CF23863C5F6A547E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember_3E4F9FED5FC97643B25F863C5F6A3C97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingOtherMember_25AD653AE10A81A8B335863C5F6A2021" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_D870D83554607733CF23863C5F6A547E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingOtherMember_25AD653AE10A81A8B335863C5F6A2021" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_89B37E39310DF78F26F8863C5F6ADD29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_B4CF8A81D895A8464501863C5F6ABB30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_89B37E39310DF78F26F8863C5F6ADD29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD11B90F1192FABCEC12863C5F6AEFAD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_89B37E39310DF78F26F8863C5F6ADD29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD11B90F1192FABCEC12863C5F6AEFAD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD11B90F1192FABCEC12863C5F6AEFAD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_89B37E39310DF78F26F8863C5F6ADD29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD11B90F1192FABCEC12863C5F6AEFAD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_E2E685DFD045EC12B947863C5F6A6027" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD11B90F1192FABCEC12863C5F6AEFAD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_E2E685DFD045EC12B947863C5F6A6027" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_33A9BDBDF94F3D8C6BE7863C5F6A724A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_B4CF8A81D895A8464501863C5F6ABB30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_33A9BDBDF94F3D8C6BE7863C5F6A724A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_006F38F25041EFC9F842863C5F6A0603_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_33A9BDBDF94F3D8C6BE7863C5F6A724A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_006F38F25041EFC9F842863C5F6A0603_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_006F38F25041EFC9F842863C5F6A0603" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_33A9BDBDF94F3D8C6BE7863C5F6A724A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_006F38F25041EFC9F842863C5F6A0603" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CreditDerivativesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_5C65A94E2929C9DA2630863C5F6B60CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_006F38F25041EFC9F842863C5F6A0603" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_5C65A94E2929C9DA2630863C5F6B60CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SummaryOfInformationByMajorCategoryOfCreditDerivativesContractsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SummaryOfInformationByMajorCategoryOfCreditDerivativesContractsAbstract_CAA2C5C72E327DC50969863C5F6B7AE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_B79EAACE2C2C188FBAB3863C5F6B1528" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SummaryOfInformationByMajorCategoryOfCreditDerivativesContractsAbstract_CAA2C5C72E327DC50969863C5F6B7AE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld_63A0D9379CB30DC4896A863C5F6BBCBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SummaryOfInformationByMajorCategoryOfCreditDerivativesContractsAbstract_CAA2C5C72E327DC50969863C5F6B7AE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNumberOfInstrumentsHeld_63A0D9379CB30DC4896A863C5F6BBCBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1_6828F45CB7C97B20CF8F86CF36277B5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SummaryOfInformationByMajorCategoryOfCreditDerivativesContractsAbstract_CAA2C5C72E327DC50969863C5F6B7AE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAverageRemainingMaturity1_6828F45CB7C97B20CF8F86CF36277B5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_7082DFC92CA2F4EAFD2B863C5F6B8F40" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SummaryOfInformationByMajorCategoryOfCreditDerivativesContractsAbstract_CAA2C5C72E327DC50969863C5F6B7AE8" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_7082DFC92CA2F4EAFD2B863C5F6B8F40" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_58427219DBE8981CB6F1863C5F6BB86B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SummaryOfInformationByMajorCategoryOfCreditDerivativesContractsAbstract_CAA2C5C72E327DC50969863C5F6B7AE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_58427219DBE8981CB6F1863C5F6BB86B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfGrossFairValuesOfIndividualDerivativeInstrumentsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_BE8C157026E8EB780367863C5F820013" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_7C4DD454D772CDFE4B3A863C5F82A012" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_BE8C157026E8EB780367863C5F820013" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_7C4DD454D772CDFE4B3A863C5F82A012" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_359D2DB575D4CB31B6C2863C5F82A409" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_7C4DD454D772CDFE4B3A863C5F82A012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_359D2DB575D4CB31B6C2863C5F82A409" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7FE07B9AF84A286879D3863C5F820D47_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_359D2DB575D4CB31B6C2863C5F82A409" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7FE07B9AF84A286879D3863C5F820D47_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7FE07B9AF84A286879D3863C5F820D47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_359D2DB575D4CB31B6C2863C5F82A409" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7FE07B9AF84A286879D3863C5F820D47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_C2EA0BBB0560A780E3FD863C5F821B36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7FE07B9AF84A286879D3863C5F820D47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_C2EA0BBB0560A780E3FD863C5F821B36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8A6D11D006DAFB6835D8863C5F8251EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_7C4DD454D772CDFE4B3A863C5F82A012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8A6D11D006DAFB6835D8863C5F8251EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1621DE1C26BCC474DDE6863C5F82F71A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8A6D11D006DAFB6835D8863C5F8251EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1621DE1C26BCC474DDE6863C5F82F71A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1621DE1C26BCC474DDE6863C5F82F71A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_8A6D11D006DAFB6835D8863C5F8251EF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1621DE1C26BCC474DDE6863C5F82F71A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_4B34F745D1128769F9E9863C5F82D54C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1621DE1C26BCC474DDE6863C5F82F71A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_4B34F745D1128769F9E9863C5F82D54C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FuturesContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FuturesContractsMember_C38D7859AAE92031EF63863C5F821984" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1621DE1C26BCC474DDE6863C5F82F71A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FuturesContractsMember_C38D7859AAE92031EF63863C5F821984" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CreditDerivativesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_3B845E1048120FF40C32863C5F82242F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1621DE1C26BCC474DDE6863C5F82F71A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_3B845E1048120FF40C32863C5F82242F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_0BA31ADCF8DD318B949C863C5F82536A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1621DE1C26BCC474DDE6863C5F82F71A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_0BA31ADCF8DD318B949C863C5F82536A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_6919F4546389E517DA10863C5F8222BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_1621DE1C26BCC474DDE6863C5F82F71A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_6919F4546389E517DA10863C5F8222BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_0D776A9B143478C431EF863C5F82B0A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeByHedgingDesignationTable_7C4DD454D772CDFE4B3A863C5F82A012" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_0D776A9B143478C431EF863C5F82B0A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_6CCAED347C6FD5E5A9AC863C5F826627_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_0D776A9B143478C431EF863C5F82B0A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_6CCAED347C6FD5E5A9AC863C5F826627_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_6CCAED347C6FD5E5A9AC863C5F826627" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_0D776A9B143478C431EF863C5F82B0A1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_6CCAED347C6FD5E5A9AC863C5F826627" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_VariableInterestEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityMember_D2C8801B13EA7140486B863C5F829266" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_6CCAED347C6FD5E5A9AC863C5F826627" xlink:to="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityMember_D2C8801B13EA7140486B863C5F829266" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FinancialAndDerivativeAssetsGrossRecognizedAmount" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FinancialAndDerivativeAssetsGrossRecognizedAmount_7970EAF76391D2788E84863C5F837B67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_BE8C157026E8EB780367863C5F820013" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FinancialAndDerivativeAssetsGrossRecognizedAmount_7970EAF76391D2788E84863C5F837B67" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FinancialAndDerivativeLiabilityGrossRecognizedAmount" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FinancialAndDerivativeLiabilityGrossRecognizedAmount_002A87986DEABCF77F25863C5F83F6AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_BE8C157026E8EB780367863C5F820013" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FinancialAndDerivativeLiabilityGrossRecognizedAmount_002A87986DEABCF77F25863C5F83F6AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmountOfGrossDerivativeAssetOrLiabilitiesAtFairValuePresentedAsOffsetUnderMasterNettingAgreement" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmountOfGrossDerivativeAssetOrLiabilitiesAtFairValuePresentedAsOffsetUnderMasterNettingAgreement_605A2BF110070B09A256863C5F83DC4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_BE8C157026E8EB780367863C5F820013" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmountOfGrossDerivativeAssetOrLiabilitiesAtFairValuePresentedAsOffsetUnderMasterNettingAgreement_605A2BF110070B09A256863C5F83DC4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_05618183017B5590C7FD863C5F83A165" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_BE8C157026E8EB780367863C5F820013" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssets_05618183017B5590C7FD863C5F83A165" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_AAC402A8ED04169D8CFC863C5F834C27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_BE8C157026E8EB780367863C5F820013" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilities_AAC402A8ED04169D8CFC863C5F834C27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DerivativeAssetsGrossAmountOfCollateralCashAndSecuritiesPledgedNotOffset" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DerivativeAssetsGrossAmountOfCollateralCashAndSecuritiesPledgedNotOffset_E0927426B11E6E823E0F863C5F833348" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_BE8C157026E8EB780367863C5F820013" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DerivativeAssetsGrossAmountOfCollateralCashAndSecuritiesPledgedNotOffset_E0927426B11E6E823E0F863C5F833348" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DerivativeLiabilitiesGrossAmountOfCollateralCashAndSecuritiesPledgedNotOffset" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DerivativeLiabilitiesGrossAmountOfCollateralCashAndSecuritiesPledgedNotOffset_B68E88F7289177E74435863C5F838F2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_BE8C157026E8EB780367863C5F820013" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DerivativeLiabilitiesGrossAmountOfCollateralCashAndSecuritiesPledgedNotOffset_B68E88F7289177E74435863C5F838F2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DerivativeAssetsNetAmount" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DerivativeAssetsNetAmount_AFFDCEEAD5801F446C71863C5F8377EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_BE8C157026E8EB780367863C5F820013" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DerivativeAssetsNetAmount_AFFDCEEAD5801F446C71863C5F8377EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DerivativeLiabilitiesNetAmount" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DerivativeLiabilitiesNetAmount_DBF61FEB8106E42CF6C9863C5F837C60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativesFairValueLineItems_BE8C157026E8EB780367863C5F820013" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DerivativeLiabilitiesNetAmount_DBF61FEB8106E42CF6C9863C5F837C60" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfGrossPrincipalNotionalOutstandingForCdsContractsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_F624283A0082B67A72B9578F546681FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_B53A7D3145E0E00C359D578F54661EE3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_F624283A0082B67A72B9578F546681FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_B53A7D3145E0E00C359D578F54661EE3" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_47A056346CE04FB413BE578F546640D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_B53A7D3145E0E00C359D578F54661EE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_47A056346CE04FB413BE578F546640D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_FF7666CE9C6C394A3B99578F5466F4B1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_47A056346CE04FB413BE578F546640D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_FF7666CE9C6C394A3B99578F5466F4B1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_FF7666CE9C6C394A3B99578F5466F4B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_47A056346CE04FB413BE578F546640D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_FF7666CE9C6C394A3B99578F5466F4B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember_7FDBAA639856D965BD15578F546615D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_FF7666CE9C6C394A3B99578F5466F4B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember_7FDBAA639856D965BD15578F546615D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingOtherMember_FEA74C46BFCE8F51A0F0578F5466387D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_FF7666CE9C6C394A3B99578F5466F4B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingOtherMember_FEA74C46BFCE8F51A0F0578F5466387D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis_153F95651EB317D0B8FA578F5466996C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_B53A7D3145E0E00C359D578F54661EE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis_153F95651EB317D0B8FA578F5466996C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_F9627944DA686B24AF38578F546642ED_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis_153F95651EB317D0B8FA578F5466996C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_F9627944DA686B24AF38578F546642ED_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_F9627944DA686B24AF38578F546642ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis_153F95651EB317D0B8FA578F5466996C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_F9627944DA686B24AF38578F546642ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember_30D78672BA9A28B3EE3F578F5466F702" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_F9627944DA686B24AF38578F546642ED" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherCreditDerivativesMember_30D78672BA9A28B3EE3F578F5466F702" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_DCEBF9A2C7DD27D335CF578F5466E750" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_B53A7D3145E0E00C359D578F54661EE3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_DCEBF9A2C7DD27D335CF578F5466E750" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1447F0DF4FC351EB4D6D578F5466BD6D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_DCEBF9A2C7DD27D335CF578F5466E750" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1447F0DF4FC351EB4D6D578F5466BD6D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1447F0DF4FC351EB4D6D578F5466BD6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_DCEBF9A2C7DD27D335CF578F5466E750" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1447F0DF4FC351EB4D6D578F5466BD6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_6884BC346A19DE01951A578F54669C3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_1447F0DF4FC351EB4D6D578F5466BD6D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_6884BC346A19DE01951A578F54669C3C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_947E2BA43FFCFA0F8042578F5466B9C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_B53A7D3145E0E00C359D578F54661EE3" xlink:to="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_947E2BA43FFCFA0F8042578F5466B9C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_8710DCEE5111A88873D4578F54664736_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_947E2BA43FFCFA0F8042578F5466B9C2" xlink:to="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_8710DCEE5111A88873D4578F54664736_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_8710DCEE5111A88873D4578F54664736" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_947E2BA43FFCFA0F8042578F5466B9C2" xlink:to="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_8710DCEE5111A88873D4578F54664736" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AaaRatingMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AaaRatingMember_20055BE3201B0488E15E578F5466C5CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_8710DCEE5111A88873D4578F54664736" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AaaRatingMember_20055BE3201B0488E15E578F5466C5CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AaRatingMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AaRatingMember_3EC9561E2DE061AD71C1578F54667A11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_8710DCEE5111A88873D4578F54664736" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AaRatingMember_3EC9561E2DE061AD71C1578F54667A11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ARatingMemberMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ARatingMemberMember_B63E176D384C381649A8578F54662FD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_8710DCEE5111A88873D4578F54664736" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ARatingMemberMember_B63E176D384C381649A8578F54662FD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_RatingMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_RatingMember_6E207217758251DC980F578F54665F33" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_8710DCEE5111A88873D4578F54664736" xlink:to="loc_ambc_RatingMember_6E207217758251DC980F578F54665F33" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_BbbRatingMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_BbbRatingMember_27F612434BF660E6784E578F5466C4CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_8710DCEE5111A88873D4578F54664736" xlink:to="loc_ambc_BbbRatingMember_27F612434BF660E6784E578F5466C4CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeRatingMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeRatingMember_3520FD8F616D56A9F8E0578F5466724D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_8710DCEE5111A88873D4578F54664736" xlink:to="loc_ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeRatingMember_3520FD8F616D56A9F8E0578F5466724D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfDerivativesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfDerivativesAbstract_70BBD7DC17388BEC3BCC578F546630EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_F624283A0082B67A72B9578F546681FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfDerivativesAbstract_70BBD7DC17388BEC3BCC578F546630EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_4BF87BBD14ADA8AF511E578F5466E4AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NotionalAmountOfDerivativesAbstract_70BBD7DC17388BEC3BCC578F546630EE" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_4BF87BBD14ADA8AF511E578F5466E4AE" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfLocationAndAmountOfGainsAndLossesOfDerivativeContractsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_9E4CD8987C080A684202E1E441987195" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_7AD0D70E68BE00A60D73E1E44198C6B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_9E4CD8987C080A684202E1E441987195" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_7AD0D70E68BE00A60D73E1E44198C6B6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_A2891B93C7A1C63F420BE1E4419889E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_7AD0D70E68BE00A60D73E1E44198C6B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_A2891B93C7A1C63F420BE1E4419889E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0ADC841B08C83F89F397E1E44198448A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_A2891B93C7A1C63F420BE1E4419889E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0ADC841B08C83F89F397E1E44198448A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0ADC841B08C83F89F397E1E44198448A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_A2891B93C7A1C63F420BE1E4419889E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0ADC841B08C83F89F397E1E44198448A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NetChangeInFairValueOfCreditDerivativesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NetChangeInFairValueOfCreditDerivativesMember_A98049EA98232C829059E1E44198E155" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0ADC841B08C83F89F397E1E44198448A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NetChangeInFairValueOfCreditDerivativesMember_A98049EA98232C829059E1E44198E155" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DerivativeProductsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DerivativeProductsMember_236BE1AC18968E72D080E1E441984D4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0ADC841B08C83F89F397E1E44198448A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DerivativeProductsMember_236BE1AC18968E72D080E1E441984D4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeMember_2E6F9D9C0D90F6F71B2CE1E44198C5E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0ADC841B08C83F89F397E1E44198448A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeMember_2E6F9D9C0D90F6F71B2CE1E44198C5E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_IncomeLossOnVariableInterestEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_IncomeLossOnVariableInterestEntitiesMember_243A0B31FD4B946301ECE1E44198C9F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_0ADC841B08C83F89F397E1E44198448A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_IncomeLossOnVariableInterestEntitiesMember_243A0B31FD4B946301ECE1E44198C9F8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F22EA1FB0ED829D5CD9BE1E441981638" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_7AD0D70E68BE00A60D73E1E44198C6B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F22EA1FB0ED829D5CD9BE1E441981638" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F965B8D550E9110A10D0E1E44198F4E1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F22EA1FB0ED829D5CD9BE1E441981638" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F965B8D550E9110A10D0E1E44198F4E1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F965B8D550E9110A10D0E1E44198F4E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F22EA1FB0ED829D5CD9BE1E441981638" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F965B8D550E9110A10D0E1E44198F4E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_E65E836A26961782EC45E1E441982A3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F965B8D550E9110A10D0E1E44198F4E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_E65E836A26961782EC45E1E441982A3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_B787835CCD2E83B15308E1E44198FA9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F965B8D550E9110A10D0E1E44198F4E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_B787835CCD2E83B15308E1E44198FA9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_3278EEA1FA51D6B9BE97E1E44198F6B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_7AD0D70E68BE00A60D73E1E44198C6B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_3278EEA1FA51D6B9BE97E1E44198F6B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_09D4219BFE7B88614748E1E44198D8AF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_3278EEA1FA51D6B9BE97E1E44198F6B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_09D4219BFE7B88614748E1E44198D8AF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_09D4219BFE7B88614748E1E44198D8AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_3278EEA1FA51D6B9BE97E1E44198F6B4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_09D4219BFE7B88614748E1E44198D8AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CreditDerivativesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_D6EC1223B56F1A60199BE1E441986B84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_09D4219BFE7B88614748E1E44198D8AF" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_D6EC1223B56F1A60199BE1E441986B84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_7024B1543E9550385CFCE1E44198B404" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_09D4219BFE7B88614748E1E44198D8AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_7024B1543E9550385CFCE1E44198B404" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_7679A1FD8A420A798FF9E1E44198064B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_09D4219BFE7B88614748E1E44198D8AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_7679A1FD8A420A798FF9E1E44198064B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FutureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FutureMember_E0ADD7B1070AF109AD45E1E441988641" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_09D4219BFE7B88614748E1E44198D8AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FutureMember_E0ADD7B1070AF109AD45E1E441988641" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherContractsMember_7ED42C6A2FABB9794CB7E1E44198B5A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_09D4219BFE7B88614748E1E44198D8AF" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherContractsMember_7ED42C6A2FABB9794CB7E1E44198B5A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_8C670E8746EC5F0D8713E1E441988126" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_7AD0D70E68BE00A60D73E1E44198C6B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_8C670E8746EC5F0D8713E1E441988126" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_8747CBD9FEF80398B368E1E441987E6C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_8C670E8746EC5F0D8713E1E441988126" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_8747CBD9FEF80398B368E1E441987E6C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_8747CBD9FEF80398B368E1E441987E6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeByNatureAxis_8C670E8746EC5F0D8713E1E441988126" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_8747CBD9FEF80398B368E1E441987E6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember_63516178ABD6494BDA4FE1E44198166E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_8747CBD9FEF80398B368E1E441987E6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember_63516178ABD6494BDA4FE1E44198166E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FinancialServicesDerivativesProductsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FinancialServicesDerivativesProductsMember_6895935E97CE0DC62A18E1E441985063" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeNameDomain_8747CBD9FEF80398B368E1E441987E6C" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FinancialServicesDerivativesProductsMember_6895935E97CE0DC62A18E1E441985063" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_353E5A0FA949592528F8E1E44198935F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsTable_7AD0D70E68BE00A60D73E1E44198C6B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_353E5A0FA949592528F8E1E44198935F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_FE66E7B35357C954B58AE1E44198FD05_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_353E5A0FA949592528F8E1E44198935F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_FE66E7B35357C954B58AE1E44198FD05_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_FE66E7B35357C954B58AE1E44198FD05" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_353E5A0FA949592528F8E1E44198935F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_FE66E7B35357C954B58AE1E44198FD05" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_6D4C147C2E7E1DA7E258E1E441985F9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_FE66E7B35357C954B58AE1E44198FD05" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_6D4C147C2E7E1DA7E258E1E441985F9E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_CB0EDBC8E4CCFBE6C99CE1E44198E5EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfTradingSecuritiesAndOtherTradingAssetsLineItems_9E4CD8987C080A684202E1E441987195" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeGainLossOnDerivativeNet_CB0EDBC8E4CCFBE6C99CE1E44198E5EA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfNotionalAmountsOfAfssTradingDerivativeProductsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_489E1F6927EBE57FDC00578F41B1172E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_88E95C709E50001BD51D578F41B1C4A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_489E1F6927EBE57FDC00578F41B1172E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_88E95C709E50001BD51D578F41B1C4A6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6AF16817EA79209A6CA5578F41B131E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_88E95C709E50001BD51D578F41B1C4A6" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6AF16817EA79209A6CA5578F41B131E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_806EE24A5BE1DD7E3BDA578F41B1C8DF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6AF16817EA79209A6CA5578F41B131E8" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_806EE24A5BE1DD7E3BDA578F41B1C8DF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_806EE24A5BE1DD7E3BDA578F41B1C8DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_6AF16817EA79209A6CA5578F41B131E8" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_806EE24A5BE1DD7E3BDA578F41B1C8DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AfsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AfsMember_566CDCA060DCE00A5F43578F41B19CDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_806EE24A5BE1DD7E3BDA578F41B1C8DF" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AfsMember_566CDCA060DCE00A5F43578F41B19CDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_4B15A085EE42C0C6B5E8578F41B1A4DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_88E95C709E50001BD51D578F41B1C4A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_4B15A085EE42C0C6B5E8578F41B1A4DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD148A530E360B77B843578F41B144EC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_4B15A085EE42C0C6B5E8578F41B1A4DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD148A530E360B77B843578F41B144EC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD148A530E360B77B843578F41B144EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_4B15A085EE42C0C6B5E8578F41B1A4DA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD148A530E360B77B843578F41B144EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_AB9B994DA6EFB8883CE9578F41B1340F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD148A530E360B77B843578F41B144EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_AB9B994DA6EFB8883CE9578F41B1340F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_97726245B2D01B9CCB17578F41B1015A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_88E95C709E50001BD51D578F41B1C4A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_97726245B2D01B9CCB17578F41B1015A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3A73F62D2EC4D257EABE578F41B119D4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_97726245B2D01B9CCB17578F41B1015A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3A73F62D2EC4D257EABE578F41B119D4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3A73F62D2EC4D257EABE578F41B119D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_97726245B2D01B9CCB17578F41B1015A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3A73F62D2EC4D257EABE578F41B119D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_7D7DE8BA25854085BC81578F41B1CA25" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3A73F62D2EC4D257EABE578F41B119D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_7D7DE8BA25854085BC81578F41B1CA25" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InterestRateSwapOneMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InterestRateSwapOneMember_436EC48F62853C8FBF3E578F41B13F31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3A73F62D2EC4D257EABE578F41B119D4" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InterestRateSwapOneMember_436EC48F62853C8FBF3E578F41B13F31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BasisSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BasisSwapMember_03917F10C093D0C2B658578F41B140D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3A73F62D2EC4D257EABE578F41B119D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BasisSwapMember_03917F10C093D0C2B658578F41B140D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FutureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FutureMember_EBA2F501306CF0408E3A578F41B10E36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3A73F62D2EC4D257EABE578F41B119D4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FutureMember_EBA2F501306CF0408E3A578F41B10E36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherContractsMember_A9C1EC9B33BC3D2B0C94578F41B1F9F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_3A73F62D2EC4D257EABE578F41B119D4" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherContractsMember_A9C1EC9B33BC3D2B0C94578F41B1F9F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_6930CA346DBC7FF5DC68578F41B1DB0B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_489E1F6927EBE57FDC00578F41B1172E" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_6930CA346DBC7FF5DC68578F41B1DB0B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsSummaryOfNotionalForVieDerivativesOutstandingDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_4336ADA130693E8C1BFB578F468105AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2F99CE05679F66B4A9B6578F46814882" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_4336ADA130693E8C1BFB578F468105AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2F99CE05679F66B4A9B6578F46814882" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_B752231061E3BFFD9F46578F46812156" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2F99CE05679F66B4A9B6578F46814882" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_B752231061E3BFFD9F46578F46812156" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9E6B4D3A74E2A21637FD578F46813AC5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_B752231061E3BFFD9F46578F46812156" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9E6B4D3A74E2A21637FD578F46813AC5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9E6B4D3A74E2A21637FD578F46813AC5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_B752231061E3BFFD9F46578F46812156" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9E6B4D3A74E2A21637FD578F46813AC5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_1246C8C7733D86D77237578F46814065" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9E6B4D3A74E2A21637FD578F46813AC5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_1246C8C7733D86D77237578F46814065" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1AD80429B94B7B27AA6B578F4681E790" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2F99CE05679F66B4A9B6578F46814882" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1AD80429B94B7B27AA6B578F4681E790" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_9B4DD2763718F6924428578F46816DA8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1AD80429B94B7B27AA6B578F4681E790" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_9B4DD2763718F6924428578F46816DA8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_9B4DD2763718F6924428578F46816DA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1AD80429B94B7B27AA6B578F4681E790" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_9B4DD2763718F6924428578F46816DA8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_04E0821B30629A9C3C73578F4681821E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_9B4DD2763718F6924428578F46816DA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_04E0821B30629A9C3C73578F4681821E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7143FA8C4B7FE22FE4EB578F4681A6F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeTable_2F99CE05679F66B4A9B6578F46814882" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7143FA8C4B7FE22FE4EB578F4681A6F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEBABFEB7CD3E65718BC578F468166AC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7143FA8C4B7FE22FE4EB578F4681A6F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEBABFEB7CD3E65718BC578F468166AC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEBABFEB7CD3E65718BC578F468166AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeInstrumentRiskAxis_7143FA8C4B7FE22FE4EB578F4681A6F2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEBABFEB7CD3E65718BC578F468166AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_8172F16CEA0631B2FBB9578F4681E2F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEBABFEB7CD3E65718BC578F468166AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_8172F16CEA0631B2FBB9578F4681E2F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InterestRateSwapOneMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InterestRateSwapOneMember_E069BD212FFBEAB8AA46578F4681EEAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEBABFEB7CD3E65718BC578F468166AC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InterestRateSwapOneMember_E069BD212FFBEAB8AA46578F4681EEAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_D29DCFBB4A366E74C908578F4681D4BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEBABFEB7CD3E65718BC578F468166AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_D29DCFBB4A366E74C908578F4681D4BA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CreditDerivativesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_7FFBEF48B76CD55EC5CC578F4681A4ED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeContractTypeDomain_EEBABFEB7CD3E65718BC578F468166AC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_7FFBEF48B76CD55EC5CC578F4681A4ED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_AB8175DB1F6A20306F07578F4681A474" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfLoansAndAllowanceForLoanByClassIndividuallyAndCollectivelyEvaluatedForImpairmentLineItems_4336ADA130693E8C1BFB578F468105AB" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_AB8175DB1F6A20306F07578F4681A474" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/DerivativeInstrumentsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A3390CF478367D579727578F5502CD2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7DBF4FE7E6E8C7B3A36E578F55027954" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A3390CF478367D579727578F5502CD2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7DBF4FE7E6E8C7B3A36E578F55027954" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3FBBCDCCB01E9AADBC7C578F5502C492" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementTable_7DBF4FE7E6E8C7B3A36E578F55027954" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3FBBCDCCB01E9AADBC7C578F5502C492" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_95DE6D8A1081A812C427578F55024FEC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3FBBCDCCB01E9AADBC7C578F5502C492" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_95DE6D8A1081A812C427578F55024FEC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_95DE6D8A1081A812C427578F55024FEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_3FBBCDCCB01E9AADBC7C578F5502C492" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_95DE6D8A1081A812C427578F55024FEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember_99D2F76DA95892E906EE578F55028A9A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_95DE6D8A1081A812C427578F55024FEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityNotPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember_99D2F76DA95892E906EE578F55028A9A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeTableTextBlock_91F5B8ACECA0AF895CAD578F5502E3DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A3390CF478367D579727578F5502CD2A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValuesDerivativesBalanceSheetLocationByDerivativeContractTypeTableTextBlock_91F5B8ACECA0AF895CAD578F5502E3DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock_EA67A083AF7D6AA0CA61578F55025BDE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A3390CF478367D579727578F5502CD2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherDerivativesNotDesignatedAsHedgingInstrumentsStatementsOfFinancialPerformanceAndFinancialPositionLocationTableTextBlock_EA67A083AF7D6AA0CA61578F55025BDE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DisclosureOfCreditDerivativesTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCreditDerivativesTextBlock_602D7FE67E1016DA59EA578F55025D1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A3390CF478367D579727578F5502CD2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DisclosureOfCreditDerivativesTextBlock_602D7FE67E1016DA59EA578F55025D1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInformationByMajorCategoryOfCreditDerivativesContractsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInformationByMajorCategoryOfCreditDerivativesContractsTableTextBlock_158985AE01DC3BF9EB7E578F5502477A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A3390CF478367D579727578F5502CD2A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInformationByMajorCategoryOfCreditDerivativesContractsTableTextBlock_158985AE01DC3BF9EB7E578F5502477A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfNotionalAmountsOfOutstandingDerivativePositionsTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNotionalAmountsOfOutstandingDerivativePositionsTableTextBlock_B6A7D5922EB205842352578F55028795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementLineItems_A3390CF478367D579727578F5502CD2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfNotionalAmountsOfOutstandingDerivativePositionsTableTextBlock_B6A7D5922EB205842352578F55028795" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/DocumentAndEntityInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurements" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E0AE83881905987A58A4E1E44225CB7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E0AE83881905987A58A4E1E44225CB7B" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_7B1FF9FCA32DD64B9C90E1E44225A203" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E0AE83881905987A58A4E1E44225CB7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_7B1FF9FCA32DD64B9C90E1E44225A203" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_3A75A9350FABC51082A3E1E4422592C2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_7B1FF9FCA32DD64B9C90E1E44225A203" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_3A75A9350FABC51082A3E1E4422592C2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_3A75A9350FABC51082A3E1E4422592C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_7B1FF9FCA32DD64B9C90E1E44225A203" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_3A75A9350FABC51082A3E1E4422592C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_E9DE120B3ADEF1EA663CE1E442256354" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_3A75A9350FABC51082A3E1E4422592C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_E9DE120B3ADEF1EA663CE1E442256354" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_C9A8A5025AFBCEC1A943E1E44225920C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E0AE83881905987A58A4E1E44225CB7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_C9A8A5025AFBCEC1A943E1E44225920C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_02DE272D88F0B1924C31E1E44225BC2E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_C9A8A5025AFBCEC1A943E1E44225920C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_02DE272D88F0B1924C31E1E44225BC2E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_02DE272D88F0B1924C31E1E44225BC2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_C9A8A5025AFBCEC1A943E1E44225920C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_02DE272D88F0B1924C31E1E44225BC2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_B29B96F33EED7EFFC983E1E442250D5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_02DE272D88F0B1924C31E1E44225BC2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_B29B96F33EED7EFFC983E1E442250D5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7B05D365B4D4DFCCFE71E1E442257BD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E0AE83881905987A58A4E1E44225CB7B" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7B05D365B4D4DFCCFE71E1E442257BD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1E8E4DCC2F45BCC4CC98E1E442259942_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7B05D365B4D4DFCCFE71E1E442257BD2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1E8E4DCC2F45BCC4CC98E1E442259942_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1E8E4DCC2F45BCC4CC98E1E442259942" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7B05D365B4D4DFCCFE71E1E442257BD2" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1E8E4DCC2F45BCC4CC98E1E442259942" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_VariableInterestEntityMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityMember_C855DD64A7496D22144AE1E44225E599" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_1E8E4DCC2F45BCC4CC98E1E442259942" xlink:to="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityMember_C855DD64A7496D22144AE1E44225E599" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A2DA687CC40FB982B5C2E1E44225C410" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E0AE83881905987A58A4E1E44225CB7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A2DA687CC40FB982B5C2E1E44225C410" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_CDC1A97661A02A7A651DE1E44234495C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A2DA687CC40FB982B5C2E1E44225C410" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_CDC1A97661A02A7A651DE1E44234495C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_CDC1A97661A02A7A651DE1E44234495C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A2DA687CC40FB982B5C2E1E44225C410" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_CDC1A97661A02A7A651DE1E44234495C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_CCD8D2BDFA2AE29BA05FE1E44234AD21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_CDC1A97661A02A7A651DE1E44234495C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_CCD8D2BDFA2AE29BA05FE1E44234AD21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_51DE4E698DF93203176AE1E442346444" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E0AE83881905987A58A4E1E44225CB7B" xlink:to="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_51DE4E698DF93203176AE1E442346444" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_6F40655646B7AC51AAEFE1E442349101_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_51DE4E698DF93203176AE1E442346444" xlink:to="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_6F40655646B7AC51AAEFE1E442349101_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_6F40655646B7AC51AAEFE1E442349101" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_51DE4E698DF93203176AE1E442346444" xlink:to="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_6F40655646B7AC51AAEFE1E442349101" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_DFD5505873551A8E6BBDE1E442342DCC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_6F40655646B7AC51AAEFE1E442349101" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InternalCreditAssessmentDomain_DFD5505873551A8E6BBDE1E442342DCC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_63554918E20E424357B1E1E4423471BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E0AE83881905987A58A4E1E44225CB7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_63554918E20E424357B1E1E4423471BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9D9C010FE315608B3A91E1E442346E75_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_63554918E20E424357B1E1E4423471BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9D9C010FE315608B3A91E1E442346E75_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9D9C010FE315608B3A91E1E442346E75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_63554918E20E424357B1E1E4423471BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9D9C010FE315608B3A91E1E442346E75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MinimumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_1B3978C44F1FEF8EC90DE1E442347139" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9D9C010FE315608B3A91E1E442346E75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MinimumMember_1B3978C44F1FEF8EC90DE1E442347139" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_0B2B76BC72721C2B9EC3E1E442348F5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_9D9C010FE315608B3A91E1E442346E75" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_0B2B76BC72721C2B9EC3E1E442348F5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_E36A10EC5B45FF728617E1E442346756" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E0AE83881905987A58A4E1E44225CB7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_E36A10EC5B45FF728617E1E442346756" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_E5EC232EA5927E2ABACEE1E4423482D9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_E36A10EC5B45FF728617E1E442346756" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_E5EC232EA5927E2ABACEE1E4423482D9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_E5EC232EA5927E2ABACEE1E4423482D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_E36A10EC5B45FF728617E1E442346756" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_E5EC232EA5927E2ABACEE1E4423482D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_426D24C75F5F746B4672E1E44234C214" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_E5EC232EA5927E2ABACEE1E4423482D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_426D24C75F5F746B4672E1E44234C214" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_30A35E4BA297CA36B362E1E44234745F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_E5EC232EA5927E2ABACEE1E4423482D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_30A35E4BA297CA36B362E1E44234745F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_D808B957120366066BA8E1E442347BF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_E5EC232EA5927E2ABACEE1E4423482D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_D808B957120366066BA8E1E442347BF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_561942DBAB587870E2BEE1E4423411C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_E5EC232EA5927E2ABACEE1E4423482D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_561942DBAB587870E2BEE1E4423411C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_F0998846F626808D728CE1E44234A42A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_E5EC232EA5927E2ABACEE1E4423482D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_F0998846F626808D728CE1E44234A42A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_119919B5464F3DD220FFE1E442340478" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_E5EC232EA5927E2ABACEE1E4423482D9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_119919B5464F3DD220FFE1E442340478" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_EuropeanTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_EuropeanTransactionsMember_E270043986B60BBB0F71E1E442348E5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_E5EC232EA5927E2ABACEE1E4423482D9" xlink:to="loc_ambc_EuropeanTransactionsMember_E270043986B60BBB0F71E1E442348E5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_UnitedStatesTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_UnitedStatesTransactionsMember_B321164D3FCAAA0A961DE1E44234BB30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_E5EC232EA5927E2ABACEE1E4423482D9" xlink:to="loc_ambc_UnitedStatesTransactionsMember_B321164D3FCAAA0A961DE1E44234BB30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_6526FAED2D00D7BE2D10E1E442344ED8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E0AE83881905987A58A4E1E44225CB7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_6526FAED2D00D7BE2D10E1E442344ED8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_9F04236AAC3FC9B40213E1E44234053F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_6526FAED2D00D7BE2D10E1E442344ED8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_9F04236AAC3FC9B40213E1E44234053F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_9F04236AAC3FC9B40213E1E44234053F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_6526FAED2D00D7BE2D10E1E442344ED8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_9F04236AAC3FC9B40213E1E44234053F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_F38F913383C5A5AED5F4E1E442347FC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_9F04236AAC3FC9B40213E1E44234053F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_F38F913383C5A5AED5F4E1E442347FC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis_124873D2CD2BBBBE94C3E1E442342792" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_E0AE83881905987A58A4E1E44225CB7B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis_124873D2CD2BBBBE94C3E1E442342792" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_3D02B2F3EB430F69851CE1E442344C26_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis_124873D2CD2BBBBE94C3E1E442342792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_3D02B2F3EB430F69851CE1E442344C26_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_3D02B2F3EB430F69851CE1E442344C26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesByContractTypeAxis_124873D2CD2BBBBE94C3E1E442342792" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_3D02B2F3EB430F69851CE1E442344C26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CreditDerivativesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_56E590FB8951666BA673E1E442344AD7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditDerivativesContractTypeDomain_3D02B2F3EB430F69851CE1E442344C26" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_56E590FB8951666BA673E1E442344AD7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditDerivativeQuoteAsPercentageOfNotional" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditDerivativeQuoteAsPercentageOfNotional_C00CA932820D089ECAF3E1E44234C92F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditDerivativeQuoteAsPercentageOfNotional_C00CA932820D089ECAF3E1E44234C92F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditRating" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditRating_7C517079793B27B0B705E1E442343F8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditRating_7C517079793B27B0B705E1E442343F8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfInvestmentPortfolioValuedUsingDealerQuotes" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfInvestmentPortfolioValuedUsingDealerQuotes_094836E6F731105A7FDAE1E442347066" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfInvestmentPortfolioValuedUsingDealerQuotes_094836E6F731105A7FDAE1E442347066" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfInvestmentPortfolioValuedUsingExternalPricingServices" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfInvestmentPortfolioValuedUsingExternalPricingServices_81A8411DDE11757072F4E1E442341A21" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfInvestmentPortfolioValuedUsingExternalPricingServices_81A8411DDE11757072F4E1E442341A21" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfInvestmentPortfolioValuedUsingInternalValuationModels" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfInvestmentPortfolioValuedUsingInternalValuationModels_0F185F03F135CD465620E1E4423441FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfInvestmentPortfolioValuedUsingInternalValuationModels_0F185F03F135CD465620E1E4423441FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputsCouponRate" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputsCouponRate_EA3C01FB32133B3C623EE1E442340762" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputsCouponRate_EA3C01FB32133B3C623EE1E442340762" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeCreditRiskValuationAdjustmentDerivativeLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCreditRiskValuationAdjustmentDerivativeLiabilities_12AEE89314E346BC57A0E1E44234E66F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeCreditRiskValuationAdjustmentDerivativeLiabilities_12AEE89314E346BC57A0E1E44234E66F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DerivativesCreditRiskValuationAdjustmentDerivativeLiabilitiesOtherThanCreditDerivatives" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DerivativesCreditRiskValuationAdjustmentDerivativeLiabilitiesOtherThanCreditDerivatives_1E2A21DEB9919410D1D3E1E44234DC8D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DerivativesCreditRiskValuationAdjustmentDerivativeLiabilitiesOtherThanCreditDerivatives_1E2A21DEB9919410D1D3E1E44234DC8D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfCreditDerivativesGrossParOutstandingUsingThirdPartyReferenceObligationQuotesInDeterminationOfFairValue" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditDerivativesGrossParOutstandingUsingThirdPartyReferenceObligationQuotesInDeterminationOfFairValue_027201E1DCB542BCD95CE1E4423405D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditDerivativesGrossParOutstandingUsingThirdPartyReferenceObligationQuotesInDeterminationOfFairValue_027201E1DCB542BCD95CE1E4423405D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfCreditDerivativesLiabilityUsingThirdPartyReferenceObligationQuotesInDeterminationOfFairValue" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditDerivativesLiabilityUsingThirdPartyReferenceObligationQuotesInDeterminationOfFairValue_E716D07F149718D7E4B0E1E44234CBEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditDerivativesLiabilityUsingThirdPartyReferenceObligationQuotesInDeterminationOfFairValue_E716D07F149718D7E4B0E1E44234CBEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfCreditDerivativeGrossParOutstandingUsingInternallyEstimatedReferenceObligationPricesInDeterminationOfFairValue" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditDerivativeGrossParOutstandingUsingInternallyEstimatedReferenceObligationPricesInDeterminationOfFairValue_1BA4268C83DC43259642E1E44234EDB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditDerivativeGrossParOutstandingUsingInternallyEstimatedReferenceObligationPricesInDeterminationOfFairValue_1BA4268C83DC43259642E1E44234EDB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfCreditDerivativeLiabilityUsingInternallyEstimatedReferenceObligationPricesInDeterminationOfFairValue" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditDerivativeLiabilityUsingInternallyEstimatedReferenceObligationPricesInDeterminationOfFairValue_AB9DEDDBA6E20F35BC35E1E442348488" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditDerivativeLiabilityUsingInternallyEstimatedReferenceObligationPricesInDeterminationOfFairValue_AB9DEDDBA6E20F35BC35E1E442348488" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesBaseFee" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesBaseFee_716E47D6E8A86323B6AFE1E44234775F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesBaseFee_716E47D6E8A86323B6AFE1E44234775F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesBaseReferenceObligationSpread" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesBaseReferenceObligationSpread_346C3184D1274276C27BE1E442340810" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesBaseReferenceObligationSpread_346C3184D1274276C27BE1E442340810" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesBaseRelativeChangeRatio" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesBaseRelativeChangeRatio_376B72B3FBBDB78FE61CE1E44234F2D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesBaseRelativeChangeRatio_376B72B3FBBDB78FE61CE1E44234F2D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesFullRelativeChangeRatio" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesFullRelativeChangeRatio_C500B8CB8BB85E10CDA0E1E442345F7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesFullRelativeChangeRatio_C500B8CB8BB85E10CDA0E1E442345F7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRevisedHypotheticalFee" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRevisedHypotheticalFee_7F0CE715BD600A1F1BFBE1E442349B5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRevisedHypotheticalFee_7F0CE715BD600A1F1BFBE1E442349B5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRevisedHypotheticalFeeWithCreditDownGrade" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRevisedHypotheticalFeeWithCreditDownGrade_81DDC9A6296C29679AE1E1E442344AA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRevisedHypotheticalFeeWithCreditDownGrade_81DDC9A6296C29679AE1E1E442344AA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRevisedHypotheticalReferenceObligationSpreadTwo" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRevisedHypotheticalReferenceObligationSpreadTwo_7867E905B84CB5344D25E1E44234C4A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRevisedHypotheticalReferenceObligationSpreadTwo_7867E905B84CB5344D25E1E44234C4A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesHypotheticalIncrementalFee" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesHypotheticalIncrementalFee_9A911B8FFC42626E5DAFE1E442344429" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesHypotheticalIncrementalFee_9A911B8FFC42626E5DAFE1E442344429" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesHypotheticalIncrementalFeeWithCreditDeterioration" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesHypotheticalIncrementalFeeWithCreditDeterioration_546FACD5417C8EFEEC40E1E442347AA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesHypotheticalIncrementalFeeWithCreditDeterioration_546FACD5417C8EFEEC40E1E442347AA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRevisedRelativeChangeRatio" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRevisedRelativeChangeRatio_1C1DDAFBD3E738D425EBE1E44234FC1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRevisedRelativeChangeRatio_1C1DDAFBD3E738D425EBE1E44234FC1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRemainingLife" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRemainingLife_3E4E085C06C99D778567E1E44234A5F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementProcessDescriptionForCreditDerivativesRemainingLife_3E4E085C06C99D778567E1E44234A5F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfCreditValueAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditValueAdjustment_762639E4478441FA2086E1E44234D87D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditValueAdjustment_762639E4478441FA2086E1E44234D87D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_224F7E483DB46DF156E7E1E442342A23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_224F7E483DB46DF156E7E1E442342A23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_CE1E18632A0F327662B2E1E44234BE78" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_CE1E18632A0F327662B2E1E44234BE78" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueOfConsolidatedVariableInterestEntityDebtObligationsValuedUsingUnobservableInputsByAssetClass" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueOfConsolidatedVariableInterestEntityDebtObligationsValuedUsingUnobservableInputsByAssetClass_5D81E0BAD75BB5ADAFD3E1E44234EE09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueOfConsolidatedVariableInterestEntityDebtObligationsValuedUsingUnobservableInputsByAssetClass_5D81E0BAD75BB5ADAFD3E1E44234EE09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_EstimatedFuturePremiumPaymentsWeightedAverageDiscountedRate" xlink:label="loc_ambc_EstimatedFuturePremiumPaymentsWeightedAverageDiscountedRate_200C53D9BF933C4061B6E1E44234FD81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_EstimatedFuturePremiumPaymentsWeightedAverageDiscountedRate_200C53D9BF933C4061B6E1E44234FD81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputsMaturity" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputsMaturity_1C40FAE6AB559C3D19E6E1E442349957" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="29" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputsMaturity_1C40FAE6AB559C3D19E6E1E442349957" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputsYield" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputsYield_8B9DE9956C70EF29DD04E1E442343225" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="30" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputsYield_8B9DE9956C70EF29DD04E1E442343225" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_2191DDDFAA30ADD6CECEE1E442340263" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="31" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_2191DDDFAA30ADD6CECEE1E442340263" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageLife" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageLife_9BC210C26137471FE489E1E44234ABEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="32" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_4B9272F9CE5A872BC0CCE1E442341EEC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageLife_9BC210C26137471FE489E1E44234ABEA" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsInformationAboutValuationInputsForFixedIncomeSecuritiesClassifiedAsLevel3Detail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4E6EA19965318171E943863C5FFCF7E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_61CB1F70F4D60227D65E863C5FFB7A17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4E6EA19965318171E943863C5FFCF7E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_61CB1F70F4D60227D65E863C5FFB7A17" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_DB189DBC7CEB349DF385863C5FFB589F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_61CB1F70F4D60227D65E863C5FFB7A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_DB189DBC7CEB349DF385863C5FFB589F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A3D0D8B01200353CB0E5863C5FFB3183_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_DB189DBC7CEB349DF385863C5FFB589F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A3D0D8B01200353CB0E5863C5FFB3183_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A3D0D8B01200353CB0E5863C5FFB3183" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_DB189DBC7CEB349DF385863C5FFB589F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A3D0D8B01200353CB0E5863C5FFB3183" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_F28AC2FD74251396B86A863C5FFBA42F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_A3D0D8B01200353CB0E5863C5FFB3183" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_F28AC2FD74251396B86A863C5FFBA42F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_4E0810D6006E7FD20422863C5FFB3667" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_61CB1F70F4D60227D65E863C5FFB7A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_4E0810D6006E7FD20422863C5FFB3667" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_08313BC50E7B879456A8863C5FFB87E3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_4E0810D6006E7FD20422863C5FFB3667" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_08313BC50E7B879456A8863C5FFB87E3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_08313BC50E7B879456A8863C5FFB87E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_4E0810D6006E7FD20422863C5FFB3667" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_08313BC50E7B879456A8863C5FFB87E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_6AEA22BD80A3007FB983863C5FFBC637" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_08313BC50E7B879456A8863C5FFB87E3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_6AEA22BD80A3007FB983863C5FFBC637" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A6C67CF6EF2BDBD08C97863C5FFB485C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_61CB1F70F4D60227D65E863C5FFB7A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A6C67CF6EF2BDBD08C97863C5FFB485C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD35575C8F46338B573D863C5FFB9BBD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A6C67CF6EF2BDBD08C97863C5FFB485C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD35575C8F46338B573D863C5FFB9BBD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD35575C8F46338B573D863C5FFB9BBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A6C67CF6EF2BDBD08C97863C5FFB485C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD35575C8F46338B573D863C5FFB9BBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_A47ECB5138BF3923F308863C5FFBB04B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD35575C8F46338B573D863C5FFB9BBD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_A47ECB5138BF3923F308863C5FFBB04B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_CC354A628CEEBBF97093863C5FFBC162" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_61CB1F70F4D60227D65E863C5FFB7A17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_CC354A628CEEBBF97093863C5FFBC162" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_851A09794878BAAA2AB7863C5FFB6FD1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_CC354A628CEEBBF97093863C5FFBC162" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_851A09794878BAAA2AB7863C5FFB6FD1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_851A09794878BAAA2AB7863C5FFB6FD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_CC354A628CEEBBF97093863C5FFBC162" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_851A09794878BAAA2AB7863C5FFB6FD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_UnitedStatesTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_UnitedStatesTransactionsMember_D41946A0B02941A75FD2863C5FFB4D2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_851A09794878BAAA2AB7863C5FFB6FD1" xlink:to="loc_ambc_UnitedStatesTransactionsMember_D41946A0B02941A75FD2863C5FFB4D2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_84C287013C484FC61500863C5FFB2EB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_851A09794878BAAA2AB7863C5FFB6FD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_84C287013C484FC61500863C5FFB2EB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_78F7959E1257D6A67126863C5FFC93C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_851A09794878BAAA2AB7863C5FFB6FD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_78F7959E1257D6A67126863C5FFC93C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_0B226132AD27D44ADA31863C5FFCD195" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4E6EA19965318171E943863C5FFCF7E1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_0B226132AD27D44ADA31863C5FFCD195" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputsCouponRate" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputsCouponRate_4E4A858666298D2A7E56863C5FFCCBDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4E6EA19965318171E943863C5FFCF7E1" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputsCouponRate_4E4A858666298D2A7E56863C5FFCCBDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputsMaturity" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputsMaturity_9C7007446F6CC48F510F863C5FFC0497" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4E6EA19965318171E943863C5FFCF7E1" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputsMaturity_9C7007446F6CC48F510F863C5FFC0497" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputsYield" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputsYield_3569CE2BECB64ACB455A863C5FFCC906" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_4E6EA19965318171E943863C5FFCF7E1" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputsYield_3569CE2BECB64ACB455A863C5FFCC906" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsInformationAboutValuationInputsForVariableInterestEntityAssetsAndLiabilitiesClassifiedAsLevel3Detail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable_85BAEC9484A5D57C58CB578F54D35DD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable_85BAEC9484A5D57C58CB578F54D35DD1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_CE3E62BB46EDCD34C07E578F54D32F96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable_85BAEC9484A5D57C58CB578F54D35DD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_CE3E62BB46EDCD34C07E578F54D32F96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9941EFC1F4C294DF5EB3578F54D3A6A3_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_CE3E62BB46EDCD34C07E578F54D32F96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9941EFC1F4C294DF5EB3578F54D3A6A3_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9941EFC1F4C294DF5EB3578F54D3A6A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_CE3E62BB46EDCD34C07E578F54D32F96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9941EFC1F4C294DF5EB3578F54D3A6A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_AA59638A1CC72C8E2623578F54D3C0F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_9941EFC1F4C294DF5EB3578F54D3A6A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_AA59638A1CC72C8E2623578F54D3C0F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_065F37D75D923F3D1D32578F54D3A32E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable_85BAEC9484A5D57C58CB578F54D35DD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_065F37D75D923F3D1D32578F54D3A32E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EEA156CE44E5C094BE06578F54D355D0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_065F37D75D923F3D1D32578F54D3A32E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EEA156CE44E5C094BE06578F54D355D0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EEA156CE44E5C094BE06578F54D355D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_065F37D75D923F3D1D32578F54D3A32E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EEA156CE44E5C094BE06578F54D355D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoanOriginationCommitmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanOriginationCommitmentsMember_4AF111DF52D5CF13505C578F54D3BE63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EEA156CE44E5C094BE06578F54D355D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanOriginationCommitmentsMember_4AF111DF52D5CF13505C578F54D3BE63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember_D0B7B0E56176A5C0FB9E578F54D37DEA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EEA156CE44E5C094BE06578F54D355D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember_D0B7B0E56176A5C0FB9E578F54D37DEA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_BF838F862F7DBD59D6DA578F54D3CA85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EEA156CE44E5C094BE06578F54D355D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_BF838F862F7DBD59D6DA578F54D3CA85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentContractsMember_F7D9DB164B03211ABCB0578F54D3D823" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EEA156CE44E5C094BE06578F54D355D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentContractsMember_F7D9DB164B03211ABCB0578F54D3D823" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember_B9219E5547992E22D3D6578F54D368B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EEA156CE44E5C094BE06578F54D355D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember_B9219E5547992E22D3D6578F54D368B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_7500FD8D2AA196A79CB5578F54E39C1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable_85BAEC9484A5D57C58CB578F54D35DD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_7500FD8D2AA196A79CB5578F54E39C1F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D7E6A812DF2DCC975C29578F54E3F07D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_7500FD8D2AA196A79CB5578F54E39C1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D7E6A812DF2DCC975C29578F54E3F07D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D7E6A812DF2DCC975C29578F54E3F07D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_7500FD8D2AA196A79CB5578F54E39C1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D7E6A812DF2DCC975C29578F54E3F07D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_5FECE5520135B2B454D9578F54E38238" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_D7E6A812DF2DCC975C29578F54E3F07D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_5FECE5520135B2B454D9578F54E38238" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1BDA01732077EC59101E578F54E3A5C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable_85BAEC9484A5D57C58CB578F54D35DD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1BDA01732077EC59101E578F54E3A5C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F8A32D06EB82B3AF3F1D578F54E3EF24_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1BDA01732077EC59101E578F54E3A5C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F8A32D06EB82B3AF3F1D578F54E3EF24_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F8A32D06EB82B3AF3F1D578F54E3EF24" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1BDA01732077EC59101E578F54E3A5C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F8A32D06EB82B3AF3F1D578F54E3EF24" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_99734165173EDCBF8CE2578F54E3BCEC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F8A32D06EB82B3AF3F1D578F54E3EF24" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_99734165173EDCBF8CE2578F54E3BCEC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_9D8A6AED221E670C1453578F54E3EF77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable_85BAEC9484A5D57C58CB578F54D35DD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_9D8A6AED221E670C1453578F54E3EF77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_36381C342512C87C020A578F54E38F74_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_9D8A6AED221E670C1453578F54E3EF77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_36381C342512C87C020A578F54E38F74_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_36381C342512C87C020A578F54E38F74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_9D8A6AED221E670C1453578F54E3EF77" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_36381C342512C87C020A578F54E38F74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsMember_0F411BBFDF136E6B074D578F54E3A622" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_36381C342512C87C020A578F54E38F74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsMember_0F411BBFDF136E6B074D578F54E3A622" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_EuropeanTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_EuropeanTransactionsMember_B6EEE3C0C1753117AFE1578F54E3C943" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_36381C342512C87C020A578F54E38F74" xlink:to="loc_ambc_EuropeanTransactionsMember_B6EEE3C0C1753117AFE1578F54E3C943" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_UnitedStatesTransactionsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_UnitedStatesTransactionsMember_06647EEED80A13F727AE578F54E3AC94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_36381C342512C87C020A578F54E38F74" xlink:to="loc_ambc_UnitedStatesTransactionsMember_06647EEED80A13F727AE578F54E3AC94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_5D614729D4F1DFBC4B2E578F54E3EA27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_36381C342512C87C020A578F54E38F74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_5D614729D4F1DFBC4B2E578F54E3EA27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_2C29929D457DFD29F0E1578F54E3CA82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_36381C342512C87C020A578F54E38F74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_2C29929D457DFD29F0E1578F54E3CA82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember_D32BC59D3B26F5934FA8578F54E3E69D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_36381C342512C87C020A578F54E38F74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember_D32BC59D3B26F5934FA8578F54E3E69D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember_65EED19730075F68492A578F54E365DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_36381C342512C87C020A578F54E38F74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesMember_65EED19730075F68492A578F54E365DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_ED9F0E9CB139A20545DE578F54E31197" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_36381C342512C87C020A578F54E38F74" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_ED9F0E9CB139A20545DE578F54E31197" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueOfConsolidatedVariableInterestEntityDebtObligationsValuedUsingUnobservableInputsByAssetClass" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueOfConsolidatedVariableInterestEntityDebtObligationsValuedUsingUnobservableInputsByAssetClass_F9E597405980B4BBB18D578F54E370EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueOfConsolidatedVariableInterestEntityDebtObligationsValuedUsingUnobservableInputsByAssetClass_F9E597405980B4BBB18D578F54E370EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiability" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiability_43D5E7A4C07F89FB4F6D578F54E3F982" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiability_43D5E7A4C07F89FB4F6D578F54E3F982" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityAdditionsOfConsolidatedVies" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityAdditionsOfConsolidatedVies_F94FEEA13ADA577776FD578F54E33FB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityAdditionsOfConsolidatedVies_F94FEEA13ADA577776FD578F54E33FB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_D0B887D29E34D00FFADF578F54E3A84D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_D0B887D29E34D00FFADF578F54E3A84D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_5125450B03E38106B5A0578F54E304F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_5125450B03E38106B5A0578F54E304F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityPurchases" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityPurchases_CB1827331E8BF3C5E41C578F54E3C028" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityPurchases_CB1827331E8BF3C5E41C578F54E3C028" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityIssues" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityIssues_5CB2ABA9E3F90619E10E578F54E3F3BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityIssues_5CB2ABA9E3F90619E10E578F54E3F3BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilitySales" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilitySales_D1E6004B3ED4E34C7571578F54E30FF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilitySales_D1E6004B3ED4E34C7571578F54E30FF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilitySettlements" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilitySettlements_4B9D2C79D7E3DB5AA560578F54E36684" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilitySettlements_4B9D2C79D7E3DB5AA560578F54E36684" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityTransfersIntoLevelThree" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityTransfersIntoLevelThree_5F503CC60AF48C6D1A7B578F54E38DB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityTransfersIntoLevelThree_5F503CC60AF48C6D1A7B578F54E38DB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevelThree" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevelThree_05930D50427DD25F15AA578F54E34E4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevelThree_05930D50427DD25F15AA578F54E34E4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityDeconsolidationOfVies" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityDeconsolidationOfVies_B48D369E987BAA0EC63E578F54E3D82B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityDeconsolidationOfVies_B48D369E987BAA0EC63E578F54E3D82B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueAssetOrLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainsLossesStillHeld" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueAssetOrLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainsLossesStillHeld_1DB39560A9AA69045678578F54E35DC3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_E424AC96789E50CD8828578F54E336B6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueAssetOrLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainsLossesStillHeld_1DB39560A9AA69045678578F54E35DC3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfCarryingAmountAndFairValueOfAmbacsFinancialAssetsAndLiabilitiesDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_D47EA60B69C2E753DCD19AEDCACDED8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B5A19EF94100D46281CE9AEDCAC97C67" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_D47EA60B69C2E753DCD19AEDCACDED8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B5A19EF94100D46281CE9AEDCAC97C67" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C9589C78EE589BC3567D9AEDCAC9C033" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B5A19EF94100D46281CE9AEDCAC97C67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C9589C78EE589BC3567D9AEDCAC9C033" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1A363AC996143FCCD5F49AEDCACAE9C1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C9589C78EE589BC3567D9AEDCAC9C033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1A363AC996143FCCD5F49AEDCACAE9C1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1A363AC996143FCCD5F49AEDCACAE9C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_C9589C78EE589BC3567D9AEDCAC9C033" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1A363AC996143FCCD5F49AEDCACAE9C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherContractsMember_5FF6269A39C8B012C88E9AEDCACA02BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1A363AC996143FCCD5F49AEDCACAE9C1" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherContractsMember_5FF6269A39C8B012C88E9AEDCACA02BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FutureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FutureMember_22606427505370E7AEF29AEDCACA75AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1A363AC996143FCCD5F49AEDCACAE9C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FutureMember_22606427505370E7AEF29AEDCACA75AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_AC11796446BDA2E04C4F9AEDCACAE1B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1A363AC996143FCCD5F49AEDCACAE9C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_AC11796446BDA2E04C4F9AEDCACAE1B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CreditDerivativesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_61B847C841F9D7082B3F9AEDCACA60E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1A363AC996143FCCD5F49AEDCACAE9C1" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_61B847C841F9D7082B3F9AEDCACA60E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_1E4A0251AA89F05E21FE9AEDCACA0F89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_1A363AC996143FCCD5F49AEDCACAE9C1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_1E4A0251AA89F05E21FE9AEDCACA0F89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F9ECD854605E85902B0A9AEDCACAE753" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B5A19EF94100D46281CE9AEDCAC97C67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F9ECD854605E85902B0A9AEDCACAE753" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D1DAC42D47D13451903F9AEDCACADA64_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F9ECD854605E85902B0A9AEDCACAE753" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D1DAC42D47D13451903F9AEDCACADA64_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D1DAC42D47D13451903F9AEDCACADA64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F9ECD854605E85902B0A9AEDCACAE753" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D1DAC42D47D13451903F9AEDCACADA64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_49F9F51732ED19C7D3709AEDCACA9975" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D1DAC42D47D13451903F9AEDCACADA64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_49F9F51732ED19C7D3709AEDCACA9975" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_5FE5E7D4E182D22933C39AEDCACAC052" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B5A19EF94100D46281CE9AEDCAC97C67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_5FE5E7D4E182D22933C39AEDCACAC052" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_5FE5E7D4E182D22933C39AEDCACAC052" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_5FE5E7D4E182D22933C39AEDCACAC052" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_1966ADFC3A5ADEFF33419AEDCACA015F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_1966ADFC3A5ADEFF33419AEDCACA015F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_24766618232A80148E7D9AEDCACA5AFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_24766618232A80148E7D9AEDCACA5AFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_838B50BF45911961D1A79AEDCACA4AA6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_838B50BF45911961D1A79AEDCACA4AA6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_3836DFD12EF9ED0D72F99AEDCACB84CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_3836DFD12EF9ED0D72F99AEDCACB84CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_546FA1A84605CC786AC49AEDCACB67E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_546FA1A84605CC786AC49AEDCACB67E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_577B60E73C7A0BF7943A9AEDCACB416C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_577B60E73C7A0BF7943A9AEDCACB416C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_CBB0F0C761DA1C4AE5DD9AEDCACB24EF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_CBB0F0C761DA1C4AE5DD9AEDCACB24EF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_9DE7C3DEFD74CB00D5BA9AEDCACB0843" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_9DE7C3DEFD74CB00D5BA9AEDCACB0843" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_861CD17D6E794B5FA4E19AEDCACBBE87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_861CD17D6E794B5FA4E19AEDCACBBE87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_544C7160AD1A25C1A6B59AEDCACBD474" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_544C7160AD1A25C1A6B59AEDCACBD474" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CreditDerivativesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_6779A8E2C3E07BB9218E9AEDCACBC822" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativesMember_6779A8E2C3E07BB9218E9AEDCACBC822" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_9390EC6A4A8CCD95112E9AEDCACB37EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_9390EC6A4A8CCD95112E9AEDCACB37EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember_B399A9FEAEB5B9FFC6959AEDCACB76E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember_B399A9FEAEB5B9FFC6959AEDCACB76E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FutureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FutureMember_30D4D0C6079C0954CF1C9AEDCACBFFA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_D94DF04B7E983CFF327C9AEDCACAA074" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FutureMember_30D4D0C6079C0954CF1C9AEDCACBFFA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_50AE1ABC8DB9398514449AEDCACB3D26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B5A19EF94100D46281CE9AEDCAC97C67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_50AE1ABC8DB9398514449AEDCACB3D26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7904F11DD1BB05CDD66F9AEDCACB2BDD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_50AE1ABC8DB9398514449AEDCACB3D26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7904F11DD1BB05CDD66F9AEDCACB2BDD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7904F11DD1BB05CDD66F9AEDCACB2BDD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_50AE1ABC8DB9398514449AEDCACB3D26" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7904F11DD1BB05CDD66F9AEDCACB2BDD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_DCA7307034FF508D75D49AEDCACC02FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7904F11DD1BB05CDD66F9AEDCACB2BDD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel1Member_DCA7307034FF508D75D49AEDCACC02FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_11A32EFA09E9EF1046389AEDCACCFCE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7904F11DD1BB05CDD66F9AEDCACB2BDD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel2Member_11A32EFA09E9EF1046389AEDCACCFCE4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_A312DE5E52DB1E88FAA29AEDCACC82FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_7904F11DD1BB05CDD66F9AEDCACB2BDD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_A312DE5E52DB1E88FAA29AEDCACC82FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_B308D2A3EFA242318CE49AEDCACC5385" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B5A19EF94100D46281CE9AEDCAC97C67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_B308D2A3EFA242318CE49AEDCACC5385" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_85E5E2697AC048F3C1499AEDCACCE393_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_B308D2A3EFA242318CE49AEDCACC5385" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_85E5E2697AC048F3C1499AEDCACCE393_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_85E5E2697AC048F3C1499AEDCACCE393" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_B308D2A3EFA242318CE49AEDCACC5385" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_85E5E2697AC048F3C1499AEDCACCE393" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_63F3D72441F0DA7FEAFB9AEDCACC29A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_85E5E2697AC048F3C1499AEDCACCE393" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_63F3D72441F0DA7FEAFB9AEDCACC29A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_7158CCDF108FCFBC2BFA9AEDCACC1600" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_85E5E2697AC048F3C1499AEDCACCE393" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherLiabilitiesMember_7158CCDF108FCFBC2BFA9AEDCACC1600" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_6642E66CCEEE1F24F7539AEDCACCBE0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B5A19EF94100D46281CE9AEDCAC97C67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_6642E66CCEEE1F24F7539AEDCACCBE0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_4AE782E98688217C7E269AEDCACCC50B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_6642E66CCEEE1F24F7539AEDCACCBE0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_4AE782E98688217C7E269AEDCACCC50B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_67142F04EB0FF5098A879AEDCACC9006" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByMeasurementBasisAxis_6642E66CCEEE1F24F7539AEDCACCBE0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_67142F04EB0FF5098A879AEDCACC9006" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_4AE782E98688217C7E269AEDCACCC50B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_67142F04EB0FF5098A879AEDCACC9006" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PortionAtFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_4AE782E98688217C7E269AEDCACCC50B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_92DBE9FFC0AA4E246E7A9AEDCACC6D15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_67142F04EB0FF5098A879AEDCACC9006" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EstimateOfFairValueFairValueDisclosureMember_92DBE9FFC0AA4E246E7A9AEDCACC6D15" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_BC5E17F869A16DC931139AEDCACCC225" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_67142F04EB0FF5098A879AEDCACC9006" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CarryingReportedAmountFairValueDisclosureMember_BC5E17F869A16DC931139AEDCACCC225" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_TotalPooledInvestmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_TotalPooledInvestmentMember_D3A71578E694AE0BE9869AFC4FEA2B18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueDisclosureItemAmountsDomain_67142F04EB0FF5098A879AEDCACC9006" xlink:to="loc_ambc_TotalPooledInvestmentMember_D3A71578E694AE0BE9869AFC4FEA2B18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_90540F66C85A5173A3F99AEDCACD69CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B5A19EF94100D46281CE9AEDCAC97C67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_90540F66C85A5173A3F99AEDCACD69CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3DCB507AB033A95FCAB59AEDCACDFBE8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_90540F66C85A5173A3F99AEDCACD69CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3DCB507AB033A95FCAB59AEDCACDFBE8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3DCB507AB033A95FCAB59AEDCACDFBE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_90540F66C85A5173A3F99AEDCACD69CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3DCB507AB033A95FCAB59AEDCACDFBE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_4328F9EEBF30B234C7169AEDCACD2634" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_3DCB507AB033A95FCAB59AEDCACDFBE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrencySwapMember_4328F9EEBF30B234C7169AEDCACD2634" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_4B15D566B42FC1A4A1B59AEDCACD00F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringAndNonrecurringBasisTable_B5A19EF94100D46281CE9AEDCAC97C67" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_4B15D566B42FC1A4A1B59AEDCACD00F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_3C47298E92F83E4FCE8A9AEDCACDFE5C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_4B15D566B42FC1A4A1B59AEDCACD00F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_3C47298E92F83E4FCE8A9AEDCACDFE5C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_3C47298E92F83E4FCE8A9AEDCACDFE5C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_4B15D566B42FC1A4A1B59AEDCACD00F1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_3C47298E92F83E4FCE8A9AEDCACDFE5C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_38134DDC81BFA38A8E649AEDCACD9724" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_3C47298E92F83E4FCE8A9AEDCACDFE5C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_38134DDC81BFA38A8E649AEDCACD9724" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_59C978D94960987A0EA79AEDCACD60A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_D47EA60B69C2E753DCD19AEDCACDED8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_59C978D94960987A0EA79AEDCACD60A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_367705F9948877A99B249AEDCACD43D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_59C978D94960987A0EA79AEDCACD60A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_367705F9948877A99B249AEDCACD43D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecurityOwnedAndPledgedAsCollateralFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecurityOwnedAndPledgedAsCollateralFairValue_D85F70C0ACFDC8385BE69AEDCACD28D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_59C978D94960987A0EA79AEDCACD60A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecurityOwnedAndPledgedAsCollateralFairValue_D85F70C0ACFDC8385BE69AEDCACD28D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments_A295A03042F9096768559AEDCACD78EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_59C978D94960987A0EA79AEDCACD60A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherShortTermInvestments_A295A03042F9096768559AEDCACD78EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_3CF35DC126420B3A63EA9AEDCACDB26D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_59C978D94960987A0EA79AEDCACD60A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_3CF35DC126420B3A63EA9AEDCACDB26D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_E6A58252B74EBFAE3A5F9AEDCACE57B4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_59C978D94960987A0EA79AEDCACD60A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_E6A58252B74EBFAE3A5F9AEDCACE57B4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_ambc_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_0B6030D38084EBEE6AD49AEDCACECDCA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_59C978D94960987A0EA79AEDCACD60A7" xlink:to="loc_ambc_RestrictedCashAndCashEquivalentsFairValueDisclosure_0B6030D38084EBEE6AD49AEDCACECDCA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure_ED6EC8CF08ED7DE2E2829AEDCACE885C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_59C978D94960987A0EA79AEDCACD60A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure_ED6EC8CF08ED7DE2E2829AEDCACE885C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_7908E76FE335FF50BF039AEDCACE2B6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_59C978D94960987A0EA79AEDCACD60A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeAsset_7908E76FE335FF50BF039AEDCACE2B6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_AB96408842EA3ADF865A9AEDCACECCAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_59C978D94960987A0EA79AEDCACD60A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeAssetFairValueGrossLiability_AB96408842EA3ADF865A9AEDCACECCAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_FA1AFFD30DEFF1A7A3039AEDCACEECAB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_59C978D94960987A0EA79AEDCACD60A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_FA1AFFD30DEFF1A7A3039AEDCACEECAB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_21A070868DB5E3437F6A9AEDCACE30C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialAssetsBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_59C978D94960987A0EA79AEDCACD60A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetsFairValueDisclosure_21A070868DB5E3437F6A9AEDCACE30C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_CFBD1977289EB2433B289AEDCACE3C02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_FairValueOfAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnNonRecurringBasisLineItems_D47EA60B69C2E753DCD19AEDCACDED8C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_CFBD1977289EB2433B289AEDCACE3C02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_GuaranteedInvestmentAgreementsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_ambc_GuaranteedInvestmentAgreementsFairValueDisclosure_F106AAF7FE2E0E87BE7D9AEDCACE0B18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_CFBD1977289EB2433B289AEDCACE3C02" xlink:to="loc_ambc_GuaranteedInvestmentAgreementsFairValueDisclosure_F106AAF7FE2E0E87BE7D9AEDCACE0B18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_27213935DB431B818E2F9AEDCACE836B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_CFBD1977289EB2433B289AEDCACE3C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeLiabilityFairValueGrossAsset_27213935DB431B818E2F9AEDCACE836B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_461991E22C9B267305459AEDCACE8A4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_CFBD1977289EB2433B289AEDCACE3C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiability_461991E22C9B267305459AEDCACE8A4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteesFairValueDisclosure_7F192FF0B0E6650D4D5C9AEDCACE52E7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_CFBD1977289EB2433B289AEDCACE3C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteesFairValueDisclosure_7F192FF0B0E6650D4D5C9AEDCACE52E7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_902FE1E4CE3FCC2B93BC9AEDCACE7FBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_CFBD1977289EB2433B289AEDCACE3C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_902FE1E4CE3FCC2B93BC9AEDCACE7FBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_2DFEA27F3BF5B1FEE2539AEDCACF35AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentsFinancialLiabilitiesBalanceSheetGroupingsAbstract_CFBD1977289EB2433B289AEDCACE3C02" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilitiesFairValueDisclosure_2DFEA27F3BF5B1FEE2539AEDCACF35AD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfChangesInLevel3FairValueCategoryDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_1CC81DC3B73F02620A39D379E78A7018" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_866C1715BFC81B3E9602D379E7871590" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_1CC81DC3B73F02620A39D379E78A7018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_866C1715BFC81B3E9602D379E7871590" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_7B8B17B50BF6A193DABDD379E787F362" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_866C1715BFC81B3E9602D379E7871590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_7B8B17B50BF6A193DABDD379E787F362" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_DA8F542C06CB81A1B081D379E78715D8_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_7B8B17B50BF6A193DABDD379E787F362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_DA8F542C06CB81A1B081D379E78715D8_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_DA8F542C06CB81A1B081D379E78715D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_7B8B17B50BF6A193DABDD379E787F362" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_DA8F542C06CB81A1B081D379E78715D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_3977A983CF25C21F9B96D379E7870991" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_DA8F542C06CB81A1B081D379E78715D8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_3977A983CF25C21F9B96D379E7870991" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_26FB6F931318BC8A03BCD379E787F9E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_866C1715BFC81B3E9602D379E7871590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_26FB6F931318BC8A03BCD379E787F9E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_EDBF288E78514A13D622D379E78792AC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_26FB6F931318BC8A03BCD379E787F9E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_EDBF288E78514A13D622D379E78792AC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_EDBF288E78514A13D622D379E78792AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByFairValueHierarchyLevelAxis_26FB6F931318BC8A03BCD379E787F9E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_EDBF288E78514A13D622D379E78792AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_06D5776DB7C73E294E3ED379E7872225" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementsFairValueHierarchyDomain_EDBF288E78514A13D622D379E78792AC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLevel3Member_06D5776DB7C73E294E3ED379E7872225" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_3EA2A443E80B73B247BCD379E787DD9B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_866C1715BFC81B3E9602D379E7871590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_3EA2A443E80B73B247BCD379E787DD9B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_CCC231062420BC318515D379E7871D36_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_3EA2A443E80B73B247BCD379E787DD9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_CCC231062420BC318515D379E7871D36_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_CCC231062420BC318515D379E7871D36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_3EA2A443E80B73B247BCD379E787DD9B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_CCC231062420BC318515D379E7871D36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_F554F6C129B34804C9B3D379E78706A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_CCC231062420BC318515D379E7871D36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_F554F6C129B34804C9B3D379E78706A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_EF74DE9A1C94CDDC7FD8D379E787CA1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_CCC231062420BC318515D379E7871D36" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_EF74DE9A1C94CDDC7FD8D379E787CA1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_CB3A96DF5FD21A608D91D379E787176D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_866C1715BFC81B3E9602D379E7871590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_CB3A96DF5FD21A608D91D379E787176D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_141FD1DB7C0E8D44F048D379E788D25D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_CB3A96DF5FD21A608D91D379E787176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_141FD1DB7C0E8D44F048D379E788D25D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_141FD1DB7C0E8D44F048D379E788D25D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_CB3A96DF5FD21A608D91D379E787176D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_141FD1DB7C0E8D44F048D379E788D25D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_EB2419DBCEE1016692E8D379E788F795" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_141FD1DB7C0E8D44F048D379E788D25D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_EB2419DBCEE1016692E8D379E788F795" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_C8C5EA9275F0EEA64B29D379E7889092" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_141FD1DB7C0E8D44F048D379E788D25D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_C8C5EA9275F0EEA64B29D379E7889092" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_23AD2A4FF9C4D2395190D379E7885B27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_141FD1DB7C0E8D44F048D379E788D25D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_23AD2A4FF9C4D2395190D379E7885B27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_A75FD60ECB26C7C6A98AD379E78887F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_141FD1DB7C0E8D44F048D379E788D25D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_A75FD60ECB26C7C6A98AD379E78887F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_8428BAA3FCDA91420779D379E788EE92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_141FD1DB7C0E8D44F048D379E788D25D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_8428BAA3FCDA91420779D379E788EE92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CreditDerivativeMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativeMember_81C61C18AE129F80C814D379E788B94E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_141FD1DB7C0E8D44F048D379E788D25D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativeMember_81C61C18AE129F80C814D379E788B94E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CallOptionsonLongTermDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CallOptionsonLongTermDebtMember_FDD85BC81F8974ED0612D379E788D42B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_141FD1DB7C0E8D44F048D379E788D25D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CallOptionsonLongTermDebtMember_FDD85BC81F8974ED0612D379E788D42B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_8D9E96F89B6B2CCC50D1D379E78873E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_141FD1DB7C0E8D44F048D379E788D25D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_8D9E96F89B6B2CCC50D1D379E78873E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_815B0481E10BF70B388ED379E7889685" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_866C1715BFC81B3E9602D379E7871590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_815B0481E10BF70B388ED379E7889685" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B672D0B2732C32095535D379E7889394_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_815B0481E10BF70B388ED379E7889685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B672D0B2732C32095535D379E7889394_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B672D0B2732C32095535D379E7889394" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByAssetClassAxis_815B0481E10BF70B388ED379E7889685" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B672D0B2732C32095535D379E7889394" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember_CD8BB47F0162075D079ED379E7881B6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B672D0B2732C32095535D379E7889394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableMember_CD8BB47F0162075D079ED379E7881B6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeMember_52384AE14A20E59ED08AD379E78879EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B672D0B2732C32095535D379E7889394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeMember_52384AE14A20E59ED08AD379E78879EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsMember_A28881584E99ED4E5330D379E788A30E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B672D0B2732C32095535D379E7889394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentsMember_A28881584E99ED4E5330D379E788A30E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_DDA902CAD6A1F1DF5AA0D379E78800EA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B672D0B2732C32095535D379E7889394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherAssetsMember_DDA902CAD6A1F1DF5AA0D379E78800EA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_D88A6DECF50BCA564CE8D379E7889802" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B672D0B2732C32095535D379E7889394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_D88A6DECF50BCA564CE8D379E7889802" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_AFB88D12EEC9ED075CBDD379E789E3F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByAssetClassDomain_B672D0B2732C32095535D379E7889394" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_AFB88D12EEC9ED075CBDD379E789E3F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_15AB6D44AAC33FEE74DAD379E789CAF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_866C1715BFC81B3E9602D379E7871590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_15AB6D44AAC33FEE74DAD379E789CAF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_304685A1FF96874BF3DFD379E7899D30_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_15AB6D44AAC33FEE74DAD379E789CAF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_304685A1FF96874BF3DFD379E7899D30_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_304685A1FF96874BF3DFD379E7899D30" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_15AB6D44AAC33FEE74DAD379E789CAF9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_304685A1FF96874BF3DFD379E7899D30" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_94431E9EF0B7D98A0E11D379E7893325" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_304685A1FF96874BF3DFD379E7899D30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_94431E9EF0B7D98A0E11D379E7893325" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_7DB38E10381CEA2AB5CDD379E789EF02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_304685A1FF96874BF3DFD379E7899D30" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_7DB38E10381CEA2AB5CDD379E789EF02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NonAgencyRMBSMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NonAgencyRMBSMember_9D57EE658FAE2DD4C87AD379E7891A1C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_304685A1FF96874BF3DFD379E7899D30" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NonAgencyRMBSMember_9D57EE658FAE2DD4C87AD379E7891A1C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_AE25EB5981EB99CE6C14D379E789DF4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_866C1715BFC81B3E9602D379E7871590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_AE25EB5981EB99CE6C14D379E789DF4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EC4787C0D3DB3FDCBC3CD379E78951C0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_AE25EB5981EB99CE6C14D379E789DF4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EC4787C0D3DB3FDCBC3CD379E78951C0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EC4787C0D3DB3FDCBC3CD379E78951C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueByLiabilityClassAxis_AE25EB5981EB99CE6C14D379E789DF4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EC4787C0D3DB3FDCBC3CD379E78951C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CreditDerivativeMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativeMember_913F581C1902F8065EBBD379E7893C9C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EC4787C0D3DB3FDCBC3CD379E78951C0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativeMember_913F581C1902F8065EBBD379E7893C9C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_3B7A2371042A134A019ED379E7897352" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EC4787C0D3DB3FDCBC3CD379E78951C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_3B7A2371042A134A019ED379E7897352" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentContractsMember_3295EA29816B27F3E82BD379E789782F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EC4787C0D3DB3FDCBC3CD379E78951C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentContractsMember_3295EA29816B27F3E82BD379E789782F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoanOriginationCommitmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoanOriginationCommitmentsMember_226DA8512CD1B0EE7345D379E7895613" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EC4787C0D3DB3FDCBC3CD379E78951C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoanOriginationCommitmentsMember_226DA8512CD1B0EE7345D379E7895613" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember_72A95EC7EEC553E3BFBDD379E789F84A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EC4787C0D3DB3FDCBC3CD379E78951C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtMember_72A95EC7EEC553E3BFBDD379E789F84A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_0AE533608F7BB5026237D379E789C116" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationByLiabilityClassDomain_EC4787C0D3DB3FDCBC3CD379E78951C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFinancialInstrumentsLiabilitiesMember_0AE533608F7BB5026237D379E789C116" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_BEA8B11C535BB1D5F8DBD379E789EB5B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_866C1715BFC81B3E9602D379E7871590" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_BEA8B11C535BB1D5F8DBD379E789EB5B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_5F72872C6F98A367CD3CD379E7898F2A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_BEA8B11C535BB1D5F8DBD379E789EB5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_5F72872C6F98A367CD3CD379E7898F2A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_5F72872C6F98A367CD3CD379E7898F2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_BEA8B11C535BB1D5F8DBD379E789EB5B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_5F72872C6F98A367CD3CD379E7898F2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeMember_DB0052E37F039913A492D379E78A82B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_5F72872C6F98A367CD3CD379E7898F2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeMember_DB0052E37F039913A492D379E78A82B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeMember_355CDCEFC53CF2CEBFCED379E78A45F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_5F72872C6F98A367CD3CD379E7898F2A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeMember_355CDCEFC53CF2CEBFCED379E78A45F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_1CC81DC3B73F02620A39D379E78A7018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiability" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiability_AFBBA5673BAC76E77803D379E78AA593" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiability_AFBBA5673BAC76E77803D379E78AA593" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityAdditionsOfConsolidatedVies" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityAdditionsOfConsolidatedVies_CD6708C2FF9716B7BB5ED379E78AD989" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityAdditionsOfConsolidatedVies_CD6708C2FF9716B7BB5ED379E78AD989" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_A1E73CCBC05A7961E020D379E78ABD77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityGainLossIncludedInEarnings_A1E73CCBC05A7961E020D379E78ABD77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_CF0FEE528D283E178FE7D379E78A5D39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityGainLossIncludedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeLoss_CF0FEE528D283E178FE7D379E78A5D39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityPurchases" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityPurchases_45B88DC8D53383B3D25AD379E78ACEA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityPurchases_45B88DC8D53383B3D25AD379E78ACEA0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityIssues" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityIssues_3FBD5D8038BFE6E7C86CD379E78A95C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityIssues_3FBD5D8038BFE6E7C86CD379E78A95C2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilitySales" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilitySales_0AAE179F25C7D888E97AD379E78A10F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilitySales_0AAE179F25C7D888E97AD379E78A10F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilitySettlements" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilitySettlements_88838FA09A1F9CCC3B3DD379E78A3560" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilitySettlements_88838FA09A1F9CCC3B3DD379E78A3560" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityTransfersIntoLevelThree" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityTransfersIntoLevelThree_2492429CD23B2B0F9D26D379E78A8386" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityTransfersIntoLevelThree_2492429CD23B2B0F9D26D379E78A8386" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevelThree" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevelThree_6625A2F765D398DB19A1D379E78A8B58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityTransfersOutOfLevelThree_6625A2F765D398DB19A1D379E78A8B58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityDeconsolidationOfVies" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityDeconsolidationOfVies_94CF534752590E0B5E0AD379E78A255B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetOrLiabilityDeconsolidationOfVies_94CF534752590E0B5E0AD379E78A255B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueAssetOrLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainsLossesStillHeld" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueAssetOrLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainsLossesStillHeld_116925C1359B6F8B8247D379E78B989B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_D83D3B0316F9BB4A4309D379E78AECF0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueAssetOrLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainsLossesStillHeld_116925C1359B6F8B8247D379E78B989B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfGainsAndLossesRealizedAndUnrealizedRelatingToLevel3AssetsAndLiabilitiesIncludedInEarningsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_6916D0A9F427C8B8A0F0578F53DA9665" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_A3CC39E689E70A16F2EC578F53DA06E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_6916D0A9F427C8B8A0F0578F53DA9665" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_A3CC39E689E70A16F2EC578F53DA06E6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_1C4BADABA09456C2F4B4578F53DACC6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_A3CC39E689E70A16F2EC578F53DA06E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_1C4BADABA09456C2F4B4578F53DACC6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B81202323543607FA6DB578F53DA4C4E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_1C4BADABA09456C2F4B4578F53DACC6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B81202323543607FA6DB578F53DA4C4E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B81202323543607FA6DB578F53DA4C4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationAxis_1C4BADABA09456C2F4B4578F53DACC6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B81202323543607FA6DB578F53DA4C4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember_458C00CDD1955A620015578F53DA3C7B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B81202323543607FA6DB578F53DA4C4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeMember_458C00CDD1955A620015578F53DA3C7B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_RealizedGainsOrLossesAndOtherSettlementsOnCreditDerivativeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_RealizedGainsOrLossesAndOtherSettlementsOnCreditDerivativeContractsMember_BBBA2169763881626FE0578F53DA30DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B81202323543607FA6DB578F53DA4C4E" xlink:to="loc_ambc_RealizedGainsOrLossesAndOtherSettlementsOnCreditDerivativeContractsMember_BBBA2169763881626FE0578F53DA30DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_UnrealizedGainsOrLossesOnCreditDerivativeContractsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_UnrealizedGainsOrLossesOnCreditDerivativeContractsMember_38452BF1B5FFC9C18593578F53DA55C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B81202323543607FA6DB578F53DA4C4E" xlink:to="loc_ambc_UnrealizedGainsOrLossesOnCreditDerivativeContractsMember_38452BF1B5FFC9C18593578F53DA55C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_F92E85ADFC1348613359578F53DA5C38" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B81202323543607FA6DB578F53DA4C4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_F92E85ADFC1348613359578F53DA5C38" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_IncomeLossOnVariableInterestEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_IncomeLossOnVariableInterestEntitiesMember_D7D1D75795B8A897C00A578F53DA5332" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B81202323543607FA6DB578F53DA4C4E" xlink:to="loc_ambc_IncomeLossOnVariableInterestEntitiesMember_D7D1D75795B8A897C00A578F53DA5332" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherIncomeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeMember_1FE28068CAC8C4065B83578F53DAC5EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeStatementLocationDomain_B81202323543607FA6DB578F53DA4C4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherIncomeMember_1FE28068CAC8C4065B83578F53DAC5EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AA23B51C05BC3B669CFF578F53DA8217" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_A3CC39E689E70A16F2EC578F53DA06E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AA23B51C05BC3B669CFF578F53DA8217" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BE0B296BF0A14B439ED5578F53DA1E8F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AA23B51C05BC3B669CFF578F53DA8217" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BE0B296BF0A14B439ED5578F53DA1E8F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BE0B296BF0A14B439ED5578F53DA1E8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AA23B51C05BC3B669CFF578F53DA8217" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BE0B296BF0A14B439ED5578F53DA1E8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_4328517DF18B9EEF3890578F53DA81A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BE0B296BF0A14B439ED5578F53DA1E8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_4328517DF18B9EEF3890578F53DA81A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_C96636CF543C8AFE0EE1578F53DA3135" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationTable_A3CC39E689E70A16F2EC578F53DA06E6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_C96636CF543C8AFE0EE1578F53DA3135" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_941A98EC419D2A819C9B578F53DA2215_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_C96636CF543C8AFE0EE1578F53DA3135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_941A98EC419D2A819C9B578F53DA2215_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_941A98EC419D2A819C9B578F53DA2215" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_C96636CF543C8AFE0EE1578F53DA3135" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_941A98EC419D2A819C9B578F53DA2215" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_E3477167C97CA537F58B578F53DAE99E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_941A98EC419D2A819C9B578F53DA2215" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_E3477167C97CA537F58B578F53DAE99E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_9CB2BF5C6705DFC837CD578F53DA94A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueNetDerivativeAssetLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationLineItems_6916D0A9F427C8B8A0F0578F53DA9665" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_9CB2BF5C6705DFC837CD578F53DA94A5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1_5314496F1D8D0D5F7E55578F53DA702A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_9CB2BF5C6705DFC837CD578F53DA94A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueMeasurementWithUnobservableInputsReconciliationRecurringBasisAssetGainLossIncludedInEarnings1_5314496F1D8D0D5F7E55578F53DA702A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings_9EC1D550AFED44CBBEE0578F53DABEA5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_9CB2BF5C6705DFC837CD578F53DA94A5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsAndLiabilitiesMeasuredOnRecurringBasisGainLossIncludedInEarnings_9EC1D550AFED44CBBEE0578F53DABEA5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueAssetOrLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainsLossesStillHeld" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueAssetOrLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainsLossesStillHeld_093F26B8DF3842E294A2578F53DA1D99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueAssetsMeasuredOnRecurringBasisUnobservableInputReconciliationCalculationRollForward_9CB2BF5C6705DFC837CD578F53DA94A5" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueAssetOrLiabilityMeasuredOnRecurringBasisChangeInUnrealizedGainsLossesStillHeld_093F26B8DF3842E294A2578F53DA1D99" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfInformationAboutDescribedModelInputsUsedToDetermineFairValueOfEachClassOfCreditDerivativesDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_BDE6AFDB1A1233E5991E9B165E00DF60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_01D04295A1FF677A58369B165DF85D47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_BDE6AFDB1A1233E5991E9B165E00DF60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_01D04295A1FF677A58369B165DF85D47" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_4A93FC138365F3BF3AC89B165DF9945E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_01D04295A1FF677A58369B165DF85D47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_4A93FC138365F3BF3AC89B165DF9945E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4D99241A40D8B38638699B165DF95497_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_4A93FC138365F3BF3AC89B165DF9945E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4D99241A40D8B38638699B165DF95497_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4D99241A40D8B38638699B165DF95497" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_4A93FC138365F3BF3AC89B165DF9945E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4D99241A40D8B38638699B165DF95497" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RealEstateMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateMember_A2F8E9B6265A1CC157729B165DF91BE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4D99241A40D8B38638699B165DF95497" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RealEstateMember_A2F8E9B6265A1CC157729B165DF91BE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember_EB8721ED5AD7CDF2073C9B165DF9D159" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4D99241A40D8B38638699B165DF95497" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_HedgeFundsMultistrategyMember_EB8721ED5AD7CDF2073C9B165DF9D159" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_21CA68E14BFF5CCFB7369B165DF9771D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4D99241A40D8B38638699B165DF95497" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateContractMember_21CA68E14BFF5CCFB7369B165DF9771D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_IlliquidInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_IlliquidInvestmentsMember_54CDC828DC350EEBC7B09B165DF93F8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4D99241A40D8B38638699B165DF95497" xlink:to="loc_ambc_IlliquidInvestmentsMember_54CDC828DC350EEBC7B09B165DF93F8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_TotalPooledInvestmentMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_TotalPooledInvestmentMember_7CBC9BEA48ED89C4D3119B1C459C68E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_4D99241A40D8B38638699B165DF95497" xlink:to="loc_ambc_TotalPooledInvestmentMember_7CBC9BEA48ED89C4D3119B1C459C68E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_9FD24D0DAB10F755D08F9B165DF9D4CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_01D04295A1FF677A58369B165DF85D47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_9FD24D0DAB10F755D08F9B165DF9D4CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_37D2B068CD2A4D5183549B165DFE42BC_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_9FD24D0DAB10F755D08F9B165DF9D4CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_37D2B068CD2A4D5183549B165DFE42BC_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_37D2B068CD2A4D5183549B165DFE42BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassAxis_9FD24D0DAB10F755D08F9B165DF9D4CB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_37D2B068CD2A4D5183549B165DFE42BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_C6EA8D484206B39DB4F89B165DFFD66B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_37D2B068CD2A4D5183549B165DFE42BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_C6EA8D484206B39DB4F89B165DFFD66B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_882E7B81B58AF2B3206A9B165DFFB1E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingAssetClassDomain_37D2B068CD2A4D5183549B165DFE42BC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_882E7B81B58AF2B3206A9B165DFFB1E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_B5CB11751DCDF5DAD88D9B165DFFCA83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_01D04295A1FF677A58369B165DF85D47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_B5CB11751DCDF5DAD88D9B165DFFCA83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_77054D60A4B746B3EBDD9B165DFF91A2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_B5CB11751DCDF5DAD88D9B165DFFCA83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_77054D60A4B746B3EBDD9B165DFF91A2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_77054D60A4B746B3EBDD9B165DFF91A2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_B5CB11751DCDF5DAD88D9B165DFFCA83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_77054D60A4B746B3EBDD9B165DFF91A2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeMember_853D15CA8398AABCBAD89B165DFF8840" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_77054D60A4B746B3EBDD9B165DFF91A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeMember_853D15CA8398AABCBAD89B165DFF8840" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeMember_88F74DBE540E7940EDC79B165DFF40BC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_77054D60A4B746B3EBDD9B165DFF91A2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeMember_88F74DBE540E7940EDC79B165DFF40BC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_63912984FE3D200B0C6A9B165DFFCE64" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_01D04295A1FF677A58369B165DF85D47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_63912984FE3D200B0C6A9B165DFFCE64" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B2A43A7C5DEEB031CE7E9B165DFF3A71_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_63912984FE3D200B0C6A9B165DFFCE64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B2A43A7C5DEEB031CE7E9B165DFF3A71_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B2A43A7C5DEEB031CE7E9B165DFF3A71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_63912984FE3D200B0C6A9B165DFFCE64" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B2A43A7C5DEEB031CE7E9B165DFF3A71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_A4D42E7F0A702402FA8D9B165DFFA077" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B2A43A7C5DEEB031CE7E9B165DFF3A71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestRateSwapMember_A4D42E7F0A702402FA8D9B165DFFA077" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_B0CF5BFE64092C833F0C9B165DFF11EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B2A43A7C5DEEB031CE7E9B165DFF3A71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_B0CF5BFE64092C833F0C9B165DFF11EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CreditDerivativeMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativeMember_9DC90B720EA6C7D2EBB89B165DFF898F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B2A43A7C5DEEB031CE7E9B165DFF3A71" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CreditDerivativeMember_9DC90B720EA6C7D2EBB89B165DFF898F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_5F307EA1E55B5C05964D9B165DFFF6D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B2A43A7C5DEEB031CE7E9B165DFF3A71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_5F307EA1E55B5C05964D9B165DFFF6D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_40D0621E14925062B3AB9B165DFF0BD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_01D04295A1FF677A58369B165DF85D47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_40D0621E14925062B3AB9B165DFF0BD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DED67338D446133336459B165DFFA807_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_40D0621E14925062B3AB9B165DFF0BD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DED67338D446133336459B165DFFA807_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DED67338D446133336459B165DFFA807" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_40D0621E14925062B3AB9B165DFF0BD5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DED67338D446133336459B165DFFA807" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_5B8042C9B728EDD131959B165DFFBF20" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DED67338D446133336459B165DFFA807" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_5B8042C9B728EDD131959B165DFFBF20" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_F2200FB509D83C4EF8B39B165E00E1F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_DED67338D446133336459B165DFFA807" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_F2200FB509D83C4EF8B39B165E00E1F5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_B1BF266D8A70B9A530819B165E001250" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationTable_01D04295A1FF677A58369B165DF85D47" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_B1BF266D8A70B9A530819B165E001250" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_E8A83B84E49E475326EF9B165E00F981_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_B1BF266D8A70B9A530819B165E001250" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_E8A83B84E49E475326EF9B165E00F981_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_E8A83B84E49E475326EF9B165E00F981" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_B1BF266D8A70B9A530819B165E001250" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_E8A83B84E49E475326EF9B165E00F981" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_6268C93DEE99848B578A9B165E00FF41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_E8A83B84E49E475326EF9B165E00F981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_6268C93DEE99848B578A9B165E00FF41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember_F4A69669C9B6F3C69A999B165E007550" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_E8A83B84E49E475326EF9B165E00F981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedLoanObligationsMember_F4A69669C9B6F3C69A999B165E007550" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnderlyingOtherMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingOtherMember_7D5C534371425BD44DC79B165E0089AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_E8A83B84E49E475326EF9B165E00F981" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnderlyingOtherMember_7D5C534371425BD44DC79B165E0089AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_749178DC743DA1647E829B165E00A0B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_BDE6AFDB1A1233E5991E9B165E00DF60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherInvestments_749178DC743DA1647E829B165E00A0B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_20A696935C09389F5ECF9B165E000F7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_BDE6AFDB1A1233E5991E9B165E00DF60" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_20A696935C09389F5ECF9B165E000F7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageObligationPrice" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageObligationPrice_D8832665898347E27AA29B165E001268" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_BDE6AFDB1A1233E5991E9B165E00DF60" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageObligationPrice_D8832665898347E27AA29B165E001268" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageLife" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageLife_E832D86A11F89F362E359B165E0000E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_BDE6AFDB1A1233E5991E9B165E00DF60" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageLife_E832D86A11F89F362E359B165E0000E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditRating" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditRating_4FAE82AFA6CAF9E6890D9B165E00E0F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_BDE6AFDB1A1233E5991E9B165E00DF60" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditRating_4FAE82AFA6CAF9E6890D9B165E00E0F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageRelativeChangeRatio" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageRelativeChangeRatio_9486CA4CF75007AC9B9D9B165E0081CC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_BDE6AFDB1A1233E5991E9B165E00DF60" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageRelativeChangeRatio_9486CA4CF75007AC9B9D9B165E0081CC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfCreditValueAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditValueAdjustment_0DB61C956361D4ABAE7B9B165E00AAB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_BDE6AFDB1A1233E5991E9B165E00DF60" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditValueAdjustment_0DB61C956361D4ABAE7B9B165E00AAB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_6A6EA3C1B2BBD3E2ED039B165E01B459" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsAssetsQuantitativeInformationLineItems_BDE6AFDB1A1233E5991E9B165E00DF60" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_6A6EA3C1B2BBD3E2ED039B165E01B459" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsSummaryOfInformationAboutDescribedModelInputsUsedToDetermineFairValueOfEachClassOfCreditDerivativesPhantomDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_F6EC050639A6778EA41258EA400C8C1F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable_2247C7974D766104440D58EA40063846" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_F6EC050639A6778EA41258EA400C8C1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable_2247C7974D766104440D58EA40063846" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_0820B15A1CDFAC78EA6B58EA4006C531" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable_2247C7974D766104440D58EA40063846" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_0820B15A1CDFAC78EA6B58EA4006C531" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6A298B7C3A4555A9841558EA40060A70_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_0820B15A1CDFAC78EA6B58EA4006C531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6A298B7C3A4555A9841558EA40060A70_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6A298B7C3A4555A9841558EA40060A70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationAxis_0820B15A1CDFAC78EA6B58EA4006C531" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6A298B7C3A4555A9841558EA40060A70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherContractMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_BC246BB4A945FD2445BF58EA4006CD3D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_BalanceSheetLocationDomain_6A298B7C3A4555A9841558EA40060A70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherContractMember_BC246BB4A945FD2445BF58EA4006CD3D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F56F1725D06AEA4E808258EA40064F43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable_2247C7974D766104440D58EA40063846" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F56F1725D06AEA4E808258EA40064F43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_5CFD1233B36A240F47C158EA40062930_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F56F1725D06AEA4E808258EA40064F43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_5CFD1233B36A240F47C158EA40062930_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_5CFD1233B36A240F47C158EA40062930" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_F56F1725D06AEA4E808258EA40064F43" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_5CFD1233B36A240F47C158EA40062930" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_F480D7F482970E921CE258EA400C1DDF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_5CFD1233B36A240F47C158EA40062930" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_F480D7F482970E921CE258EA400C1DDF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_CE99359C80BF89255CF158EA400C004A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable_2247C7974D766104440D58EA40063846" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_CE99359C80BF89255CF158EA400C004A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_D095F2F29A06FFEA97A058EA400C3236_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_CE99359C80BF89255CF158EA400C004A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_D095F2F29A06FFEA97A058EA400C3236_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_D095F2F29A06FFEA97A058EA400C3236" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_CE99359C80BF89255CF158EA400C004A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_D095F2F29A06FFEA97A058EA400C3236" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeMember_7A304487728505B1CA7558EA400CEB7F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_D095F2F29A06FFEA97A058EA400C3236" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeMember_7A304487728505B1CA7558EA400CEB7F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_16A048C22356FE82B40A58EA400CA742" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationTable_2247C7974D766104440D58EA40063846" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_16A048C22356FE82B40A58EA400CA742" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_37EF9AF1191159251B7058EA400C0857_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_16A048C22356FE82B40A58EA400CA742" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_37EF9AF1191159251B7058EA400C0857_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_37EF9AF1191159251B7058EA400C0857" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_16A048C22356FE82B40A58EA400CA742" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_37EF9AF1191159251B7058EA400C0857" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_FC9C9786A9A1070A39C858EA400C2373" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_37EF9AF1191159251B7058EA400C0857" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_FC9C9786A9A1070A39C858EA400C2373" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount" xlink:label="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_2351D76B27F88CBD6C3A58EA400C2CF6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_F6EC050639A6778EA41258EA400C8C1F" xlink:to="loc_invest_DerivativeNotionalAmount_2351D76B27F88CBD6C3A58EA400C2CF6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageLife" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageLife_52DEDF837BC98A2952CA58EA400C0CAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_F6EC050639A6778EA41258EA400C8C1F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageLife_52DEDF837BC98A2952CA58EA400C0CAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditDerivativeQuoteAsPercentageOfNotional" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditDerivativeQuoteAsPercentageOfNotional_4F16A96CC5581AD108A658EA400CA224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_F6EC050639A6778EA41258EA400C8C1F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditDerivativeQuoteAsPercentageOfNotional_4F16A96CC5581AD108A658EA400CA224" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfCreditValueAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditValueAdjustment_8E9BC58EF5A24B73A9B858EA400CCCA9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_F6EC050639A6778EA41258EA400C8C1F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfCreditValueAdjustment_8E9BC58EF5A24B73A9B858EA400CCCA9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditRating" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditRating_5595D932927ECD12C41958EA400C6885" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_F6EC050639A6778EA41258EA400C8C1F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueInputWeightedAverageCreditRating_5595D932927ECD12C41958EA400C6885" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_ACA47B74682984E0B44C58EA400D21FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FairValueInputsLiabilitiesQuantitativeInformationLineItems_F6EC050639A6778EA41258EA400C8C1F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DerivativeFairValueOfDerivativeLiabilityAmountNotOffsetAgainstCollateral_ACA47B74682984E0B44C58EA400D21FC" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FairValueMeasurementsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InsuranceLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InsuranceTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InsuranceTable_6ED8BF1EDE61D76A969C863C60855A9F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InsuranceTable_6ED8BF1EDE61D76A969C863C60855A9F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_8E7819713D7901F1BBAF863C6085C006" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceTable_6ED8BF1EDE61D76A969C863C60855A9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_8E7819713D7901F1BBAF863C6085C006" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_B277D21C1B1C4433FA9A863C6085279C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_8E7819713D7901F1BBAF863C6085C006" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_B277D21C1B1C4433FA9A863C6085279C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_B277D21C1B1C4433FA9A863C6085279C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingenciesByNatureOfContingencyAxis_8E7819713D7901F1BBAF863C6085C006" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_B277D21C1B1C4433FA9A863C6085279C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LossReservesClaimLiabilityMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LossReservesClaimLiabilityMember_10E23D1D1AB252EC87F0863C6085B2E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LossContingencyNatureDomain_B277D21C1B1C4433FA9A863C6085279C" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LossReservesClaimLiabilityMember_10E23D1D1AB252EC87F0863C6085B2E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_79CE6E9EAE24255FB621863C60852E58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceTable_6ED8BF1EDE61D76A969C863C60855A9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_79CE6E9EAE24255FB621863C60852E58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_0F96F9C5A26DEAD61D86863C608561B9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_79CE6E9EAE24255FB621863C60852E58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_0F96F9C5A26DEAD61D86863C608561B9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RangeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_0F96F9C5A26DEAD61D86863C608561B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeAxis_79CE6E9EAE24255FB621863C60852E58" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_0F96F9C5A26DEAD61D86863C608561B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MaximumMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_FDE11619A0FF959DE11B863C6085567E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RangeMember_0F96F9C5A26DEAD61D86863C608561B9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MaximumMember_FDE11619A0FF959DE11B863C6085567E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A6F69B6641E44E8141E7863C60851770" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceTable_6ED8BF1EDE61D76A969C863C60855A9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A6F69B6641E44E8141E7863C60851770" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B3CE8D1DDA7AEAE5CB26863C60856E70_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A6F69B6641E44E8141E7863C60851770" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B3CE8D1DDA7AEAE5CB26863C60856E70_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B3CE8D1DDA7AEAE5CB26863C60856E70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A6F69B6641E44E8141E7863C60851770" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B3CE8D1DDA7AEAE5CB26863C60856E70" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_EAED813B880A74D52DE0863C60859C1A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B3CE8D1DDA7AEAE5CB26863C60856E70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_EAED813B880A74D52DE0863C60859C1A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_D3A8A2D72F2D3D12C7C8863C60852536" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B3CE8D1DDA7AEAE5CB26863C60856E70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_D3A8A2D72F2D3D12C7C8863C60852536" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_715A43A8BF8491ABFCBD863C60857E2B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceTable_6ED8BF1EDE61D76A969C863C60855A9F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_715A43A8BF8491ABFCBD863C60857E2B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7E9619B961DD8F7A5266863C60851B9D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_715A43A8BF8491ABFCBD863C60857E2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7E9619B961DD8F7A5266863C60851B9D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7E9619B961DD8F7A5266863C60851B9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_715A43A8BF8491ABFCBD863C60857E2B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7E9619B961DD8F7A5266863C60851B9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InsuranceAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InsuranceAssetMember_9906A50A60A9E1D8C41B863C608574E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_7E9619B961DD8F7A5266863C60851B9D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InsuranceAssetMember_9906A50A60A9E1D8C41B863C608574E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_EstimatedFuturePremiumPaymentsWeightedAverageDiscountedRate" xlink:label="loc_ambc_EstimatedFuturePremiumPaymentsWeightedAverageDiscountedRate_0F0FD50C806CDA00E7B2863C60855394" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_EstimatedFuturePremiumPaymentsWeightedAverageDiscountedRate_0F0FD50C806CDA00E7B2863C60855394" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmountOfInsuredParOutstandingCededToReinsurer" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmountOfInsuredParOutstandingCededToReinsurer_3CD6F35FEE6B941B787C863C60854697" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmountOfInsuredParOutstandingCededToReinsurer_3CD6F35FEE6B941B787C863C60854697" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CededPrincipalOutstandingMajorReinsurerPercentage" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CededPrincipalOutstandingMajorReinsurerPercentage_664FEF3775912033B1B0863C608583A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CededPrincipalOutstandingMajorReinsurerPercentage_664FEF3775912033B1B0863C608583A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FinancialGuaranteeGrossOutstandingPrincipalAssumedFromThirdParties" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FinancialGuaranteeGrossOutstandingPrincipalAssumedFromThirdParties_D8720B56C20B86DF3AF0863C60851939" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FinancialGuaranteeGrossOutstandingPrincipalAssumedFromThirdParties_D8720B56C20B86DF3AF0863C60851939" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DeferredCededPremiumsAndReinsuranceRecoverables" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DeferredCededPremiumsAndReinsuranceRecoverables_F226F953FB1E991D5250863C60854D87" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DeferredCededPremiumsAndReinsuranceRecoverables_F226F953FB1E991D5250863C60854D87" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePayable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePayable_AB51B5AA57E65798A4FF863C6085AE01" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePayable_AB51B5AA57E65798A4FF863C6085AE01" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DeferredAmountsandJuniorDeferredAmountsAccruedInterestRate" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DeferredAmountsandJuniorDeferredAmountsAccruedInterestRate_3D8B968BEBFF892601B2863C60856DE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DeferredAmountsandJuniorDeferredAmountsAccruedInterestRate_3D8B968BEBFF892601B2863C60856DE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivedOverContractPeriodPremiumReceivableWeightedAverageRiskFreeDiscountRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivedOverContractPeriodPremiumReceivableWeightedAverageRiskFreeDiscountRate_5827218823506F14CD1D863C60858266" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivedOverContractPeriodPremiumReceivableWeightedAverageRiskFreeDiscountRate_5827218823506F14CD1D863C60858266" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivedOverContractPeriodPremiumReceivableWeightedAverageCollectionPeriod1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivedOverContractPeriodPremiumReceivableWeightedAverageCollectionPeriod1_B1D279A7D27E881A3A6A863C6085F76E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivedOverContractPeriodPremiumReceivableWeightedAverageCollectionPeriod1_B1D279A7D27E881A3A6A863C6085F76E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentagePremiumsReceivableRelatedToTransactionsWithNonInvestmentGradeInternalRatings" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentagePremiumsReceivableRelatedToTransactionsWithNonInvestmentGradeInternalRatings_1A58E6CBE24CEFEA7DC6863C60857098" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentagePremiumsReceivableRelatedToTransactionsWithNonInvestmentGradeInternalRatings_1A58E6CBE24CEFEA7DC6863C60857098" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeRmbsTransactions" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeRmbsTransactions_0B4904DC8BE4D2F15FA8863C6085E067" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeRmbsTransactions_0B4904DC8BE4D2F15FA8863C6085E067" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeStructuredInsTransactions" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeStructuredInsTransactions_91FF02FDA2DDAD0C62FC863C608548A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeStructuredInsTransactions_91FF02FDA2DDAD0C62FC863C608548A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToStudentLoanTransactions" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToStudentLoanTransactions_CE6BF378686C3CFDB490863C608543AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToStudentLoanTransactions_CE6BF378686C3CFDB490863C608543AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentagePremiumsReceivableRelatedToAssetBackedTransactions" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentagePremiumsReceivableRelatedToAssetBackedTransactions_9BF1C749953C5CDC1A1E863C6085504F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentagePremiumsReceivableRelatedToAssetBackedTransactions_9BF1C749953C5CDC1A1E863C6085504F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts_4166F7046A4905E588E4863C6085ADEF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts_4166F7046A4905E588E4863C6085ADEF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PremiumsPastDueOnNonInvestmentGradeObligation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PremiumsPastDueOnNonInvestmentGradeObligation_934FC2D165E12C775F65863C6085BF94" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PremiumsPastDueOnNonInvestmentGradeObligation_934FC2D165E12C775F65863C6085BF94" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsAcceleratedPremiumRevenueAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsAcceleratedPremiumRevenueAmount_6CD886271592867604CD863C60858656" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsAcceleratedPremiumRevenueAmount_6CD886271592867604CD863C60858656" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded_1B79F3C0D6A62050D0A5863C608501EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded_1B79F3C0D6A62050D0A5863C608501EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsClaimLiabilityWeightedAverageRiskFreeDiscountRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsClaimLiabilityWeightedAverageRiskFreeDiscountRate_E46560EB648E469D9AD0863C6085377B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsClaimLiabilityWeightedAverageRiskFreeDiscountRate_E46560EB648E469D9AD0863C6085377B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers_BAB6E8B81E89D953C54B863C60855E60" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers_BAB6E8B81E89D953C54B863C60855E60" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_BalanceOfGrossRmbsSubrogationRecoveries" xlink:label="loc_ambc_BalanceOfGrossRmbsSubrogationRecoveries_D37990BBE81A6CF22235863C60850E81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_BalanceOfGrossRmbsSubrogationRecoveries_D37990BBE81A6CF22235863C60850E81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_BalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesNetOfReinsurance" xlink:label="loc_ambc_BalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesNetOfReinsurance_F6F4A4C79C5B80C667F1863C6085E8DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="22" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_BalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesNetOfReinsurance_F6F4A4C79C5B80C667F1863C6085E8DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_2C7FCC4110DB0A3D3D49863C608501CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="23" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_2C7FCC4110DB0A3D3D49863C608501CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_8DF4D3485A475982C52A863C60855C1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="24" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwill_8DF4D3485A475982C52A863C60855C1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AccumulatedAmortizationOnIntangibleAsset" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AccumulatedAmortizationOnIntangibleAsset_8B8E00C8C76160F2745D863C6085D212" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="25" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AccumulatedAmortizationOnIntangibleAsset_8B8E00C8C76160F2745D863C6085D212" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_CFDE4B21A994EE15A15D863C608503BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="26" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LettersOfCreditOutstandingAmount_CFDE4B21A994EE15A15D863C608503BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageofPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeLeaseSecuritizations" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageofPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeLeaseSecuritizations_F392CBBFFDE597234691863C6085EDFA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="27" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageofPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeLeaseSecuritizations_F392CBBFFDE597234691863C6085EDFA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeStudentLoanTransactions" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeStudentLoanTransactions_CB185F3FBC3421F31DB2863C6085623B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="28" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_46EA9CB11684F404E0EC863C608523AB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeStudentLoanTransactions_CB185F3FBC3421F31DB2863C6085623B" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsEffectOfReinsuranceOnPremiumsWrittenAndEarnedDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_D5157D74EEAB94643CD5D379E87C5B9E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_1E963ECB72AE3D6BDF98D379E87B2000" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_D5157D74EEAB94643CD5D379E87C5B9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_1E963ECB72AE3D6BDF98D379E87B2000" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AC5FA4C5714F18B42614D379E87B659A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentTable_1E963ECB72AE3D6BDF98D379E87B2000" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AC5FA4C5714F18B42614D379E87B659A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_079FC981F85766C095D2D379E87B9E31_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AC5FA4C5714F18B42614D379E87B659A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_079FC981F85766C095D2D379E87B9E31_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_079FC981F85766C095D2D379E87B9E31" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_AC5FA4C5714F18B42614D379E87B659A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_079FC981F85766C095D2D379E87B9E31" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_1C4FC3D444189E008433D379E87CA796" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_079FC981F85766C095D2D379E87B9E31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_1C4FC3D444189E008433D379E87CA796" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_EEFF1440639B95D2BCF6D379E87C7EC6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_079FC981F85766C095D2D379E87B9E31" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_EEFF1440639B95D2BCF6D379E87C7EC6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectPremiumsWritten" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DirectPremiumsWritten_5AB6CDBC4AD3E563F2BBD379E87C309C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_D5157D74EEAB94643CD5D379E87C5B9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DirectPremiumsWritten_5AB6CDBC4AD3E563F2BBD379E87C309C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsWritten" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsWritten_46F847352E2FB04376F9D379E87CF9D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_D5157D74EEAB94643CD5D379E87C5B9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsWritten_46F847352E2FB04376F9D379E87CF9D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededPremiumsWritten" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsWritten_7A2C1C63BFC133699F24D379E87C7623" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_D5157D74EEAB94643CD5D379E87C5B9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsWritten_7A2C1C63BFC133699F24D379E87C7623" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNet_2D886166DB9C1DF11C71D379E87C65F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_D5157D74EEAB94643CD5D379E87C5B9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenNet_2D886166DB9C1DF11C71D379E87C65F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DirectPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DirectPremiumsEarned_4668641A5F33397114C4D379E87C4183" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_D5157D74EEAB94643CD5D379E87C5B9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DirectPremiumsEarned_4668641A5F33397114C4D379E87C4183" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned_2D68C8F94BFE31D132A6D379E87CA517" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_D5157D74EEAB94643CD5D379E87C5B9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssumedPremiumsEarned_2D68C8F94BFE31D132A6D379E87CA517" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned_384AA50615A59E8CFA39D379E87C07CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_D5157D74EEAB94643CD5D379E87C5B9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededPremiumsEarned_384AA50615A59E8CFA39D379E87C07CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_BE1FC97955B2A363026CD379E87CFFF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReinsurancePremiumsForInsuranceCompaniesByProductSegmentLineItems_D5157D74EEAB94643CD5D379E87C5B9E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_BE1FC97955B2A363026CD379E87CFFF9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsEstimatedFutureAmortizationExpenseForInsuranceIntangibleAssetDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems_3C0EA6FF558F09CA9E60863C6026759C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseTable_C8AC17E47C44E7DBADF3863C6026E927" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems_3C0EA6FF558F09CA9E60863C6026759C" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseTable_C8AC17E47C44E7DBADF3863C6026E927" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1D1CEE7335EA31C8EDB4863C60262259" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseTable_C8AC17E47C44E7DBADF3863C6026E927" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1D1CEE7335EA31C8EDB4863C60262259" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B2D9CD9584AA5EBCA09E863C60261062_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1D1CEE7335EA31C8EDB4863C60262259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B2D9CD9584AA5EBCA09E863C60261062_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B2D9CD9584AA5EBCA09E863C60261062" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1D1CEE7335EA31C8EDB4863C60262259" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B2D9CD9584AA5EBCA09E863C60261062" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_97BD438DA6858086DB04863C60266AD5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B2D9CD9584AA5EBCA09E863C60261062" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_97BD438DA6858086DB04863C60266AD5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D92EA50CBD5941E8115A863C60266122" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseTable_C8AC17E47C44E7DBADF3863C6026E927" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D92EA50CBD5941E8115A863C60266122" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8CFF76CFBAAA1179157B863C602642B9_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D92EA50CBD5941E8115A863C60266122" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8CFF76CFBAAA1179157B863C602642B9_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8CFF76CFBAAA1179157B863C602642B9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_D92EA50CBD5941E8115A863C60266122" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8CFF76CFBAAA1179157B863C602642B9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InsuranceIntangibleAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InsuranceIntangibleAssetMember_E024AA02FDAB1D2F3241863C6026D181" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_8CFF76CFBAAA1179157B863C602642B9" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InsuranceIntangibleAssetMember_E024AA02FDAB1D2F3241863C6026D181" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_9E98C035B46C186993B4863C6027E160" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems_3C0EA6FF558F09CA9E60863C6026759C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_9E98C035B46C186993B4863C6027E160" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_CD2012CD6B331EBE80E8863C6027E2D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems_3C0EA6FF558F09CA9E60863C6026759C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsGrossExcludingGoodwill_CD2012CD6B331EBE80E8863C6027E2D6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AccumulatedAmortizationOnIntangibleAsset" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AccumulatedAmortizationOnIntangibleAsset_568247E0A373CC738005863C60275E5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems_3C0EA6FF558F09CA9E60863C6026759C" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AccumulatedAmortizationOnIntangibleAsset_568247E0A373CC738005863C60275E5F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear_4DEE6DB8AB3401F10659863C602702F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems_3C0EA6FF558F09CA9E60863C6026759C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseRemainderOfFiscalYear_4DEE6DB8AB3401F10659863C602702F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_593D3391EC3EF8100B57863C6027BF28" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems_3C0EA6FF558F09CA9E60863C6026759C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearTwo_593D3391EC3EF8100B57863C6027BF28" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_22A5B4BDD0BD4DAF120B863C60274AF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems_3C0EA6FF558F09CA9E60863C6026759C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearThree_22A5B4BDD0BD4DAF120B863C60274AF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_EF451B6DC7CDBA75F7BF863C6027157D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems_3C0EA6FF558F09CA9E60863C6026759C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFour_EF451B6DC7CDBA75F7BF863C6027157D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_86C6D9019FD250DC25F8863C6027CB97" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems_3C0EA6FF558F09CA9E60863C6026759C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseYearFive_86C6D9019FD250DC25F8863C6027CB97" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_096D7B638C1942B99C0B863C60270E12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssetsLineItems_3C0EA6FF558F09CA9E60863C6026759C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsAmortizationExpenseAfterYearFive_096D7B638C1942B99C0B863C60270E12" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsComponentsOfLossAndLossExpenseReservesAndSubrogationRecoverableDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableLineItems_0DFFF70A29F1946DCC4FE1E442821DEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableTable_25E8BF67FD46288788DDE1E44282E948" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableLineItems_0DFFF70A29F1946DCC4FE1E442821DEE" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableTable_25E8BF67FD46288788DDE1E44282E948" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_8B877F85A68225B615A6E1E44282C7DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableTable_25E8BF67FD46288788DDE1E44282E948" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_8B877F85A68225B615A6E1E44282C7DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2886EABAB4869BDE117CE1E442824870_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_8B877F85A68225B615A6E1E44282C7DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2886EABAB4869BDE117CE1E442824870_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2886EABAB4869BDE117CE1E442824870" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_8B877F85A68225B615A6E1E44282C7DF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2886EABAB4869BDE117CE1E442824870" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_3E94D08C140713636F43E1E4428200A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2886EABAB4869BDE117CE1E442824870" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_3E94D08C140713636F43E1E4428200A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_BE84277FAF97524762DBE1E4428292DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_2886EABAB4869BDE117CE1E442824870" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_BE84277FAF97524762DBE1E4428292DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis_37FC916F3B510171E953E1E442826968" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableTable_25E8BF67FD46288788DDE1E44282E948" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis_37FC916F3B510171E953E1E442826968" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LossandLossReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LossandLossReservesDomain_B42FD7C8691903E014ACE1E442821C19_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis_37FC916F3B510171E953E1E442826968" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LossandLossReservesDomain_B42FD7C8691903E014ACE1E442821C19_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LossandLossReservesDomain" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LossandLossReservesDomain_B42FD7C8691903E014ACE1E442821C19" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LossandLossReservesAxis_37FC916F3B510171E953E1E442826968" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LossandLossReservesDomain_B42FD7C8691903E014ACE1E442821C19" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_UnpaidClaimsClaimsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_UnpaidClaimsClaimsMember_00745E7E5910FFD1E78FE1E442829EF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LossandLossReservesDomain_B42FD7C8691903E014ACE1E442821C19" xlink:to="loc_ambc_UnpaidClaimsClaimsMember_00745E7E5910FFD1E78FE1E442829EF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_UnpaidClaimsAccruedInterestMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_UnpaidClaimsAccruedInterestMember_0464BBBB4F9BBB526F17E1E442822883" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LossandLossReservesDomain_B42FD7C8691903E014ACE1E442821C19" xlink:to="loc_ambc_UnpaidClaimsAccruedInterestMember_0464BBBB4F9BBB526F17E1E442822883" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsClaimsandLossExpensesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsClaimsandLossExpensesMember_04BACD1015FF99A0DA87E1E44282A432" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LossandLossReservesDomain_B42FD7C8691903E014ACE1E442821C19" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsClaimsandLossExpensesMember_04BACD1015FF99A0DA87E1E44282A432" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsRecoveriesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsRecoveriesMember_E0AF99E07B9350F2B412E1E442824857" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LossandLossReservesDomain_B42FD7C8691903E014ACE1E442821C19" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PresentValueofExpectedNetCashFlowsRecoveriesMember_E0AF99E07B9350F2B412E1E442824857" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_UnearnedPremiumReserveMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_UnearnedPremiumReserveMember_25D3D56F3C3729BFD989E1E44282046B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LossandLossReservesDomain_B42FD7C8691903E014ACE1E442821C19" xlink:to="loc_ambc_UnearnedPremiumReserveMember_25D3D56F3C3729BFD989E1E44282046B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered_BDB1F84C2D0089609920E1E442827CBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableLineItems_0DFFF70A29F1946DCC4FE1E442821DEE" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered_BDB1F84C2D0089609920E1E442827CBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers_6355A3A6BF4623DA59BAE1E4428230DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableLineItems_0DFFF70A29F1946DCC4FE1E442821DEE" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers_6355A3A6BF4623DA59BAE1E4428230DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded_62B05836498552F2523BE1E442827184" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableLineItems_0DFFF70A29F1946DCC4FE1E442821DEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded_62B05836498552F2523BE1E442827184" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet_B19A8BECBDA9FE8760CCE1E44282C1AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableLineItems_0DFFF70A29F1946DCC4FE1E442821DEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet_B19A8BECBDA9FE8760CCE1E44282C1AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_850163C3BB1E995D2395E1E4428287F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableLineItems_0DFFF70A29F1946DCC4FE1E442821DEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_850163C3BB1E995D2395E1E4428287F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue_A27B6CF7585CC7B73512E1E44282279C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableLineItems_0DFFF70A29F1946DCC4FE1E442821DEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue_A27B6CF7585CC7B73512E1E44282279C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability_BB479C30E7AFD121D884E1E4428223E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ComponentsofLossandLossExpenseReservesandSubrogationRecoverableLineItems_0DFFF70A29F1946DCC4FE1E442821DEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability_BB479C30E7AFD121D884E1E4428223E3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfPercentageCededToReinsurersAndReinsuranceRecoverableAndRatingLevelsDetails" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummarizedFutureGrossUndiscountedPremiumsExpectedToBeCollectedAndFutureExpectedPremiumsEarnedNetOfReinsuranceDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachLineItems_1D141BF0526502B311BE578F420ED77B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachTable_0EE93EBF1D61294AE4BF578F420ED77E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachLineItems_1D141BF0526502B311BE578F420ED77B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachTable_0EE93EBF1D61294AE4BF578F420ED77E" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveByLoanAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveByLoanAxis_4330F37C8854125F10F0578F420E75AE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachTable_0EE93EBF1D61294AE4BF578F420ED77E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveByLoanAxis_4330F37C8854125F10F0578F420E75AE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain_EAA32BF9F04D3391BEE8578F420EED77_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveByLoanAxis_4330F37C8854125F10F0578F420E75AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain_EAA32BF9F04D3391BEE8578F420EED77_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain_EAA32BF9F04D3391BEE8578F420EED77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveByLoanAxis_4330F37C8854125F10F0578F420E75AE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain_EAA32BF9F04D3391BEE8578F420EED77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AdverseSamplesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AdverseSamplesMember_BFB5D034D26E41DD8A64578F420EA8CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain_EAA32BF9F04D3391BEE8578F420EED77" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AdverseSamplesMember_BFB5D034D26E41DD8A64578F420EA8CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_RandomSamplesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_RandomSamplesMember_8B367BF03623E1CAA783578F420E22DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain_EAA32BF9F04D3391BEE8578F420EED77" xlink:to="loc_ambc_RandomSamplesMember_8B367BF03623E1CAA783578F420E22DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_4CD7975C0F6BB140293B578F420EA374" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachTable_0EE93EBF1D61294AE4BF578F420ED77E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_4CD7975C0F6BB140293B578F420EA374" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B2DAE3EB6CCAB5CA5A8A578F420EA119_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_4CD7975C0F6BB140293B578F420EA374" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B2DAE3EB6CCAB5CA5A8A578F420EA119_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B2DAE3EB6CCAB5CA5A8A578F420EA119" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_4CD7975C0F6BB140293B578F420EA374" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B2DAE3EB6CCAB5CA5A8A578F420EA119" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_D9EAC7D1A4F01DED760D578F420E7EA7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B2DAE3EB6CCAB5CA5A8A578F420EA119" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_D9EAC7D1A4F01DED760D578F420E7EA7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_859492382863A5743BD1578F420E9EB9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachTable_0EE93EBF1D61294AE4BF578F420ED77E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_859492382863A5743BD1578F420E9EB9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_F34462E05BA2F59AF5DA578F420EB20A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_859492382863A5743BD1578F420E9EB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_F34462E05BA2F59AF5DA578F420EB20A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_F34462E05BA2F59AF5DA578F420EB20A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueAxis_859492382863A5743BD1578F420E9EB9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_F34462E05BA2F59AF5DA578F420EB20A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AdverseSamplesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AdverseSamplesMember_FE8CA751225D445C2EFE578F420EF80A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_F34462E05BA2F59AF5DA578F420EB20A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AdverseSamplesMember_FE8CA751225D445C2EFE578F420EF80A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_RandomSamplesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_RandomSamplesMember_39E71CBD2FF7FFC3BA0B578F420E13BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ValuationTechniqueDomain_F34462E05BA2F59AF5DA578F420EB20A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_RandomSamplesMember_39E71CBD2FF7FFC3BA0B578F420E13BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationRmbsGrossClaimLiabilitiesBeforeSubrogationRecoveries" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationRmbsGrossClaimLiabilitiesBeforeSubrogationRecoveries_8CCC31559F5F3617CF66578F420E8372" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachLineItems_1D141BF0526502B311BE578F420ED77B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationRmbsGrossClaimLiabilitiesBeforeSubrogationRecoveries_8CCC31559F5F3617CF66578F420E8372" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityRmbsSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityRmbsSubrogation_D64D48119CA9B888ABAD578F420E710D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachLineItems_1D141BF0526502B311BE578F420ED77B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityRmbsSubrogation_D64D48119CA9B888ABAD578F420E710D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationRmbsGrossClaimLiabilitiesAfterSubrogationRecoveries" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationRmbsGrossClaimLiabilitiesAfterSubrogationRecoveries_7A59407D1339AA935348578F420E7072" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachLineItems_1D141BF0526502B311BE578F420ED77B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationRmbsGrossClaimLiabilitiesAfterSubrogationRecoveries_7A59407D1339AA935348578F420E7072" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AdditionalTransactionsReviewedChangesinRMBSSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AdditionalTransactionsReviewedChangesinRMBSSubrogation_B9F4F38C5BC676B14BC0578F420E3CED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachLineItems_1D141BF0526502B311BE578F420ED77B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AdditionalTransactionsReviewedChangesinRMBSSubrogation_B9F4F38C5BC676B14BC0578F420E3CED" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ChangesinEstimationApproachInRmbsSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ChangesinEstimationApproachInRmbsSubrogation_D2F4BE2A545FE5B47485578F420EE357" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachLineItems_1D141BF0526502B311BE578F420ED77B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ChangesinEstimationApproachInRmbsSubrogation_D2F4BE2A545FE5B47485578F420EE357" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ImpactOfSponsorActionsInResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ImpactOfSponsorActionsInResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesSubrogation_E8581E3188D7E1569A64578F420EEC8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachLineItems_1D141BF0526502B311BE578F420ED77B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ImpactOfSponsorActionsInResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesSubrogation_E8581E3188D7E1569A64578F420EEC8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherChangesRmbsSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherChangesRmbsSubrogation_F90C8CC34F26DD3AE9FA578F420E73BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachLineItems_1D141BF0526502B311BE578F420ED77B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherChangesRmbsSubrogation_F90C8CC34F26DD3AE9FA578F420E73BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AdverseLoansRepurchasedBySponsorChangeinRmbsSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AdverseLoansRepurchasedBySponsorChangeinRmbsSubrogation_9EC7232CDBED34AD92DF578F420E2714" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachLineItems_1D141BF0526502B311BE578F420ED77B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AdverseLoansRepurchasedBySponsorChangeinRmbsSubrogation_9EC7232CDBED34AD92DF578F420E2714" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfGrossPremiumReceivableRollForwardDirectAndAssumedContractsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InsuranceLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_B3586B20C9B0CA6E4347578F56F5EA3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InsuranceTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InsuranceTable_CCCD6D9F644BC6B29AF4578F56F50FFB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_B3586B20C9B0CA6E4347578F56F5EA3C" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InsuranceTable_CCCD6D9F644BC6B29AF4578F56F50FFB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_902AAE009C6424274F19578F56F5618F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceTable_CCCD6D9F644BC6B29AF4578F56F50FFB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_902AAE009C6424274F19578F56F5618F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_645DCE602F0EA930799E578F56F5584B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_902AAE009C6424274F19578F56F5618F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_645DCE602F0EA930799E578F56F5584B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_645DCE602F0EA930799E578F56F5584B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_902AAE009C6424274F19578F56F5618F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_645DCE602F0EA930799E578F56F5584B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_FC51591ADB6FD8E7A875578F56F5B5F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_645DCE602F0EA930799E578F56F5584B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_FC51591ADB6FD8E7A875578F56F5B5F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentagePremiumsReceivableRelatedToTransactionsWithNonInvestmentGradeInternalRatings" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentagePremiumsReceivableRelatedToTransactionsWithNonInvestmentGradeInternalRatings_6A545B335A1445666D99578F56F58456" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_B3586B20C9B0CA6E4347578F56F5EA3C" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentagePremiumsReceivableRelatedToTransactionsWithNonInvestmentGradeInternalRatings_6A545B335A1445666D99578F56F58456" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableRollForward_A04DA68FFB4C9FFC3894578F56F51BF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_B3586B20C9B0CA6E4347578F56F5EA3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableRollForward_A04DA68FFB4C9FFC3894578F56F51BF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivable_0E5589F1B13C099915DA578F57051629" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableRollForward_A04DA68FFB4C9FFC3894578F56F51BF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivable_0E5589F1B13C099915DA578F57051629" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivablePremiumPaymentsReceived" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivablePremiumPaymentsReceived_64C7E562E002E63D561C578F57057423" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableRollForward_A04DA68FFB4C9FFC3894578F56F51BF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivablePremiumPaymentsReceived_64C7E562E002E63D561C578F57057423" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumsReceivableAdjustmentChangeInPeriodOfContract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumsReceivableAdjustmentChangeInPeriodOfContract_FA504E75E0B4F149C3EE578F57058AF1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableRollForward_A04DA68FFB4C9FFC3894578F56F51BF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumsReceivableAdjustmentChangeInPeriodOfContract_FA504E75E0B4F149C3EE578F57058AF1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumsReceivableAdjustmentAccretionOfDiscountOnPremiumReceivable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumsReceivableAdjustmentAccretionOfDiscountOnPremiumReceivable_F46EB41FB56B0235A802578F570500E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableRollForward_A04DA68FFB4C9FFC3894578F56F51BF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumsReceivableAdjustmentAccretionOfDiscountOnPremiumReceivable_F46EB41FB56B0235A802578F570500E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableDeconsolidationOfCertainVariableInterestEntity" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableDeconsolidationOfCertainVariableInterestEntity_E549697A65BEBE78C10D578F5705B7D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableRollForward_A04DA68FFB4C9FFC3894578F56F51BF7" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableDeconsolidationOfCertainVariableInterestEntity_E549697A65BEBE78C10D578F5705B7D0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablePeriodIncreaseDecrease" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablePeriodIncreaseDecrease_40EDD408922EE75BCF22578F570509C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableRollForward_A04DA68FFB4C9FFC3894578F56F51BF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AllowanceForDoubtfulAccountsReceivablePeriodIncreaseDecrease_40EDD408922EE75BCF22578F570509C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumsReceivableAdjustmentOtherAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumsReceivableAdjustmentOtherAdjustments_A4E1CE698937420AD5F8578F5705AC69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableRollForward_A04DA68FFB4C9FFC3894578F56F51BF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumsReceivableAdjustmentOtherAdjustments_A4E1CE698937420AD5F8578F5705AC69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeRmbsTransactions" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeRmbsTransactions_1536ED9636F3E949D0E4578F5705809D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_B3586B20C9B0CA6E4347578F56F5EA3C" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToNonInvestmentGradeRmbsTransactions_1536ED9636F3E949D0E4578F5705809D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToStudentLoanTransactions" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToStudentLoanTransactions_D2AC1EFE2F9B1B6E7FF6578F5705522F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_B3586B20C9B0CA6E4347578F56F5EA3C" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfPremiumsReceivableRelatedToStudentLoanTransactions_D2AC1EFE2F9B1B6E7FF6578F5705522F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentagePremiumsReceivableRelatedToAssetBackedTransactions" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentagePremiumsReceivableRelatedToAssetBackedTransactions_18B3372D28D5A3FEE3D3578F57054AF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_B3586B20C9B0CA6E4347578F56F5EA3C" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentagePremiumsReceivableRelatedToAssetBackedTransactions_18B3372D28D5A3FEE3D3578F57054AF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts_7449C57EF4F91AB4F92D578F570592F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_B3586B20C9B0CA6E4347578F56F5EA3C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAllowanceForDoubtfulAccounts_7449C57EF4F91AB4F92D578F570592F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PremiumsPastDueOnNonInvestmentGradeObligation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PremiumsPastDueOnNonInvestmentGradeObligation_9B3F3DDA5AFE29CC55E3578F57050503" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_B3586B20C9B0CA6E4347578F56F5EA3C" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PremiumsPastDueOnNonInvestmentGradeObligation_9B3F3DDA5AFE29CC55E3578F57050503" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfInformationRelatedToPoliciesCurrentlyIncludedInAmbacsLossReservesOrSubrogationRecoverableDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_7700B17F7AC378D92385578F448E193E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationTable_1F15FCDEB1848B2A0DAE578F448E32C2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_7700B17F7AC378D92385578F448E193E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationTable_1F15FCDEB1848B2A0DAE578F448E32C2" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationBySurveillanceCategoryAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationBySurveillanceCategoryAxis_44F0255EE341C60B12F0578F448E22C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationTable_1F15FCDEB1848B2A0DAE578F448E32C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationBySurveillanceCategoryAxis_44F0255EE341C60B12F0578F448E22C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SurveillanceCategoryDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SurveillanceCategoryDomain_E0A3CC67F461007FCA2B578F448EDEB5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationBySurveillanceCategoryAxis_44F0255EE341C60B12F0578F448E22C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SurveillanceCategoryDomain_E0A3CC67F461007FCA2B578F448EDEB5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SurveillanceCategoryDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SurveillanceCategoryDomain_E0A3CC67F461007FCA2B578F448EDEB5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationBySurveillanceCategoryAxis_44F0255EE341C60B12F0578F448E22C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SurveillanceCategoryDomain_E0A3CC67F461007FCA2B578F448EDEB5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SurveillanceCategoryOneSurveyListMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SurveillanceCategoryOneSurveyListMember_A0E1035E1B9DE6F3C057578F448E04D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SurveillanceCategoryDomain_E0A3CC67F461007FCA2B578F448EDEB5" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SurveillanceCategoryOneSurveyListMember_A0E1035E1B9DE6F3C057578F448E04D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SurveillanceCategoryOneaMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SurveillanceCategoryOneaMember_EB8BC13D76BE5EB66762578F448EFB53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SurveillanceCategoryDomain_E0A3CC67F461007FCA2B578F448EDEB5" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SurveillanceCategoryOneaMember_EB8BC13D76BE5EB66762578F448EFB53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SurveillanceCategoryTwoMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SurveillanceCategoryTwoMember_91CD939AB3B697825B0F578F448E7B86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SurveillanceCategoryDomain_E0A3CC67F461007FCA2B578F448EDEB5" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SurveillanceCategoryTwoMember_91CD939AB3B697825B0F578F448E7B86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SurveillanceCategoryThreeMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SurveillanceCategoryThreeMember_DFD3FA31696182567911578F448E8BD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SurveillanceCategoryDomain_E0A3CC67F461007FCA2B578F448EDEB5" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SurveillanceCategoryThreeMember_DFD3FA31696182567911578F448E8BD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SurveillanceCategoryFourMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SurveillanceCategoryFourMember_EAAAA048D700A11BB19D578F448E29AA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SurveillanceCategoryDomain_E0A3CC67F461007FCA2B578F448EDEB5" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SurveillanceCategoryFourMember_EAAAA048D700A11BB19D578F448E29AA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SurveillanceCategoryFiveMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SurveillanceCategoryFiveMember_F83C1E9B8CC512892C84578F448E7BF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SurveillanceCategoryDomain_E0A3CC67F461007FCA2B578F448EDEB5" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SurveillanceCategoryFiveMember_F83C1E9B8CC512892C84578F448E7BF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2BBE7FFB4E393CD94213578F448E060D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationTable_1F15FCDEB1848B2A0DAE578F448E32C2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2BBE7FFB4E393CD94213578F448E060D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_144D3E94827C37ABD994578F448E09D2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2BBE7FFB4E393CD94213578F448E060D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_144D3E94827C37ABD994578F448E09D2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_144D3E94827C37ABD994578F448E09D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_2BBE7FFB4E393CD94213578F448E060D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_144D3E94827C37ABD994578F448E09D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_40618EC9A7BF56F9138F578F448E217E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_144D3E94827C37ABD994578F448E09D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_40618EC9A7BF56F9138F578F448E217E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationNumberOfContractsIssuedAndOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationNumberOfContractsIssuedAndOutstanding_894F8F6CCE41C2C4E68B578F448E7D55" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_7700B17F7AC378D92385578F448E193E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationNumberOfContractsIssuedAndOutstanding_894F8F6CCE41C2C4E68B578F448E7D55" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationRemainingWeightedAverageContractPeriod" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationRemainingWeightedAverageContractPeriod_7AEC54569C09B6D3CF1D578F448EF21D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_7700B17F7AC378D92385578F448E193E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationRemainingWeightedAverageContractPeriod_7AEC54569C09B6D3CF1D578F448EF21D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstandingAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstandingAbstract_12565FBB4BF8AA39C9ED578F448E8BC8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_7700B17F7AC378D92385578F448E193E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstandingAbstract_12565FBB4BF8AA39C9ED578F448E8BC8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstandingPrincipal" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstandingPrincipal_C1B563118BB0123D42AE578F448ED1FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstandingAbstract_12565FBB4BF8AA39C9ED578F448E8BC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstandingPrincipal_C1B563118BB0123D42AE578F448ED1FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstandingInterest" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstandingInterest_6E9BC8011DC6CBBDF431578F448E6BE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstandingAbstract_12565FBB4BF8AA39C9ED578F448E8BC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstandingInterest_6E9BC8011DC6CBBDF431578F448E6BE8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstanding_6E646DB5CF8B703ED5E7578F448E2940" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstandingAbstract_12565FBB4BF8AA39C9ED578F448E8BC8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationInsuredContractualPaymentsOutstanding_6E646DB5CF8B703ED5E7578F448E2940" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationGrossUndiscountedClaimLiability" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationGrossUndiscountedClaimLiability_A6ACCCBC1E244B8129B8578F448E6FE5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_7700B17F7AC378D92385578F448E193E" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationGrossUndiscountedClaimLiability_A6ACCCBC1E244B8129B8578F448E6FE5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationDiscountOnGrossClaimLiability" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationDiscountOnGrossClaimLiability_712A072132FBDD5C79BF578F448E5892" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_7700B17F7AC378D92385578F448E193E" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationDiscountOnGrossClaimLiability_712A072132FBDD5C79BF578F448E5892" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationGrossClaimLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationGrossClaimLiability_37A46D1D5C72273C9691578F449DD731" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_7700B17F7AC378D92385578F448E193E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationGrossClaimLiability_37A46D1D5C72273C9691578F449DD731" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LessDiscountedRmbsSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LessDiscountedRmbsSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_3969F1907A7952E39786578F449D85D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_7700B17F7AC378D92385578F448E193E" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LessDiscountedRmbsSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_3969F1907A7952E39786578F449D85D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossUndiscountedClaimLiabilityGrossUndiscountedRmbsSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossUndiscountedClaimLiabilityGrossUndiscountedRmbsSubrogation_BFC4E8377359A4CA6CC6578F449D430B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LessDiscountedRmbsSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_3969F1907A7952E39786578F449D85D9" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossUndiscountedClaimLiabilityGrossUndiscountedRmbsSubrogation_BFC4E8377359A4CA6CC6578F449D430B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityDiscountOnRmbsSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityDiscountOnRmbsSubrogation_E946F7FF1D85920869F3578F449DF9FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LessDiscountedRmbsSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_3969F1907A7952E39786578F449D85D9" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityDiscountOnRmbsSubrogation_E946F7FF1D85920869F3578F449DF9FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityRmbsSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityRmbsSubrogation_A02103C6B1D127ED0574578F449DE628" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LessDiscountedRmbsSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_3969F1907A7952E39786578F449D85D9" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityRmbsSubrogation_A02103C6B1D127ED0574578F449DE628" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DiscountedOtherSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DiscountedOtherSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_2E179732FE2EFB16334A578F449D571D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_7700B17F7AC378D92385578F448E193E" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DiscountedOtherSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_2E179732FE2EFB16334A578F449D571D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossUndiscountedClaimLiabilityGrossUndiscountedOtherSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossUndiscountedClaimLiabilityGrossUndiscountedOtherSubrogation_F8D90FB186E192046EE5578F449DC18F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_DiscountedOtherSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_2E179732FE2EFB16334A578F449D571D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossUndiscountedClaimLiabilityGrossUndiscountedOtherSubrogation_F8D90FB186E192046EE5578F449DC18F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityDiscountOnOtherSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityDiscountOnOtherSubrogation_8B822BCEE5D5EFF34038578F449DC4B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_DiscountedOtherSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_2E179732FE2EFB16334A578F449D571D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityDiscountOnOtherSubrogation_8B822BCEE5D5EFF34038578F449DC4B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityOtherSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityOtherSubrogation_EB7EE2DB68B6E1D570F7578F449D9733" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_DiscountedOtherSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_2E179732FE2EFB16334A578F449D571D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityOtherSubrogation_EB7EE2DB68B6E1D570F7578F449D9733" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationNetClaimLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationNetClaimLiability_C7C40DF3DD08B85DEC5B578F449D11CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_DiscountedOtherSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_2E179732FE2EFB16334A578F449D571D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationNetClaimLiability_C7C40DF3DD08B85DEC5B578F449D11CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionUnearnedPremiumRevenue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionUnearnedPremiumRevenue_999781127806768EFA42578F449D4BB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_DiscountedOtherSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_2E179732FE2EFB16334A578F449D571D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionUnearnedPremiumRevenue_999781127806768EFA42578F449D4BB2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLossAdjustmentExpensesReserve" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLossAdjustmentExpensesReserve_E862C6AEBC9C50CA2382578F449D7925" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_DiscountedOtherSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_2E179732FE2EFB16334A578F449D571D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLossAdjustmentExpensesReserve_E862C6AEBC9C50CA2382578F449D7925" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability_3AF9863D00594863B272578F449DD2EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_DiscountedOtherSubrogationBeforeReinsuranceAbstract_2E179732FE2EFB16334A578F449D571D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionClaimLiability_3AF9863D00594863B272578F449DD2EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionReinsuranceRecoverable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionReinsuranceRecoverable_D413735BB395B01706A9578F449D8C4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_7700B17F7AC378D92385578F448E193E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationStatementOfFinancialPositionReinsuranceRecoverable_D413735BB395B01706A9578F449D8C4F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfInformationRelatedToPoliciesCurrentlyIncludedInAmbacsLossReservesOrSubrogationRecoverablePhantomDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_A80B0FC03FE2F0BDFFCFE2278DA2694C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationTable_90F2FFC6D68039E39A81E2278D93CB57" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_A80B0FC03FE2F0BDFFCFE2278DA2694C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationTable_90F2FFC6D68039E39A81E2278D93CB57" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_20C34DAB2BDCE6B985BBE2278D93661D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationTable_90F2FFC6D68039E39A81E2278D93CB57" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_20C34DAB2BDCE6B985BBE2278D93661D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD44F3CF2FBD4878A773E2278D933F7A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_20C34DAB2BDCE6B985BBE2278D93661D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD44F3CF2FBD4878A773E2278D933F7A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD44F3CF2FBD4878A773E2278D933F7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_20C34DAB2BDCE6B985BBE2278D93661D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD44F3CF2FBD4878A773E2278D933F7A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_FD8C98B21D0454796C9DE2278D93F4C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_AD44F3CF2FBD4878A773E2278D933F7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_FD8C98B21D0454796C9DE2278D93F4C9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers_AC710755387F50BFF30AE2278DA2D8F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_A80B0FC03FE2F0BDFFCFE2278DA2694C" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers_AC710755387F50BFF30AE2278DA2D8F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_0C4D33DE660B46572DD8E2278DA23E27" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_A80B0FC03FE2F0BDFFCFE2278DA2694C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityNetForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_0C4D33DE660B46572DD8E2278DA23E27" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue_F153BE3D7320A0A8F5CAE2278DA281F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_A80B0FC03FE2F0BDFFCFE2278DA2694C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SalvageAndSubrogationRecoveriesValue_F153BE3D7320A0A8F5CAE2278DA281F3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_B8C5D00290DCDC2C3680E2278DA203BD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_A80B0FC03FE2F0BDFFCFE2278DA2694C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_B8C5D00290DCDC2C3680E2278DA203BD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered_7616FADB9659E05DB983E2278DA26EA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationLineItems_A80B0FC03FE2F0BDFFCFE2278DA2694C" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered_7616FADB9659E05DB983E2278DA26EA4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfLossReserveRollForwardNetOfSubrogationRecoverableAndReinsuranceDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LossAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReservesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LossAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReservesLineItems_8042BCECD6E294DD2AC7E1E44273E5F3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_34B4AF1E55A51A40F714E1E44273146C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LossAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReservesLineItems_8042BCECD6E294DD2AC7E1E44273E5F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_34B4AF1E55A51A40F714E1E44273146C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_96DEBCBB1117DD3F1E0AE1E44273E51B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EffectsOfReinsuranceTable_34B4AF1E55A51A40F714E1E44273146C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_96DEBCBB1117DD3F1E0AE1E44273E51B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_87D382D305424F9F6E94E1E44273E046_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_96DEBCBB1117DD3F1E0AE1E44273E51B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_87D382D305424F9F6E94E1E44273E046_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_87D382D305424F9F6E94E1E44273E046" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_96DEBCBB1117DD3F1E0AE1E44273E51B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_87D382D305424F9F6E94E1E44273E046" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_20B168C8A75FCCA486EFE1E44273F600" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_87D382D305424F9F6E94E1E44273E046" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_20B168C8A75FCCA486EFE1E44273F600" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered_770936C9400882E111AEE1E442730D58" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LossAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReservesLineItems_8042BCECD6E294DD2AC7E1E44273E5F3" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CededLossAndLossExpensesPaidNotYetRecovered_770936C9400882E111AEE1E442730D58" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded_6747DF04EF5B938D98CCE1E442734023" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LossAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReservesLineItems_8042BCECD6E294DD2AC7E1E44273E5F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReinsuranceEffectOnClaimsAndBenefitsIncurredAmountCeded_6747DF04EF5B938D98CCE1E442734023" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_2CA52B809C1C3294E9DDE1E44273E438" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LossAndLossAdjustmentExpenseReservesLineItems_8042BCECD6E294DD2AC7E1E44273E5F3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_2CA52B809C1C3294E9DDE1E44273E438" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_F6E98338A3A1BE470C69E1E442734BEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_2CA52B809C1C3294E9DDE1E44273E438" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_F6E98338A3A1BE470C69E1E442734BEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers_430E7CC83C235F7106C7E1E442738E16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_2CA52B809C1C3294E9DDE1E44273E438" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LossReservesCededToReinsurers_430E7CC83C235F7106C7E1E442738E16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet_F4534CD236361C326B9BE1E4427357CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_2CA52B809C1C3294E9DDE1E44273E438" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNet_F4534CD236361C326B9BE1E4427357CA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInCurrentYearAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInCurrentYearAbstract_95884EE886854EAC0610E1E442737347" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_2CA52B809C1C3294E9DDE1E44273E438" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInCurrentYearAbstract_95884EE886854EAC0610E1E442737347" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_Ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsCurrentYear" xlink:label="loc_ambc_Ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsCurrentYear_16FDF15F20DB2D2ECC8BE1E44273AB4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInCurrentYearAbstract_95884EE886854EAC0610E1E442737347" xlink:to="loc_ambc_Ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseIncurredClaimsCurrentYear_16FDF15F20DB2D2ECC8BE1E44273AB4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidCurrentYear1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidCurrentYear1_7A5B1D21EB45128C5BECE1E44273A00B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInCurrentYearAbstract_95884EE886854EAC0610E1E442737347" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidCurrentYear1_7A5B1D21EB45128C5BECE1E44273A00B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInLossReservesCurrentYear" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInLossReservesCurrentYear_6E20715871CD54CCB8D1E1E44273F20A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInCurrentYearAbstract_95884EE886854EAC0610E1E442737347" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInLossReservesCurrentYear_6E20715871CD54CCB8D1E1E44273F20A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInPriorYearsAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInPriorYearsAbstract_09513A10B59D5C01D154E1E442731435" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_2CA52B809C1C3294E9DDE1E44273E438" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInPriorYearsAbstract_09513A10B59D5C01D154E1E442731435" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInPreviouslyEstablishedLossReservesPriorYears" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInPreviouslyEstablishedLossReservesPriorYears_F72364CEE22302473D36E1E442733D77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInPriorYearsAbstract_09513A10B59D5C01D154E1E442731435" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInPreviouslyEstablishedLossReservesPriorYears_F72364CEE22302473D36E1E442733D77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears1_5770F1930A004A3E44DEE1E4427336C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInPriorYearsAbstract_09513A10B59D5C01D154E1E442731435" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseClaimsPaidPriorYears1_5770F1930A004A3E44DEE1E4427336C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInEstablishedSubrogationRecoveriesPriorYears" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInEstablishedSubrogationRecoveriesPriorYears_BCC5406ACE3050720872E1E44273CAC9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInPriorYearsAbstract_09513A10B59D5C01D154E1E442731435" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInEstablishedSubrogationRecoveriesPriorYears_BCC5406ACE3050720872E1E44273CAC9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInLossReservesPriorYear" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInLossReservesPriorYear_30DF7E04366A59C4B2BBE1E442738E6F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangesInPriorYearsAbstract_09513A10B59D5C01D154E1E442731435" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseChangeInLossReservesPriorYear_30DF7E04366A59C4B2BBE1E442738E6F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ChangeInLossAndLossExpenseReservesNet" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ChangeInLossAndLossExpenseReservesNet_ECAED986A2C9FF7B8972E1E442739310" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract_2CA52B809C1C3294E9DDE1E44273E438" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ChangeInLossAndLossExpenseReservesNet_ECAED986A2C9FF7B8972E1E442739310" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsSummaryOfRollforwardOfRmbsSubrogationByEstimationApproachDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SummaryOfRollforwardOfSubrogationByEstimationApproachLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SummaryOfRollforwardOfSubrogationByEstimationApproachLineItems_0985F9DC8773CF7C1E1B578F52A2D719" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SummaryOfRollforwardOfSubrogationByEstimationApproachTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SummaryOfRollforwardOfSubrogationByEstimationApproachTable_AF8D22ED5E526BD687AF578F52A2802F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SummaryOfRollforwardOfSubrogationByEstimationApproachLineItems_0985F9DC8773CF7C1E1B578F52A2D719" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SummaryOfRollforwardOfSubrogationByEstimationApproachTable_AF8D22ED5E526BD687AF578F52A2802F" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveByLoanAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveByLoanAxis_90C76417B12B0EBDBC3A578F52A2210A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SummaryOfRollforwardOfSubrogationByEstimationApproachTable_AF8D22ED5E526BD687AF578F52A2802F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveByLoanAxis_90C76417B12B0EBDBC3A578F52A2210A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain_74501C8E41643CE216EB578F52A22BAA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveByLoanAxis_90C76417B12B0EBDBC3A578F52A2210A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain_74501C8E41643CE216EB578F52A22BAA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain_74501C8E41643CE216EB578F52A22BAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveByLoanAxis_90C76417B12B0EBDBC3A578F52A2210A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain_74501C8E41643CE216EB578F52A22BAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_RandomSamplesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_RandomSamplesMember_6E9C80429C09538D82CC578F52A29BAF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain_74501C8E41643CE216EB578F52A22BAA" xlink:to="loc_ambc_RandomSamplesMember_6E9C80429C09538D82CC578F52A29BAF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AdverseSamplesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AdverseSamplesMember_DA0EF6669C84B652A1AF578F52A25A1E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MortgageLoansOnRealEstateWriteDownOrReserveLoanDomain_74501C8E41643CE216EB578F52A22BAA" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AdverseSamplesMember_DA0EF6669C84B652A1AF578F52A25A1E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_237261B0CBCA641B2B18578F52A2D34B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SummaryOfRollforwardOfSubrogationByEstimationApproachTable_AF8D22ED5E526BD687AF578F52A2802F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_237261B0CBCA641B2B18578F52A2D34B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E20CB14C3C6AA8BAB342578F52A23694_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_237261B0CBCA641B2B18578F52A2D34B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E20CB14C3C6AA8BAB342578F52A23694_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E20CB14C3C6AA8BAB342578F52A23694" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_237261B0CBCA641B2B18578F52A2D34B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E20CB14C3C6AA8BAB342578F52A23694" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_9B4A4F20039DB27DBD92578F52A2D1F7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E20CB14C3C6AA8BAB342578F52A23694" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_9B4A4F20039DB27DBD92578F52A2D1F7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_D8179F64B2687E882B10578F52A298A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E20CB14C3C6AA8BAB342578F52A23694" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_D8179F64B2687E882B10578F52A298A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SubrogationByEstimationApproachRollForward" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SubrogationByEstimationApproachRollForward_985B2BF7858CAED02C4A578F52A2FB2D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SummaryOfRollforwardOfSubrogationByEstimationApproachLineItems_0985F9DC8773CF7C1E1B578F52A2D719" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SubrogationByEstimationApproachRollForward_985B2BF7858CAED02C4A578F52A2FB2D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityRmbsSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityRmbsSubrogation_DF9A1ACEE505E80FDC0B578F52A2EE76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SubrogationByEstimationApproachRollForward_985B2BF7858CAED02C4A578F52A2FB2D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationReductionsOfGrossClaimLiabilityRmbsSubrogation_DF9A1ACEE505E80FDC0B578F52A2EE76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ChangesRecognizedInResidentialMortgageBackedSecurityAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ChangesRecognizedInResidentialMortgageBackedSecurityAbstract_6FA48C33C5AAD2D3946F578F52A23761" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SubrogationByEstimationApproachRollForward_985B2BF7858CAED02C4A578F52A2FB2D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ChangesRecognizedInResidentialMortgageBackedSecurityAbstract_6FA48C33C5AAD2D3946F578F52A23761" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AdditionalTransactionsReviewedChangesinRMBSSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AdditionalTransactionsReviewedChangesinRMBSSubrogation_A8B83875265AC8F246E0578F52A22745" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ChangesRecognizedInResidentialMortgageBackedSecurityAbstract_6FA48C33C5AAD2D3946F578F52A23761" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AdditionalTransactionsReviewedChangesinRMBSSubrogation_A8B83875265AC8F246E0578F52A22745" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ChangesinEstimationApproachInRmbsSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ChangesinEstimationApproachInRmbsSubrogation_E831525353D1D6797E18578F52A28AF2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ChangesRecognizedInResidentialMortgageBackedSecurityAbstract_6FA48C33C5AAD2D3946F578F52A23761" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ChangesinEstimationApproachInRmbsSubrogation_E831525353D1D6797E18578F52A28AF2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ImpactOfSponsorActionsInResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ImpactOfSponsorActionsInResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesSubrogation_457914B5EB3B673E8698578F52A23F51" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ChangesRecognizedInResidentialMortgageBackedSecurityAbstract_6FA48C33C5AAD2D3946F578F52A23761" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ImpactOfSponsorActionsInResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesSubrogation_457914B5EB3B673E8698578F52A23F51" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherChangesRmbsSubrogation" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherChangesRmbsSubrogation_AD48EF3973A5B4958671578F52A2FD3C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ChangesRecognizedInResidentialMortgageBackedSecurityAbstract_6FA48C33C5AAD2D3946F578F52A23761" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherChangesRmbsSubrogation_AD48EF3973A5B4958671578F52A2FD3C" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsTables" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InsuranceLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_36FD0238C2FA0E758915578F475BE7AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InsuranceTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InsuranceTable_2D75566D2B662050315B578F475B6CD8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_36FD0238C2FA0E758915578F475BE7AD" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InsuranceTable_2D75566D2B662050315B578F475B6CD8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C716C2E75E166DB0DA7B578F475B3558" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceTable_2D75566D2B662050315B578F475B6CD8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C716C2E75E166DB0DA7B578F475B3558" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_F36221C1A70E910B3ADF578F475B3C4D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C716C2E75E166DB0DA7B578F475B3558" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_F36221C1A70E910B3ADF578F475B3C4D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_F36221C1A70E910B3ADF578F475B3C4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsByMajorClassAxis_C716C2E75E166DB0DA7B578F475B3558" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_F36221C1A70E910B3ADF578F475B3C4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InsuranceIntangibleAssetMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InsuranceIntangibleAssetMember_6357F48976C9A7AF0FFE578F475B5652" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsMajorClassNameDomain_F36221C1A70E910B3ADF578F475B3C4D" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InsuranceIntangibleAssetMember_6357F48976C9A7AF0FFE578F475B5652" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleofLossAndLossExpenseReservesAndSubrogationRecoverableTableTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleofLossAndLossExpenseReservesAndSubrogationRecoverableTableTableTextBlock_506081F1557890923245578F475BE85B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_36FD0238C2FA0E758915578F475BE7AD" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleofLossAndLossExpenseReservesAndSubrogationRecoverableTableTableTextBlock_506081F1557890923245578F475BE85B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_F37AEA5EC29EB85C038D578F475B8D86" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_36FD0238C2FA0E758915578F475BE7AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleofFiniteLivedIntangibleAssetsFutureAmortizationExpenseTableTextBlock_F37AEA5EC29EB85C038D578F475B8D86" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableActivityTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableActivityTableTextBlock_0E665EC57ACF2C59D37E578F475BFB89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_36FD0238C2FA0E758915578F475BE7AD" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivableActivityTableTextBlock_0E665EC57ACF2C59D37E578F475BFB89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfReinsuranceOnPremiumsWrittenAndEarnedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfReinsuranceOnPremiumsWrittenAndEarnedTableTextBlock_DC925FAB6FE484D0620B578F475BA9E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_36FD0238C2FA0E758915578F475BE7AD" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfReinsuranceOnPremiumsWrittenAndEarnedTableTextBlock_DC925FAB6FE484D0620B578F475BA9E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivablePremiumExpectedToBeCollectedAndFutureExpectedPremiumsEarnedTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivablePremiumExpectedToBeCollectedAndFutureExpectedPremiumsEarnedTableTextBlock_A8D13B70FF2CB3B8B40B578F475B407C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_36FD0238C2FA0E758915578F475BE7AD" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContractsPremiumReceivablePremiumExpectedToBeCollectedAndFutureExpectedPremiumsEarnedTableTextBlock_A8D13B70FF2CB3B8B40B578F475B407C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_BF18E27B124BD01BE474578F475B084F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_36FD0238C2FA0E758915578F475BE7AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfLiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpense_BF18E27B124BD01BE474578F475B084F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationTextBlock_BD3D61CE47100048E38E578F475B87A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_36FD0238C2FA0E758915578F475BE7AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfInsuredFinancialObligationsWithCreditDeteriorationTextBlock_BD3D61CE47100048E38E578F475B87A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SummaryOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SummaryOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachTableTextBlock_F75F0070D5DFD2207473578F475BFCBD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_36FD0238C2FA0E758915578F475BE7AD" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SummaryOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesAndRelatedClaimLiabilitiesByEstimationApproachTableTextBlock_F75F0070D5DFD2207473578F475BFCBD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SummaryOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesByEstimationApproachTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SummaryOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesByEstimationApproachTableTextBlock_0780B553A971C7D89110578F475B4F42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_36FD0238C2FA0E758915578F475BE7AD" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SummaryOfBalanceOfRmbsSubrogationRecoveriesByEstimationApproachTableTextBlock_0780B553A971C7D89110578F475B4F42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfReinsuranceRecoverableAndProvisionByCategoryOfReinsurerTableTextBlock" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfReinsuranceRecoverableAndProvisionByCategoryOfReinsurerTableTextBlock_14FD0D4AC6122CB5C442578F475B8960" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_InsuranceLineItems_36FD0238C2FA0E758915578F475BE7AD" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfReinsuranceRecoverableAndProvisionByCategoryOfReinsurerTableTextBlock_14FD0D4AC6122CB5C442578F475B8960" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/FinancialGuaranteeInsuranceSummaryOfPercentageCededToReinsurersAndReinsuranceRecoverableAndRatingLevelsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SummaryOfCededParAndNetUnsecuredReinsuranceRecoverableLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SummaryOfCededParAndNetUnsecuredReinsuranceRecoverableLineItems_9A6A0B728240B7000773E1E442446B43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SummaryOfCededParAndNetUnsecuredReinsuranceRecoverableTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SummaryOfCededParAndNetUnsecuredReinsuranceRecoverableTable_F1D5840CB3D10A2C867DE1E44244C86D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SummaryOfCededParAndNetUnsecuredReinsuranceRecoverableLineItems_9A6A0B728240B7000773E1E442446B43" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SummaryOfCededParAndNetUnsecuredReinsuranceRecoverableTable_F1D5840CB3D10A2C867DE1E44244C86D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskAxis_4757E9A0307CDC0579AFE1E442442929" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SummaryOfCededParAndNetUnsecuredReinsuranceRecoverableTable_F1D5840CB3D10A2C867DE1E44244C86D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskAxis_4757E9A0307CDC0579AFE1E442442929" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskReinsurerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskReinsurerDomain_0D17727EE8EFE0800E95E1E4424455E6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskAxis_4757E9A0307CDC0579AFE1E442442929" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskReinsurerDomain_0D17727EE8EFE0800E95E1E4424455E6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CededCreditRiskReinsurerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskReinsurerDomain_0D17727EE8EFE0800E95E1E4424455E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskAxis_4757E9A0307CDC0579AFE1E442442929" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CededCreditRiskReinsurerDomain_0D17727EE8EFE0800E95E1E4424455E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_0B065F43F2A37266D921E1E442449CF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SummaryOfCededParAndNetUnsecuredReinsuranceRecoverableTable_F1D5840CB3D10A2C867DE1E44244C86D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_0B065F43F2A37266D921E1E442449CF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_23D8DDE2FE5DFAC9CEFAE1E442445ACA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_0B065F43F2A37266D921E1E442449CF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_23D8DDE2FE5DFAC9CEFAE1E442445ACA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_23D8DDE2FE5DFAC9CEFAE1E442445ACA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentByClassOfFinancingReceivableAxis_0B065F43F2A37266D921E1E442449CF4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancingReceivableRecordedInvestmentClassOfFinancingReceivableDomain_23D8DDE2FE5DFAC9CEFAE1E442445ACA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CreditRatingMoodysAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CreditRatingMoodysAxis_4FFB0B64CE7860D71FE9E1E442443ED8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SummaryOfCededParAndNetUnsecuredReinsuranceRecoverableTable_F1D5840CB3D10A2C867DE1E44244C86D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CreditRatingMoodysAxis_4FFB0B64CE7860D71FE9E1E442443ED8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingMoodysMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingMoodysMember_0BA6256295C47532E219E1E44244E5AB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditRatingMoodysAxis_4FFB0B64CE7860D71FE9E1E442443ED8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingMoodysMember_0BA6256295C47532E219E1E44244E5AB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingMoodysMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingMoodysMember_0BA6256295C47532E219E1E44244E5AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_CreditRatingMoodysAxis_4FFB0B64CE7860D71FE9E1E442443ED8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ExternalCreditRatingMoodysMember_0BA6256295C47532E219E1E44244E5AB" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxes" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_1153D92EDD0CC31AED2A578F425CFC5F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_1E9F72956DAA556A6513578F424D9A15" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_1153D92EDD0CC31AED2A578F425CFC5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_1E9F72956DAA556A6513578F424D9A15" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_AB02FC1B127161FE7054578F424D467F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_1E9F72956DAA556A6513578F424D9A15" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_AB02FC1B127161FE7054578F424D467F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_9D98588D46EB4011E5A1578F424DF9B0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_AB02FC1B127161FE7054578F424D467F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_9D98588D46EB4011E5A1578F424DF9B0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_9D98588D46EB4011E5A1578F424DF9B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_AB02FC1B127161FE7054578F424D467F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_9D98588D46EB4011E5A1578F424DF9B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_D59B6F93E48D7B884890578F424D75E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_9D98588D46EB4011E5A1578F424DF9B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DomesticCountryMember_D59B6F93E48D7B884890578F424D75E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_US" xlink:label="loc_country_US_7FD2CAD6791395EEC532578F424D0674" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_9D98588D46EB4011E5A1578F424DF9B0" xlink:to="loc_country_US_7FD2CAD6791395EEC532578F424D0674" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_GB" xlink:label="loc_country_GB_79F2DBA95F8D06C88D7D578F424D95C5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_9D98588D46EB4011E5A1578F424DF9B0" xlink:to="loc_country_GB_79F2DBA95F8D06C88D7D578F424D95C5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8D1146B8B1DF0A8B1103578F424D9BCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardTable_1E9F72956DAA556A6513578F424D9A15" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8D1146B8B1DF0A8B1103578F424D9BCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_78887DDEB2938723D7F3578F424D854A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8D1146B8B1DF0A8B1103578F424D9BCD" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_78887DDEB2938723D7F3578F424D854A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_78887DDEB2938723D7F3578F424D854A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_8D1146B8B1DF0A8B1103578F424D9BCD" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_78887DDEB2938723D7F3578F424D854A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AfgMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AfgMember_EFBB20A2D786506B597C578F424D8BA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_78887DDEB2938723D7F3578F424D854A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AfgMember_EFBB20A2D786506B597C578F424D8BA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmbacMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmbacMember_B35B9228F485B11EE805578F424D36F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_78887DDEB2938723D7F3578F424D854A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmbacMember_B35B9228F485B11EE805578F424D36F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SegregatedAccountMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SegregatedAccountMember_97EE6D91BBE22FE80131578F424D38F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_78887DDEB2938723D7F3578F424D854A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SegregatedAccountMember_97EE6D91BBE22FE80131578F424D38F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued_E4D572B06BC6ECBB78DC578F425CD1C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_1153D92EDD0CC31AED2A578F425CFC5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued_E4D572B06BC6ECBB78DC578F425CD1C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_7076B8D45D6E5D096A33578F425C59A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_1153D92EDD0CC31AED2A578F425CFC5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_7076B8D45D6E5D096A33578F425C59A4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_9E163DE5AE4B6683E821578F425C08F0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_1153D92EDD0CC31AED2A578F425CFC5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_9E163DE5AE4B6683E821578F425C08F0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OperatingTaxCarryforwardExpirationYearStart" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OperatingTaxCarryforwardExpirationYearStart_D0C99457B031EA5E93AB578F425CF003" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_1153D92EDD0CC31AED2A578F425CFC5F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OperatingTaxCarryforwardExpirationYearStart_D0C99457B031EA5E93AB578F425CF003" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OperatingTaxCarryforwardExpirationYearEnd" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OperatingTaxCarryforwardExpirationYearEnd_6D36BCEFAB9CBC7E4199578F425C8D0D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_1153D92EDD0CC31AED2A578F425CFC5F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OperatingTaxCarryforwardExpirationYearEnd_6D36BCEFAB9CBC7E4199578F425C8D0D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_BankruptcyClaimsAmountPaidToSettleClaims" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_BankruptcyClaimsAmountPaidToSettleClaims_70F24951B387B1C74709578F425C0344" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_1153D92EDD0CC31AED2A578F425CFC5F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_BankruptcyClaimsAmountPaidToSettleClaims_70F24951B387B1C74709578F425C0344" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmountOfLossCarryForwardRelinquishByWhichLossCarryForwardExceed" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmountOfLossCarryForwardRelinquishByWhichLossCarryForwardExceed_E37437606CD22D381CB9578F425C75D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_1153D92EDD0CC31AED2A578F425CFC5F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmountOfLossCarryForwardRelinquishByWhichLossCarryForwardExceed_E37437606CD22D381CB9578F425C75D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmountOfLossCarryforwardRelinquishment" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmountOfLossCarryforwardRelinquishment_83C587ED995B45E9FB83578F425C98DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_1153D92EDD0CC31AED2A578F425CFC5F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmountOfLossCarryforwardRelinquishment_83C587ED995B45E9FB83578F425C98DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NetOperatingLossCarryForwardsReducedForCancellationOfIndebtednessIncomeAndInterestExpense" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NetOperatingLossCarryForwardsReducedForCancellationOfIndebtednessIncomeAndInterestExpense_EB246AE3DA5F2BBF5DFD578F425C5DD9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_1153D92EDD0CC31AED2A578F425CFC5F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NetOperatingLossCarryForwardsReducedForCancellationOfIndebtednessIncomeAndInterestExpense_EB246AE3DA5F2BBF5DFD578F425C5DD9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfNotionalFederalTaxLiability" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfNotionalFederalTaxLiability_0D5BCD81941997CD53E0578F425CCF80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardLineItems_1153D92EDD0CC31AED2A578F425CFC5F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfNotionalFederalTaxLiability_0D5BCD81941997CD53E0578F425CCF80" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesEffectOfIncomeTaxesOnNetIncomeAndStockholdersEquityDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_EffectofIncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_EffectofIncomeTaxesLineItems_37A979E81F35C1DDB9E7578F48366FE4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_EffectofIncomeTaxesTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_EffectofIncomeTaxesTable_903DD3A96E0B788BE573578F48369383" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_EffectofIncomeTaxesLineItems_37A979E81F35C1DDB9E7578F48366FE4" xlink:to="loc_ambc_EffectofIncomeTaxesTable_903DD3A96E0B788BE573578F48369383" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_9544E53B7A8EBC96288A578F48369DF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_EffectofIncomeTaxesTable_903DD3A96E0B788BE573578F48369383" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_9544E53B7A8EBC96288A578F48369DF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F8C547E2EF833640A026578F4836D019_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_9544E53B7A8EBC96288A578F48369DF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F8C547E2EF833640A026578F4836D019_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F8C547E2EF833640A026578F4836D019" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_9544E53B7A8EBC96288A578F48369DF7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F8C547E2EF833640A026578F4836D019" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_3A9B01A1153D0E3B9DC7578F4836FEEB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F8C547E2EF833640A026578F4836D019" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_3A9B01A1153D0E3B9DC7578F4836FEEB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_D04AABD4A6CAD501148B578F4836748E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F8C547E2EF833640A026578F4836D019" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_D04AABD4A6CAD501148B578F4836748E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitRollForward" xlink:label="loc_ambc_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitRollForward_5D575ED259B629173A22578F48367DB8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_EffectofIncomeTaxesLineItems_37A979E81F35C1DDB9E7578F48366FE4" xlink:to="loc_ambc_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitRollForward_5D575ED259B629173A22578F48367DB8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_9941E1DA1DF079085253578F48363FBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitRollForward_5D575ED259B629173A22578F48367DB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_9941E1DA1DF079085253578F48363FBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NetUnrealizedLossesOnSecuritiesTaxEffect" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NetUnrealizedLossesOnSecuritiesTaxEffect_EA83BA64AF0568DCA80F578F4836ED74" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitRollForward_5D575ED259B629173A22578F48367DB8" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NetUnrealizedLossesOnSecuritiesTaxEffect_EA83BA64AF0568DCA80F578F4836ED74" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToEquity" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToEquity_AB49E35E2CA458801B3A578F4836B56B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitRollForward_5D575ED259B629173A22578F48367DB8" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ValuationAllowancesAndReservesChargedToEquity_AB49E35E2CA458801B3A578F4836B56B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxEffectsAllocatedDirectlyToEquity" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxEffectsAllocatedDirectlyToEquity_EDC349C27D64639519C9578F483648A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefitRollForward_5D575ED259B629173A22578F48367DB8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxEffectsAllocatedDirectlyToEquity_EDC349C27D64639519C9578F483648A3" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesEffectiveTaxRatesDifferingFromPrevailingFederalCorporateIncomeTaxRatesDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesTable_537CC170E20F727EB900863C5ED34106" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesTable_537CC170E20F727EB900863C5ED34106" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_EBEDF5C4EC7F220EC5C6863C5ED30A0F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesTable_537CC170E20F727EB900863C5ED34106" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_EBEDF5C4EC7F220EC5C6863C5ED30A0F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_14D0D3E975F57FA0A151863C5ED3730F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_EBEDF5C4EC7F220EC5C6863C5ED30A0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_14D0D3E975F57FA0A151863C5ED3730F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_14D0D3E975F57FA0A151863C5ED3730F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_EBEDF5C4EC7F220EC5C6863C5ED30A0F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_14D0D3E975F57FA0A151863C5ED3730F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_27EA2E691FC5F3BB0673863C5ED39DCD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_14D0D3E975F57FA0A151863C5ED3730F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_27EA2E691FC5F3BB0673863C5ED39DCD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_0EDB667A1854B4C200EA863C5ED340DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_14D0D3E975F57FA0A151863C5ED3730F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_0EDB667A1854B4C200EA863C5ED340DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_DFDD6A22A57BDDAC128C863C5ED3EF35" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationIncomeTaxExpenseBenefitAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_DFDD6A22A57BDDAC128C863C5ED3EF35" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_2438BB6C198718390FEC863C5ED4D7D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationAtFederalStatutoryIncomeTaxRate_2438BB6C198718390FEC863C5ED4D7D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlements_E569B83D0C40F060C0CE863C5ED48F72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxSettlements_E569B83D0C40F060C0CE863C5ED48F72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxSettlements" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxSettlements_8FB2FA3E89A1B1988ABC863C5ED4E940" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxSettlements_8FB2FA3E89A1B1988ABC863C5ED4E940" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxExemptIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxExemptIncome_BF7C1596F2C24A2DA029863C5ED429D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxExemptIncome_BF7C1596F2C24A2DA029863C5ED429D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxExemptIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxExemptIncome_CB2CA8D68C497D911BA6863C5ED4B2E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxExemptIncome_CB2CA8D68C497D911BA6863C5ED4B2E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_3FA78BAF8BAFBB4EDAB6863C5ED47993" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_3FA78BAF8BAFBB4EDAB6863C5ED47993" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_EAECF122D235AD63CD05863C5ED4E2E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationChangeInDeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_EAECF122D235AD63CD05863C5ED4E2E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingenciesForeign" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingenciesForeign_62634098AEDF7B811157863C5ED4E2A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationTaxContingenciesForeign_62634098AEDF7B811157863C5ED4E2A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxContingenciesForeign" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxContingenciesForeign_0BD30E3AEAEACAC7B350863C5ED4DD80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationTaxContingenciesForeign_0BD30E3AEAEACAC7B350863C5ED4DD80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_3032A7111A379BF82475863C5ED41EC1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxReconciliationOtherAdjustments_3032A7111A379BF82475863C5ED41EC1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments_4F255182DD8720F0D7A5863C5ED419C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateReconciliationOtherAdjustments_4F255182DD8720F0D7A5863C5ED419C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_41725E3759FBEA6CED9C863C5ED4C533" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_41725E3759FBEA6CED9C863C5ED4C533" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_9E2D7919CD0A2C3BBC5D863C5ED4E669" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofEffectiveTaxRatesLineItems_3E3B27C12816F4651D1A863C5ED3BF93" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EffectiveIncomeTaxRateContinuingOperations_9E2D7919CD0A2C3BBC5D863C5ED4E669" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesNolUsageTableDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems_196DBE4F2B5689A5F952969D27C8A59B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationTable_7971269188DCB5AE9C9A969D27C1B3BA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems_196DBE4F2B5689A5F952969D27C8A59B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationTable_7971269188DCB5AE9C9A969D27C1B3BA" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DeterminationDateAxis" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DeterminationDateAxis_123A2AE0764A17867BFC969D27C148FF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationTable_7971269188DCB5AE9C9A969D27C1B3BA" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DeterminationDateAxis_123A2AE0764A17867BFC969D27C148FF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DeterminationDateDomain" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DeterminationDateDomain_42E1CCA8B926BC0E84D6969D27C1ED4F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_ambc_DeterminationDateAxis_123A2AE0764A17867BFC969D27C148FF" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DeterminationDateDomain_42E1CCA8B926BC0E84D6969D27C1ED4F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DeterminationDateDomain" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DeterminationDateDomain_42E1CCA8B926BC0E84D6969D27C1ED4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_ambc_DeterminationDateAxis_123A2AE0764A17867BFC969D27C148FF" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DeterminationDateDomain_42E1CCA8B926BC0E84D6969D27C1ED4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PostDeterminationMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PostDeterminationMember_848C527FD3AB2B492160969D27C13885" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_DeterminationDateDomain_42E1CCA8B926BC0E84D6969D27C1ED4F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PostDeterminationMember_848C527FD3AB2B492160969D27C13885" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_A29A55D4D6122CFC4660969D27C18018" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationTable_7971269188DCB5AE9C9A969D27C1B3BA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_A29A55D4D6122CFC4660969D27C18018" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_E7450A55620AA6A16CD9969D27C7438A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_A29A55D4D6122CFC4660969D27C18018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_E7450A55620AA6A16CD9969D27C7438A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_E7450A55620AA6A16CD9969D27C7438A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardAxis_A29A55D4D6122CFC4660969D27C18018" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_E7450A55620AA6A16CD9969D27C7438A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_TierAMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_TierAMember_FDF584ACB29433ADC3C0969D27C76FA4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_E7450A55620AA6A16CD9969D27C7438A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_TierAMember_FDF584ACB29433ADC3C0969D27C76FA4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_TierBMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_TierBMember_1C3093F152196F5654A2969D27C74039" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_E7450A55620AA6A16CD9969D27C7438A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_TierBMember_1C3093F152196F5654A2969D27C74039" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_TierCMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_TierCMember_00642406C1224114BB08969D27C7A356" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_E7450A55620AA6A16CD9969D27C7438A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_TierCMember_00642406C1224114BB08969D27C7A356" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_TierDMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_TierDMember_E71A053FBBF35C086065969D27C75309" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TaxCreditCarryforwardNameDomain_E7450A55620AA6A16CD9969D27C7438A" xlink:to="loc_ambc_TierDMember_E71A053FBBF35C086065969D27C75309" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9617FC28D14091B38B83969D27C7FB43" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationTable_7971269188DCB5AE9C9A969D27C1B3BA" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9617FC28D14091B38B83969D27C7FB43" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_71D2966BBDE8CD42DD4E969D27C721DF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9617FC28D14091B38B83969D27C7FB43" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_71D2966BBDE8CD42DD4E969D27C721DF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_71D2966BBDE8CD42DD4E969D27C721DF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_9617FC28D14091B38B83969D27C7FB43" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_71D2966BBDE8CD42DD4E969D27C721DF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmbacAssuranceMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmbacAssuranceMember_7DE5CE8FCFC7BEF6AC36969D27C7318A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_71D2966BBDE8CD42DD4E969D27C721DF" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmbacAssuranceMember_7DE5CE8FCFC7BEF6AC36969D27C7318A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AfgMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AfgMember_3F3B06B0E7CABD3234F0969D27C88787" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_71D2966BBDE8CD42DD4E969D27C721DF" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AfgMember_3F3B06B0E7CABD3234F0969D27C88787" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_C2558B93F08F994DF6E0969D27C8B572" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems_196DBE4F2B5689A5F952969D27C8A59B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationPenaltiesAndInterestAccrued_C2558B93F08F994DF6E0969D27C8B572" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PercentageOfNotionalFederalTaxLiability" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PercentageOfNotionalFederalTaxLiability_918BFC101F9BA5BE43F7969D27C871FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems_196DBE4F2B5689A5F952969D27C8A59B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PercentageOfNotionalFederalTaxLiability_918BFC101F9BA5BE43F7969D27C871FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmountOfLossCarryForwardRelinquishByWhichLossCarryForwardExceed" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmountOfLossCarryForwardRelinquishByWhichLossCarryForwardExceed_B7EB286BD0BD98F4D50E969D27C89559" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems_196DBE4F2B5689A5F952969D27C8A59B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmountOfLossCarryForwardRelinquishByWhichLossCarryForwardExceed_B7EB286BD0BD98F4D50E969D27C89559" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AACNetTaxableIncome" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AACNetTaxableIncome_CF85AE7BCCC7E7339359969D27C8E0B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems_196DBE4F2B5689A5F952969D27C8A59B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AACNetTaxableIncome_CF85AE7BCCC7E7339359969D27C8E0B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_TollingPaymentPayabletoAFG" xlink:label="loc_ambc_TollingPaymentPayabletoAFG_F4A4C224919DFA0EEBEC969D27C8D598" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems_196DBE4F2B5689A5F952969D27C8A59B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_TollingPaymentPayabletoAFG_F4A4C224919DFA0EEBEC969D27C8D598" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_TierABCCredit" xlink:label="loc_ambc_TierABCCredit_9A04EBCAA719AC708759969D27C8C4D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems_196DBE4F2B5689A5F952969D27C8A59B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_TierABCCredit_9A04EBCAA719AC708759969D27C8C4D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_TierACreditUsage" xlink:label="loc_ambc_TierACreditUsage_E0E5C3F257B7E3673350969D27C8BD26" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems_196DBE4F2B5689A5F952969D27C8A59B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_TierACreditUsage_E0E5C3F257B7E3673350969D27C8BD26" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_D1F91F37D32153231DE3969D27C8DD69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems_196DBE4F2B5689A5F952969D27C8A59B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingLossCarryforwards_D1F91F37D32153231DE3969D27C8DD69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NetOperatingLossPercentage" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NetOperatingLossPercentage_6D95E5856CB5790C4334969D27E97EF4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems_196DBE4F2B5689A5F952969D27C8A59B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NetOperatingLossPercentage_6D95E5856CB5790C4334969D27E97EF4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AACNetTaxableIncomeFromTierA" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AACNetTaxableIncomeFromTierA_87B62B5825F9B8168881969D27E94962" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems_196DBE4F2B5689A5F952969D27C8A59B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AACNetTaxableIncomeFromTierA_87B62B5825F9B8168881969D27E94962" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AACNetTaxableIncomeFromTierB" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AACNetTaxableIncomeFromTierB_7FE43C4BBBEEC3D135DC969D27E9D6A5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_NetIncomeLossReconciliationLineItems_196DBE4F2B5689A5F952969D27C8A59B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AACNetTaxableIncomeFromTierB_7FE43C4BBBEEC3D135DC969D27E9D6A5" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesProvisionForIncomeTaxesChargedToIncomeFromContinuingOperationsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ProvisionforIncomeTaxesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ProvisionforIncomeTaxesLineItems_C693A180E628C5CE8EF2578F43087ACC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ProvisionforIncomeTaxesTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ProvisionforIncomeTaxesTable_180EAB6ADD2CB5C4C6E7578F4308DBE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ProvisionforIncomeTaxesLineItems_C693A180E628C5CE8EF2578F43087ACC" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ProvisionforIncomeTaxesTable_180EAB6ADD2CB5C4C6E7578F4308DBE1" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6C4388B7F26D2B4CFD1C578F4308425A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ProvisionforIncomeTaxesTable_180EAB6ADD2CB5C4C6E7578F4308DBE1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6C4388B7F26D2B4CFD1C578F4308425A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_36F780EEF4279FDFA0A0578F4308972D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6C4388B7F26D2B4CFD1C578F4308425A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_36F780EEF4279FDFA0A0578F4308972D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_36F780EEF4279FDFA0A0578F4308972D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6C4388B7F26D2B4CFD1C578F4308425A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_36F780EEF4279FDFA0A0578F4308972D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_820AC067DD3C61B37E2B578F43084C03" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_36F780EEF4279FDFA0A0578F4308972D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_820AC067DD3C61B37E2B578F43084C03" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_40D6F37885842B97DD80578F4308C89A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_36F780EEF4279FDFA0A0578F4308972D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_40D6F37885842B97DD80578F4308C89A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_03DB0F35BDF184B4DAB1578F43089183" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ProvisionforIncomeTaxesLineItems_C693A180E628C5CE8EF2578F43087ACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CurrentIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_03DB0F35BDF184B4DAB1578F43089183" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_259487071E73E58C6C60578F43088A75" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ProvisionforIncomeTaxesLineItems_C693A180E628C5CE8EF2578F43087ACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredIncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_259487071E73E58C6C60578F43088A75" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_CCE8A96BC0623E006584578F4308D350" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ProvisionforIncomeTaxesLineItems_C693A180E628C5CE8EF2578F43087ACC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExpenseBenefit_CCE8A96BC0623E006584578F4308D350" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesIncomeTaxesReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDetails" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ReconciliationofUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsLineItems_2B9239236F193A0A87C1578F48C232E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ReconciliationofUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsTable_524061A31055980E5673578F48C28156" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsLineItems_2B9239236F193A0A87C1578F48C232E8" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsTable_524061A31055980E5673578F48C28156" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0E27875C3A990D20A497578F48C2735D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsTable_524061A31055980E5673578F48C28156" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0E27875C3A990D20A497578F48C2735D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7F9DD8E1997B7E69171A578F48C2D7C7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0E27875C3A990D20A497578F48C2735D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7F9DD8E1997B7E69171A578F48C2D7C7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7F9DD8E1997B7E69171A578F48C2D7C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_0E27875C3A990D20A497578F48C2735D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7F9DD8E1997B7E69171A578F48C2D7C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_322B7A7CA32AF07A1BB3578F48C2CE11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7F9DD8E1997B7E69171A578F48C2D7C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_322B7A7CA32AF07A1BB3578F48C2CE11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_88EDD31F924D706C8CDA578F48C21C77" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_7F9DD8E1997B7E69171A578F48C2D7C7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_88EDD31F924D706C8CDA578F48C21C77" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued_9A3D47E2816FDEF4AB80578F48C22476" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsLineItems_2B9239236F193A0A87C1578F48C232E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesAccrued_9A3D47E2816FDEF4AB80578F48C22476" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_F21823A820B3299D5459578F48C23775" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsLineItems_2B9239236F193A0A87C1578F48C232E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_F21823A820B3299D5459578F48C23775" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_1CDC87CBFD0D19D6F031578F48C206D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_F21823A820B3299D5459578F48C23775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefits_1CDC87CBFD0D19D6F031578F48C206D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_C1985641F9E21E7F9951578F48C27F8C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_F21823A820B3299D5459578F48C23775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsIncreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_C1985641F9E21E7F9951578F48C27F8C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_0A9B2170179E9166D092578F48C21418" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ReconciliationOfUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsExcludingAmountsPertainingToExaminedTaxReturnsRollForward_F21823A820B3299D5459578F48C23775" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsDecreasesResultingFromPriorPeriodTaxPositions_0A9B2170179E9166D092578F48C21418" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesPaid" xlink:label="loc_ambc_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesPaid_809F911FA3BEAEABB307578F48C2C440" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ReconciliationofUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsLineItems_2B9239236F193A0A87C1578F48C232E8" xlink:to="loc_ambc_UnrecognizedTaxBenefitsInterestOnIncomeTaxesPaid_809F911FA3BEAEABB307578F48C2C440" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesMajorJurisdictionsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_AE0D0A22538156912CEA578F4FD4C6D6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_49DFE73898E218F725F6578F4FD4CA37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_AE0D0A22538156912CEA578F4FD4C6D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_49DFE73898E218F725F6578F4FD4CA37" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_7293398A85632FFD68DD578F4FD49566" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyTable_49DFE73898E218F725F6578F4FD4CA37" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_7293398A85632FFD68DD578F4FD49566" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_49BC6CC305D8B4ED030E578F4FD45993_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_7293398A85632FFD68DD578F4FD49566" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_49BC6CC305D8B4ED030E578F4FD45993_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_49BC6CC305D8B4ED030E578F4FD45993" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityAxis_7293398A85632FFD68DD578F4FD49566" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_49BC6CC305D8B4ED030E578F4FD45993" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_US" xlink:label="loc_country_US_AB2ED8D036C85C6DFB8F578F4FD4A6D8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_49BC6CC305D8B4ED030E578F4FD45993" xlink:to="loc_country_US_AB2ED8D036C85C6DFB8F578F4FD4A6D8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/stpr/2011/stpr-2011-01-31.xsd#stpr_NY" xlink:label="loc_stpr_NY_3CEA67DFEB5BE2E25FF1578F4FD419D9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_49BC6CC305D8B4ED030E578F4FD45993" xlink:to="loc_stpr_NY_3CEA67DFEB5BE2E25FF1578F4FD419D9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NewYorkCityMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NewYorkCityMember_9294AB32736E14AD881A578F4FD40E0C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_49BC6CC305D8B4ED030E578F4FD45993" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NewYorkCityMember_9294AB32736E14AD881A578F4FD40E0C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_GB" xlink:label="loc_country_GB_6A9F9449BBE00472C02F578F4FD4FE0A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_49BC6CC305D8B4ED030E578F4FD45993" xlink:to="loc_country_GB_6A9F9449BBE00472C02F578F4FD4FE0A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_IT" xlink:label="loc_country_IT_683E05882E8D33C98058578F4FD4D533" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxAuthorityDomain_49BC6CC305D8B4ED030E578F4FD45993" xlink:to="loc_country_IT_683E05882E8D33C98058578F4FD4D533" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationYearUnderExamination" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationYearUnderExamination_944C6377D7A768F48DD4578F4FD465A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxContingencyLineItems_AE0D0A22538156912CEA578F4FD4C6D6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeTaxExaminationYearUnderExamination_944C6377D7A768F48DD4578F4FD465A1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesSignificantPortionsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAndDeferredTaxAssetsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleofDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsandLiabilitiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleofDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsandLiabilitiesLineItems_1EC8A4B5468686D993DE7280EF28D429" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleofDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsandLiabilitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleofDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsandLiabilitiesTable_2997D7961952B0D1B0397280EF275279" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleofDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsandLiabilitiesLineItems_1EC8A4B5468686D993DE7280EF28D429" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleofDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsandLiabilitiesTable_2997D7961952B0D1B0397280EF275279" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1181348DA1D994F5E1F67280EF27C785" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleofDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsandLiabilitiesTable_2997D7961952B0D1B0397280EF275279" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1181348DA1D994F5E1F67280EF27C785" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C0553CD4A41093D4835A7280EF279C17_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1181348DA1D994F5E1F67280EF27C785" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C0553CD4A41093D4835A7280EF279C17_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C0553CD4A41093D4835A7280EF279C17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1181348DA1D994F5E1F67280EF27C785" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C0553CD4A41093D4835A7280EF279C17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_29D3DDFDF69167829A4E7280EF28FFBC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_C0553CD4A41093D4835A7280EF279C17" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_29D3DDFDF69167829A4E7280EF28FFBC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNetAbstract_DA9C9188B9C8835BF3597280EF28556B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleofDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsandLiabilitiesLineItems_1EC8A4B5468686D993DE7280EF28D429" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNetAbstract_DA9C9188B9C8835BF3597280EF28556B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets_E568D341FAA1E40E41597280EF280854" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNetAbstract_DA9C9188B9C8835BF3597280EF28556B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsIntangibleAssets_E568D341FAA1E40E41597280EF280854" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CurrentLiabilitiesVariableInterestEntity" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CurrentLiabilitiesVariableInterestEntity_004B5330B12DD33C65737280EF28B91B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNetAbstract_DA9C9188B9C8835BF3597280EF28556B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CurrentLiabilitiesVariableInterestEntity_004B5330B12DD33C65737280EF28B91B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestments_13288B532284F6253A727280EF28AE99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNetAbstract_DA9C9188B9C8835BF3597280EF28556B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesInvestments_13288B532284F6253A727280EF28AE99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUnearnedPremiumRevenue" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUnearnedPremiumRevenue_5075478C27C965A9F5327280EF294E5E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNetAbstract_DA9C9188B9C8835BF3597280EF28556B" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUnearnedPremiumRevenue_5075478C27C965A9F5327280EF294E5E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries_2FE00771CB104BE326497280EF297BFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNetAbstract_DA9C9188B9C8835BF3597280EF28556B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_UndistributedEarningsOfForeignSubsidiaries_2FE00771CB104BE326497280EF297BFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther_182A2DFF70C25145F59A7280EF295CE7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNetAbstract_DA9C9188B9C8835BF3597280EF28556B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOther_182A2DFF70C25145F59A7280EF295CE7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGrossNoncurrent" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGrossNoncurrent_464AA1FAEACE931C32AD7280EF29CDF7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesNetAbstract_DA9C9188B9C8835BF3597280EF28556B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGrossNoncurrent_464AA1FAEACE931C32AD7280EF29CDF7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_A00C7355E9401FF9DA587280EF2904E8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleofDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsandLiabilitiesLineItems_1EC8A4B5468686D993DE7280EF28D429" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_A00C7355E9401FF9DA587280EF2904E8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_E7622B4FFF31E1791FB27280EF299E50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_A00C7355E9401FF9DA587280EF2904E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwards_E7622B4FFF31E1791FB27280EF299E50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CurrentAssetsVariableInterestEntity" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CurrentAssetsVariableInterestEntity_77CD1B42CF099516BA147280EF29548D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_A00C7355E9401FF9DA587280EF2904E8" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CurrentAssetsVariableInterestEntity_77CD1B42CF099516BA147280EF29548D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsLossReserves" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsLossReserves_999E2175340D16A493247280EF2A5A4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_A00C7355E9401FF9DA587280EF2904E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsLossReserves_999E2175340D16A493247280EF2A5A4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsEmployeeCompensation" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsEmployeeCompensation_F46E15B5EC8E0A1BE14D7280EF2A21D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_A00C7355E9401FF9DA587280EF2904E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseCompensationAndBenefitsEmployeeCompensation_F46E15B5EC8E0A1BE14D7280EF2A21D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_MaximumAlternativeMinimumTaxTollingPaymentCredit" xlink:label="loc_ambc_MaximumAlternativeMinimumTaxTollingPaymentCredit_48DE964C60454603C4417280EF2A00CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_A00C7355E9401FF9DA587280EF2904E8" xlink:to="loc_ambc_MaximumAlternativeMinimumTaxTollingPaymentCredit_48DE964C60454603C4417280EF2A00CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther_C147EABF69EBF83DAD6E7280EF2A3F76" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_A00C7355E9401FF9DA587280EF2904E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOther_C147EABF69EBF83DAD6E7280EF2A3F76" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_13F4215D5DEF641DB6DB7280EF2ADC3F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_A00C7355E9401FF9DA587280EF2904E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGross_13F4215D5DEF641DB6DB7280EF2ADC3F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_52F90CF8C6FC6585CCDC7280EF2A02DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_A00C7355E9401FF9DA587280EF2904E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowance_52F90CF8C6FC6585CCDC7280EF2A02DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_87F9F2778C8810945D747280EF2ABC53" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetAbstract_A00C7355E9401FF9DA587280EF2904E8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNet_87F9F2778C8810945D747280EF2ABC53" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_830B328E4DE5672F12267280EF2A65A4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleofDeferredIncomeTaxAssetsandLiabilitiesLineItems_1EC8A4B5468686D993DE7280EF28D429" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilities_830B328E4DE5672F12267280EF2A65A4" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/IncomeTaxesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/Investments" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_5372F68246F846227FDFE1E441D7F535" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentTable" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_A613251C69C94DC68FC8E1E441D752F5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_5372F68246F846227FDFE1E441D7F535" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_A613251C69C94DC68FC8E1E441D752F5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_03006D4A282080E7372DE1E441D735CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_A613251C69C94DC68FC8E1E441D752F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_03006D4A282080E7372DE1E441D735CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_D857EB7739DE7F74E3C4E1E441D74FBF_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_03006D4A282080E7372DE1E441D735CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_D857EB7739DE7F74E3C4E1E441D74FBF_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_D857EB7739DE7F74E3C4E1E441D74FBF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_03006D4A282080E7372DE1E441D735CE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_D857EB7739DE7F74E3C4E1E441D74FBF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_932188096DAA87A12834E1E441D7774E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_D857EB7739DE7F74E3C4E1E441D74FBF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_932188096DAA87A12834E1E441D7774E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7947B5997EE9A61324CFE1E441D7B581" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_A613251C69C94DC68FC8E1E441D752F5" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7947B5997EE9A61324CFE1E441D7B581" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0696EBA1430ADC4D3CE1E1E441D780D7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7947B5997EE9A61324CFE1E441D7B581" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0696EBA1430ADC4D3CE1E1E441D780D7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0696EBA1430ADC4D3CE1E1E441D780D7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_7947B5997EE9A61324CFE1E441D7B581" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0696EBA1430ADC4D3CE1E1E441D780D7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmbacUkMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmbacUkMember_C7A677F84705E2FB16C9E1E441D76590" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0696EBA1430ADC4D3CE1E1E441D780D7" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmbacUkMember_C7A677F84705E2FB16C9E1E441D76590" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NationalCenturyFinancialEnterprisesIncMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NationalCenturyFinancialEnterprisesIncMember_4BCEEC21AF8548AACFCFE1E441D7F61D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_0696EBA1430ADC4D3CE1E1E441D780D7" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NationalCenturyFinancialEnterprisesIncMember_4BCEEC21AF8548AACFCFE1E441D7F61D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6919E9976AEE6E4E6373E1E441D77D29" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_A613251C69C94DC68FC8E1E441D752F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6919E9976AEE6E4E6373E1E441D77D29" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F56878CCF59C6A2DBB33E1E441D73AA1_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6919E9976AEE6E4E6373E1E441D77D29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F56878CCF59C6A2DBB33E1E441D73AA1_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F56878CCF59C6A2DBB33E1E441D73AA1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_6919E9976AEE6E4E6373E1E441D77D29" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F56878CCF59C6A2DBB33E1E441D73AA1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesAndNonRatedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesAndNonRatedSecuritiesMember_FF8E37C2997DED1482CDE1E441D7D89F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F56878CCF59C6A2DBB33E1E441D73AA1" xlink:to="loc_ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesAndNonRatedSecuritiesMember_FF8E37C2997DED1482CDE1E441D7D89F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_AD8B59E5BD7F510FAD39E1E441D7EA81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F56878CCF59C6A2DBB33E1E441D73AA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_AD8B59E5BD7F510FAD39E1E441D7EA81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmbacWrappedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmbacWrappedSecuritiesMember_7CBBA87BFF25FAF30B22E1E441D72A42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F56878CCF59C6A2DBB33E1E441D73AA1" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmbacWrappedSecuritiesMember_7CBBA87BFF25FAF30B22E1E441D72A42" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_73D38BFA89F4F954B1E0E1E441D77BAE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F56878CCF59C6A2DBB33E1E441D73AA1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_73D38BFA89F4F954B1E0E1E441D77BAE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_GainslossesonsecuritiesheldasofreportingdateMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_GainslossesonsecuritiesheldasofreportingdateMember_382EA57827DEEAAD7CE2E1E441D764A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F56878CCF59C6A2DBB33E1E441D73AA1" xlink:to="loc_ambc_GainslossesonsecuritiesheldasofreportingdateMember_382EA57827DEEAAD7CE2E1E441D764A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_DDD995ED113C0CCCDB0BE1E441D779C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_A613251C69C94DC68FC8E1E441D752F5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_DDD995ED113C0CCCDB0BE1E441D779C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B395FD7694A546D68848E1E441D701AD_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_DDD995ED113C0CCCDB0BE1E441D779C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B395FD7694A546D68848E1E441D701AD_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B395FD7694A546D68848E1E441D701AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_DDD995ED113C0CCCDB0BE1E441D779C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B395FD7694A546D68848E1E441D701AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_D0F6A4AFEAEE5FA29496E1E441D75111" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B395FD7694A546D68848E1E441D701AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_D0F6A4AFEAEE5FA29496E1E441D75111" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_B040430472A28C7A5E8CE1E441D719D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B395FD7694A546D68848E1E441D701AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_B040430472A28C7A5E8CE1E441D719D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AssetBackedSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AssetBackedSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure_9D9AB5202CDA551C63E4E1E441D763FB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_5372F68246F846227FDFE1E441D7F535" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AssetBackedSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure_9D9AB5202CDA551C63E4E1E441D763FB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesAndNonRatedSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:label="loc_ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesAndNonRatedSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_CDDDD30F7AA8FC4B6381E1E441D7C07A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_5372F68246F846227FDFE1E441D7F535" xlink:to="loc_ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesAndNonRatedSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_CDDDD30F7AA8FC4B6381E1E441D7C07A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesAndNonRatedSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses" xlink:label="loc_ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesAndNonRatedSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses_3BF5F71752BD8373360BE1E441D7F608" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_5372F68246F846227FDFE1E441D7F535" xlink:to="loc_ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesAndNonRatedSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionAggregateLosses_3BF5F71752BD8373360BE1E441D7F608" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_PaymentAsPercentageOfPermittedPolicyClaim" xlink:label="loc_ambc_PaymentAsPercentageOfPermittedPolicyClaim_E3E8DDDD17867E9C26C7E1E441D730DE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_5372F68246F846227FDFE1E441D7F535" xlink:to="loc_ambc_PaymentAsPercentageOfPermittedPolicyClaim_E3E8DDDD17867E9C26C7E1E441D730DE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CurrentPaymentasaPercentageofPermittedPolicyClaim" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CurrentPaymentasaPercentageofPermittedPolicyClaim_1504B18467FB26FE4B73E1E441D73FC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_5372F68246F846227FDFE1E441D7F535" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CurrentPaymentasaPercentageofPermittedPolicyClaim_1504B18467FB26FE4B73E1E441D73FC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_78C5406622D7C1437392E1E441D7488A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_5372F68246F846227FDFE1E441D7F535" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_78C5406622D7C1437392E1E441D7488A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount_6881E805AE2FFA8C7D4FE1E441D78635" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_5372F68246F846227FDFE1E441D7F535" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LitigationSettlementAmount_6881E805AE2FFA8C7D4FE1E441D78635" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueOfSecuritiesDepositedWithGovernmentalAuthorities" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueOfSecuritiesDepositedWithGovernmentalAuthorities_D46DDF08C1741FB05A42E1E441D7A945" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_5372F68246F846227FDFE1E441D7F535" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueOfSecuritiesDepositedWithGovernmentalAuthorities_D46DDF08C1741FB05A42E1E441D7A945" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherInvestmentsIncome" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherInvestmentsIncome_879A3A2E4588135BFA22E1E441D7B557" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_5372F68246F846227FDFE1E441D7F535" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherInvestmentsIncome_879A3A2E4588135BFA22E1E441D7B557" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_06E5C6832EBA635D929FE1E441D7637A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_5372F68246F846227FDFE1E441D7F535" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_06E5C6832EBA635D929FE1E441D7637A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueofSecuritiesPlacedinTrust" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueofSecuritiesPlacedinTrust_2B63236D747E4B9C5558E1E441D72257" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_5372F68246F846227FDFE1E441D7F535" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueofSecuritiesPlacedinTrust_2B63236D747E4B9C5558E1E441D72257" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentsExcludingVieInvestmentsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_93110896D9C7B7E11DB0578F453938B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5DEE47F161249CFE5A6B578F4539D7F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_93110896D9C7B7E11DB0578F453938B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5DEE47F161249CFE5A6B578F4539D7F8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C30211E8D561423A9B5B578F453987BF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5DEE47F161249CFE5A6B578F4539D7F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C30211E8D561423A9B5B578F453987BF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E7BE3FE60473BF22F062578F4539B69F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C30211E8D561423A9B5B578F453987BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E7BE3FE60473BF22F062578F4539B69F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E7BE3FE60473BF22F062578F4539B69F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C30211E8D561423A9B5B578F453987BF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E7BE3FE60473BF22F062578F4539B69F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_16BF74BCA15630059940578F45399C82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E7BE3FE60473BF22F062578F4539B69F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_16BF74BCA15630059940578F45399C82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_703C7D50E8AD004102E1578F4539F88A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5DEE47F161249CFE5A6B578F4539D7F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_703C7D50E8AD004102E1578F4539F88A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_975BF9A60A815B9CFD44578F4539DC7C_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_703C7D50E8AD004102E1578F4539F88A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_975BF9A60A815B9CFD44578F4539DC7C_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_975BF9A60A815B9CFD44578F4539DC7C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_703C7D50E8AD004102E1578F4539F88A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_975BF9A60A815B9CFD44578F4539DC7C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_CE2982083718A753836A578F45399EB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_975BF9A60A815B9CFD44578F4539DC7C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_CE2982083718A753836A578F45399EB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FixedIncomeInvestmentsAndOtherInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FixedIncomeInvestmentsAndOtherInvestmentsMember_378AF305AED12AF0E75D578F45398BFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_975BF9A60A815B9CFD44578F4539DC7C" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FixedIncomeInvestmentsAndOtherInvestmentsMember_378AF305AED12AF0E75D578F45398BFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9F703A4529DC44B30B73578F453963F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5DEE47F161249CFE5A6B578F4539D7F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9F703A4529DC44B30B73578F453963F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_7368E1390033024BF01A578F45394B6A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9F703A4529DC44B30B73578F453963F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_7368E1390033024BF01A578F45394B6A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_7368E1390033024BF01A578F45394B6A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_9F703A4529DC44B30B73578F453963F9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_7368E1390033024BF01A578F45394B6A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_B66260C3E344758E54F5578F45397552" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_7368E1390033024BF01A578F45394B6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_B66260C3E344758E54F5578F45397552" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_7A116A2FB50A7BF7B6E4578F4539E961" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_7368E1390033024BF01A578F45394B6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_7A116A2FB50A7BF7B6E4578F4539E961" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_D40DC88B331E96E77315578F45395B3A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_7368E1390033024BF01A578F45394B6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_D40DC88B331E96E77315578F45395B3A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_661BCB29A89DF2E29467578F4539F9E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_7368E1390033024BF01A578F45394B6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_661BCB29A89DF2E29467578F4539F9E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_9BDCE218547529297B3F578F453955B3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_7368E1390033024BF01A578F45394B6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_9BDCE218547529297B3F578F453955B3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_A75BAEC05D952A485573578F4539DD0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_7368E1390033024BF01A578F45394B6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_A75BAEC05D952A485573578F4539DD0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_992DAB2AEA2FA5C557A6578F4539070A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_7368E1390033024BF01A578F45394B6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_992DAB2AEA2FA5C557A6578F4539070A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_A25494A0EDD00DBE588F578F45391CBA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_7368E1390033024BF01A578F45394B6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_A25494A0EDD00DBE588F578F45391CBA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_A38C6E15C664B5CCB424578F453929DB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_7368E1390033024BF01A578F45394B6A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_A38C6E15C664B5CCB424578F453929DB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_533DDF262B183680A4BE578F453911AB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_5DEE47F161249CFE5A6B578F4539D7F8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_533DDF262B183680A4BE578F453911AB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_865DC6B73C2201ECA4AD578F4539105E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_533DDF262B183680A4BE578F453911AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_865DC6B73C2201ECA4AD578F4539105E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_865DC6B73C2201ECA4AD578F4539105E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_533DDF262B183680A4BE578F453911AB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_865DC6B73C2201ECA4AD578F4539105E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember_CB8FFBDB0E249877D755578F4539A672" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_865DC6B73C2201ECA4AD578F4539105E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember_CB8FFBDB0E249877D755578F4539A672" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_A8C5AAFD54511D48B3EB578F45396773" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_93110896D9C7B7E11DB0578F453938B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_A8C5AAFD54511D48B3EB578F45396773" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_53978792400DDD982A5E578F454928D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_93110896D9C7B7E11DB0578F453938B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedGainBeforeTax_53978792400DDD982A5E578F454928D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_8F81677E217B2CBE4922578F454921E1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_93110896D9C7B7E11DB0578F453938B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_8F81677E217B2CBE4922578F454921E1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_F6E6ECC8974406022CAD578F454918F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_93110896D9C7B7E11DB0578F453938B1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_F6E6ECC8974406022CAD578F454918F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NonCreditOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsOnInvestments" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NonCreditOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsOnInvestments_25CE79DA2CD7DE15495B578F4549CAA0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_93110896D9C7B7E11DB0578F453938B1" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NonCreditOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsOnInvestments_25CE79DA2CD7DE15495B578F4549CAA0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfAmortizedCostAndEstimatedFairValueOfAvailableForSaleInvestmentsExcludingVieInvestmentsHeldBySuccessorAmbacByContractualMaturityDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_BDF90E5F66981EAF93D5578F50DDD1FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_BDF90E5F66981EAF93D5578F50DDD1FE" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_8A25C4B2ECBB3FDD32AC578F50DD54CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_BDF90E5F66981EAF93D5578F50DDD1FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_8A25C4B2ECBB3FDD32AC578F50DD54CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_508E689A6E28054A25DD578F50DD106F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_8A25C4B2ECBB3FDD32AC578F50DD54CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_508E689A6E28054A25DD578F50DD106F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_508E689A6E28054A25DD578F50DD106F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_8A25C4B2ECBB3FDD32AC578F50DD54CD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_508E689A6E28054A25DD578F50DD106F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_8295AEA1DD9A34D3F505578F50DDF3A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_508E689A6E28054A25DD578F50DD106F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_8295AEA1DD9A34D3F505578F50DDF3A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_014A9F5F6BAEAEA86062578F50DD9D6B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_BDF90E5F66981EAF93D5578F50DDD1FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_014A9F5F6BAEAEA86062578F50DD9D6B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4ECDA23234976ECA16AD578F50DD6F72_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_014A9F5F6BAEAEA86062578F50DD9D6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4ECDA23234976ECA16AD578F50DD6F72_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4ECDA23234976ECA16AD578F50DD6F72" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_014A9F5F6BAEAEA86062578F50DD9D6B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4ECDA23234976ECA16AD578F50DD6F72" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_6C9888EB0A8E0945441E578F50DD5DE1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4ECDA23234976ECA16AD578F50DD6F72" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_6C9888EB0A8E0945441E578F50DD5DE1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_50A5733EF4B83F736D70578F50DDCE6C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_BDF90E5F66981EAF93D5578F50DDD1FE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_50A5733EF4B83F736D70578F50DDCE6C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B1DB8CBA1E9B2AE19A78578F50DD0763_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_50A5733EF4B83F736D70578F50DDCE6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B1DB8CBA1E9B2AE19A78578F50DD0763_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B1DB8CBA1E9B2AE19A78578F50DD0763" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_50A5733EF4B83F736D70578F50DDCE6C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B1DB8CBA1E9B2AE19A78578F50DD0763" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_0337DD88E606E5DAA13D578F50DD2B23" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B1DB8CBA1E9B2AE19A78578F50DD0763" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_0337DD88E606E5DAA13D578F50DD2B23" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_193320B5BD692F36E110578F50DD1132" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B1DB8CBA1E9B2AE19A78578F50DD0763" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_193320B5BD692F36E110578F50DD1132" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_B73BDE9978A821D7E926578F50DDB7E2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_B1DB8CBA1E9B2AE19A78578F50DD0763" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_B73BDE9978A821D7E926578F50DDB7E2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost_1F4B2A3E328FEBBDC08A578F50DDF9EE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearAmortizedCost_1F4B2A3E328FEBBDC08A578F50DDF9EE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost_CE7E35E79849975A23B6578F50DDE0B2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsAmortizedCost_CE7E35E79849975A23B6578F50DDE0B2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost_25DBD77C19548C73913E578F50DDF924" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsAmortizedCost_25DBD77C19548C73913E578F50DDF924" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost_33EEE76A27B784FEF21B578F50DD3952" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsAmortizedCost_33EEE76A27B784FEF21B578F50DD3952" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis_908024B00C1979E2F675578F50DDE6C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDateAmortizedCostBasis_908024B00C1979E2F675578F50DDE6C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_B49FB0EB3348DFE25251578F50DD5703" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAmortizedCost_B49FB0EB3348DFE25251578F50DD5703" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_3662116257B88A9592B7578F50DD08D5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesWithinOneYearFairValue_3662116257B88A9592B7578F50DD08D5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue_6949BBA448FE063661D7578F50DD9C65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterOneThroughFiveYearsFairValue_6949BBA448FE063661D7578F50DD9C65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue_53DF044A2276FCB37350578F50DDEA71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterFiveThroughTenYearsFairValue_53DF044A2276FCB37350578F50DDEA71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue_997CF1A83C0ECE6A805D578F50DD7FC2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesAfterTenYearsFairValue_997CF1A83C0ECE6A805D578F50DD7FC2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate_4FCDB7AE5D0D7CB25578578F50DD5EF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesDebtMaturitiesSingleMaturityDate_4FCDB7AE5D0D7CB25578578F50DD5EF9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_7FAB2991341114CD694A578F50DDF467" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_2E299C501214813AF8A8578F50DD535A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_7FAB2991341114CD694A578F50DDF467" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfAmountsIncludedInNetRealizedLossesGainsAndOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_32DFDA97D3C9D239A2A8578F46A0F0AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentTable" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_80DADEEDAB8C8EC5A109578F46A0E22D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_32DFDA97D3C9D239A2A8578F46A0F0AF" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_80DADEEDAB8C8EC5A109578F46A0E22D" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_350FAAEC109815780416578F46A09A4A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_80DADEEDAB8C8EC5A109578F46A0E22D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_350FAAEC109815780416578F46A09A4A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_96961E515237F12DE750578F46A02912_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_350FAAEC109815780416578F46A09A4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_96961E515237F12DE750578F46A02912_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_96961E515237F12DE750578F46A02912" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_350FAAEC109815780416578F46A09A4A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_96961E515237F12DE750578F46A02912" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_A28E815875338746952F578F46A0E61A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_96961E515237F12DE750578F46A02912" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_A28E815875338746952F578F46A0E61A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains_B58053C304BB3AA08EF0578F46A03C65" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_32DFDA97D3C9D239A2A8578F46A0F0AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGains_B58053C304BB3AA08EF0578F46A03C65" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses_8BDA8CB4A4095A8BE0C6578F46A05EB4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_32DFDA97D3C9D239A2A8578F46A0F0AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedLosses_8BDA8CB4A4095A8BE0C6578F46A05EB4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax_A9A4D63431D52136AD17578F46A06056" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_32DFDA97D3C9D239A2A8578F46A0F0AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignCurrencyTransactionGainLossBeforeTax_A9A4D63431D52136AD17578F46A06056" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_C8E4669644CA8E8E1BF2578F46A0DB37" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_32DFDA97D3C9D239A2A8578F46A0F0AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableforsaleSecuritiesGrossRealizedGainLossExcludingOtherThanTemporaryImpairments_C8E4669644CA8E8E1BF2578F46A0DB37" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet_77CA32B10E34CBD9E58A578F46A0F45F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_32DFDA97D3C9D239A2A8578F46A0F0AF" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentLossesInvestmentsPortionRecognizedInEarningsNet_77CA32B10E34CBD9E58A578F46A0F45F" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfFairValueIncludingFinancialGuaranteeAndWeightedAverageUnderlyingRatingExcludingFinancialGuaranteeOfInsuredSecuritiesDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_22ACCC3618CFCDD3E9E49BE8277C31E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentTable" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_412695318E4293859FE39BE8277915AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_22ACCC3618CFCDD3E9E49BE8277C31E4" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_412695318E4293859FE39BE8277915AD" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_19E0B52C75FED3DB9B7F9BE8277985E9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_412695318E4293859FE39BE8277915AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_19E0B52C75FED3DB9B7F9BE8277985E9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_0B8A8B53F6EC2007CFCB9BE82779E25F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_19E0B52C75FED3DB9B7F9BE8277985E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_0B8A8B53F6EC2007CFCB9BE82779E25F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_0B8A8B53F6EC2007CFCB9BE82779E25F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_19E0B52C75FED3DB9B7F9BE8277985E9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_0B8A8B53F6EC2007CFCB9BE82779E25F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_2233088DE1B420DD25F29BE8277AC446" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_0B8A8B53F6EC2007CFCB9BE82779E25F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_2233088DE1B420DD25F29BE8277AC446" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_41E5362C88E161FEB0D99BE8277A82E4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_0B8A8B53F6EC2007CFCB9BE82779E25F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_41E5362C88E161FEB0D99BE8277A82E4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_MortgageAndOtherAssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_MortgageAndOtherAssetBackedSecuritiesMember_2C58BC0AB3AB89EBF0FF9BE8277A66F2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_0B8A8B53F6EC2007CFCB9BE82779E25F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_MortgageAndOtherAssetBackedSecuritiesMember_2C58BC0AB3AB89EBF0FF9BE8277A66F2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_A542228F7F601775E4E49BE8277A16BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_0B8A8B53F6EC2007CFCB9BE82779E25F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_A542228F7F601775E4E49BE8277A16BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C7FEEC0E3148A0CF38CE9BE8277A03F4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_412695318E4293859FE39BE8277915AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C7FEEC0E3148A0CF38CE9BE8277A03F4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F13EA0D8C8CAB9DD5A889BE8277A4C63_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C7FEEC0E3148A0CF38CE9BE8277A03F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F13EA0D8C8CAB9DD5A889BE8277A4C63_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F13EA0D8C8CAB9DD5A889BE8277A4C63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C7FEEC0E3148A0CF38CE9BE8277A03F4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F13EA0D8C8CAB9DD5A889BE8277A4C63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_E41FB0ABA150167FAADC9BE8277AC330" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_F13EA0D8C8CAB9DD5A889BE8277A4C63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_E41FB0ABA150167FAADC9BE8277AC330" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_F12666DC0081B5CD69CA9BE8277A2410" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_412695318E4293859FE39BE8277915AD" xlink:to="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_F12666DC0081B5CD69CA9BE8277A2410" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_85412762FAF93C9D7D109BE8277AFAD2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_F12666DC0081B5CD69CA9BE8277A2410" xlink:to="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_85412762FAF93C9D7D109BE8277AFAD2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_85412762FAF93C9D7D109BE8277AFAD2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceAxis_F12666DC0081B5CD69CA9BE8277A2410" xlink:to="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_85412762FAF93C9D7D109BE8277AFAD2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandardPoorsCCRatingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StandardPoorsCCRatingMember_E60F99D019257A3F89B89C4B24D7BC22" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_85412762FAF93C9D7D109BE8277AFAD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StandardPoorsCCRatingMember_E60F99D019257A3F89B89C4B24D7BC22" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandardPoorsAMinusRatingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StandardPoorsAMinusRatingMember_D3CDDA20AE1DE22BE4F39BE8277B479B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_85412762FAF93C9D7D109BE8277AFAD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StandardPoorsAMinusRatingMember_D3CDDA20AE1DE22BE4F39BE8277B479B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandardPoorsAAMinusRatingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StandardPoorsAAMinusRatingMember_67E67130A929C45CE1DD9C4E05FFA75C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_85412762FAF93C9D7D109BE8277AFAD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StandardPoorsAAMinusRatingMember_67E67130A929C45CE1DD9C4E05FFA75C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandardPoorsAPlusRatingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StandardPoorsAPlusRatingMember_D033E95E6AB4D98B15B59BE8277B3941" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_85412762FAF93C9D7D109BE8277AFAD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StandardPoorsAPlusRatingMember_D033E95E6AB4D98B15B59BE8277B3941" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StandardPoorsCCCMinusRatingMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StandardPoorsCCCMinusRatingMember_F8BBA43A0057F195BDC19C520FD83FB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_CreditRatingSourceDomain_85412762FAF93C9D7D109BE8277AFAD2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StandardPoorsCCCMinusRatingMember_F8BBA43A0057F195BDC19C520FD83FB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentAxis" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_AFB9792E30A1CD695E479BE8277B800E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_412695318E4293859FE39BE8277915AD" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_AFB9792E30A1CD695E479BE8277B800E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_2C34CCD252A2A145AE669BE8277B6351_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_AFB9792E30A1CD695E479BE8277B800E" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_2C34CCD252A2A145AE669BE8277B6351_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_2C34CCD252A2A145AE669BE8277B6351" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentAxis_AFB9792E30A1CD695E479BE8277B800E" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_2C34CCD252A2A145AE669BE8277B6351" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmbacAssuranceCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmbacAssuranceCorporationMember_EA007B4F76A57786CC5E9BE8277B8F32" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_2C34CCD252A2A145AE669BE8277B6351" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmbacAssuranceCorporationMember_EA007B4F76A57786CC5E9BE8277B8F32" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NationalPublicFinanceGuaranteeCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NationalPublicFinanceGuaranteeCorporationMember_52A3681F9CD742205EB39BE8277B6EDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_2C34CCD252A2A145AE669BE8277B6351" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NationalPublicFinanceGuaranteeCorporationMember_52A3681F9CD742205EB39BE8277B6EDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AssuredGuarantyMunicipalCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AssuredGuarantyMunicipalCorporationMember_FFC06B0B5C4B9568B1ED9BE8277C2D17" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_2C34CCD252A2A145AE669BE8277B6351" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AssuredGuarantyMunicipalCorporationMember_FFC06B0B5C4B9568B1ED9BE8277C2D17" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_MbiaInsuranceCorporationMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_MbiaInsuranceCorporationMember_0BE1F305CA6C9649D0339BE8277C51D1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentDomain_2C34CCD252A2A145AE669BE8277B6351" xlink:to="loc_ambc_MbiaInsuranceCorporationMember_0BE1F305CA6C9649D0339BE8277C51D1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue_DDD7B23E1EAE545626EE9BE8277C5037" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_22ACCC3618CFCDD3E9E49BE8277C31E4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentOwnedAtFairValue_DDD7B23E1EAE545626EE9BE8277C5037" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfFairValueIncludingFinancialGuaranteeAndWeightedAverageUnderlyingRatingExcludingFinancialGuaranteeOfInsuredSecuritiesPhantomDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_7D82FDCA37055F46C1E6E2278B8066F8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentTable" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_FD708A7C2EA853ADB771E2278B809460" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_7D82FDCA37055F46C1E6E2278B8066F8" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_FD708A7C2EA853ADB771E2278B809460" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1E4FC31D9673F9AF5195E2278B80C6CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_FD708A7C2EA853ADB771E2278B809460" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1E4FC31D9673F9AF5195E2278B80C6CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4F176D932AD9B2BB273BE2278B8013DA_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1E4FC31D9673F9AF5195E2278B80C6CB" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4F176D932AD9B2BB273BE2278B8013DA_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4F176D932AD9B2BB273BE2278B8013DA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_1E4FC31D9673F9AF5195E2278B80C6CB" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4F176D932AD9B2BB273BE2278B8013DA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AmbacUkMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AmbacUkMember_A7B8B4D31308E5EFAAEAE2278B80811F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_4F176D932AD9B2BB273BE2278B8013DA" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AmbacUkMember_A7B8B4D31308E5EFAAEAE2278B80811F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AssetBackedSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AssetBackedSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure_8E28D32FB1D2CC442964E2278B806BED" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_7D82FDCA37055F46C1E6E2278B8066F8" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AssetBackedSecuritiesFairValueDisclosure_8E28D32FB1D2CC442964E2278B806BED" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfGrossUnrealizedLossesAndFairValuesOfAmbacsAvailableForSaleInvestmentsDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_A4387A22234A0626B4759BE81A9DDCE8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_66C4925E80CEE154B2B69BE81A9A7E70" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_A4387A22234A0626B4759BE81A9DDCE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_66C4925E80CEE154B2B69BE81A9A7E70" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9D8052B45514ABABF9B09BE81A9AA0AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_66C4925E80CEE154B2B69BE81A9A7E70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9D8052B45514ABABF9B09BE81A9AA0AD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_31336765AFABAF3D24219BE81A9A9D84_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9D8052B45514ABABF9B09BE81A9AA0AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_31336765AFABAF3D24219BE81A9A9D84_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_31336765AFABAF3D24219BE81A9A9D84" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_9D8052B45514ABABF9B09BE81A9AA0AD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_31336765AFABAF3D24219BE81A9A9D84" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember_93266CC4EDDCD130493E9BE81A9A99C7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_31336765AFABAF3D24219BE81A9A9D84" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember_93266CC4EDDCD130493E9BE81A9A99C7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_B940925BE66228B5F1229BE81A9A0037" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_66C4925E80CEE154B2B69BE81A9A7E70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_B940925BE66228B5F1229BE81A9A0037" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_28FB0324F26FDB49E9E29BE81A9ADACE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_B940925BE66228B5F1229BE81A9A0037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_28FB0324F26FDB49E9E29BE81A9ADACE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_28FB0324F26FDB49E9E29BE81A9ADACE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeAxis_B940925BE66228B5F1229BE81A9A0037" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_28FB0324F26FDB49E9E29BE81A9ADACE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FixedIncomeInvestmentsAndOtherInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FixedIncomeInvestmentsAndOtherInvestmentsMember_6008A5ACF3245D27CBE09BE81A9A4747" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_28FB0324F26FDB49E9E29BE81A9ADACE" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FixedIncomeInvestmentsAndOtherInvestmentsMember_6008A5ACF3245D27CBE09BE81A9A4747" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_7EF2459EE7713A6E693C9BE81A9BAA1B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_28FB0324F26FDB49E9E29BE81A9ADACE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_7EF2459EE7713A6E693C9BE81A9BAA1B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember_3758867286DEB9E9945D9BE81A9B48C3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentTypeCategorizationMember_28FB0324F26FDB49E9E29BE81A9ADACE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuritiesPledgedAsCollateralMember_3758867286DEB9E9945D9BE81A9B48C3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C07355E525CB0E3D1E199BE81A9B9A66" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_66C4925E80CEE154B2B69BE81A9A7E70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C07355E525CB0E3D1E199BE81A9B9A66" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A28F798FCD83138249749BE81A9B0D39_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C07355E525CB0E3D1E199BE81A9B9A66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A28F798FCD83138249749BE81A9B0D39_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A28F798FCD83138249749BE81A9B0D39" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C07355E525CB0E3D1E199BE81A9B9A66" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A28F798FCD83138249749BE81A9B0D39" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_E6A26BC5515987E2C2499BE81A9B88DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_A28F798FCD83138249749BE81A9B0D39" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_E6A26BC5515987E2C2499BE81A9B88DC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_A1CFA327C73566EE91029BE81A9C7040" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesTable_66C4925E80CEE154B2B69BE81A9A7E70" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_A1CFA327C73566EE91029BE81A9C7040" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_A1CFA327C73566EE91029BE81A9C7040" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_A1CFA327C73566EE91029BE81A9C7040" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_75FF53CE52D518084B589BE81A9C3DAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MunicipalBondsMember_75FF53CE52D518084B589BE81A9C3DAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_54108A4BC2E336FD0BA39BE81A9C3D18" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_54108A4BC2E336FD0BA39BE81A9C3D18" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtMember_B93AB733A9EE8105B2E59BE81A9C389D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtMember_B93AB733A9EE8105B2E59BE81A9C389D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_F85E05BB61086D2BB0899BE81A9C3011" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_F85E05BB61086D2BB0899BE81A9C3011" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_92D64BB69457F7FB5A9B9BE81A9CAEB1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_USGovernmentAgenciesDebtSecuritiesMember_92D64BB69457F7FB5A9B9BE81A9CAEB1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_A2260F3E630F2FD9ABDD9BE81A9C04E0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_A2260F3E630F2FD9ABDD9BE81A9C04E0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_3DED25328AE0B43DFE0B9BE81A9C785F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_3DED25328AE0B43DFE0B9BE81A9C785F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_2534906B7461D48851DD9BE81A9DA07E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AssetBackedSecuritiesMember_2534906B7461D48851DD9BE81A9DA07E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_CA45400B06E8C192F9579BE81A9D19B1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FixedIncomeSecuritiesMember_CA45400B06E8C192F9579BE81A9D19B1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_54A642CB77921FF177759BE81A9D7DBB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ShortTermInvestmentsMember_54A642CB77921FF177759BE81A9D7DBB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_AC04D7321EA5CBBB67B69BE81A9DEA95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_4915EA5880C38990AC5F9BE81A9C87A7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ForeignGovernmentDebtSecuritiesMember_AC04D7321EA5CBBB67B69BE81A9DEA95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_0C8B2A15E7A768E3D1309BE81A9D7059" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_A4387A22234A0626B4759BE81A9DDCE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThanTwelveMonthsFairValue_0C8B2A15E7A768E3D1309BE81A9D7059" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_DB0B182E8EBE6D2CDA2D9BE81A9DC8CB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_A4387A22234A0626B4759BE81A9DDCE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionLessThan12MonthsAccumulatedLoss_DB0B182E8EBE6D2CDA2D9BE81A9DC8CB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_30C1C28F33575AF7F0BF9BE81A9E6A50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_A4387A22234A0626B4759BE81A9DDCE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionTwelveMonthsOrLongerFairValue_30C1C28F33575AF7F0BF9BE81A9E6A50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_0025EC49AB0812062FA39BE81A9E4FB3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_A4387A22234A0626B4759BE81A9DDCE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPosition12MonthsOrLongerAccumulatedLoss_0025EC49AB0812062FA39BE81A9E4FB3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_DD50A71529636879A4459BE81A9E61FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_A4387A22234A0626B4759BE81A9DDCE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesContinuousUnrealizedLossPositionFairValue_DD50A71529636879A4459BE81A9E61FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_8B7185020F64D051E3999BE81A9E9FB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAvailableForSaleSecuritiesLineItems_A4387A22234A0626B4759BE81A9DDCE8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecuritiesAccumulatedGrossUnrealizedLossBeforeTax_8B7185020F64D051E3999BE81A9E9FB6" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfNetInvestmentIncomeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_31A6F402A484BE57E44D578F4A2986C9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentTable" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_9F59F467375F812E54FD578F4A299DCB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_31A6F402A484BE57E44D578F4A2986C9" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_9F59F467375F812E54FD578F4A299DCB" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_4F772E36C5867EA234DE578F4A293EB7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_9F59F467375F812E54FD578F4A299DCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_4F772E36C5867EA234DE578F4A293EB7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2231D69B95F642BA3F91578F4A291F10_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_4F772E36C5867EA234DE578F4A293EB7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2231D69B95F642BA3F91578F4A291F10_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2231D69B95F642BA3F91578F4A291F10" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_4F772E36C5867EA234DE578F4A293EB7" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2231D69B95F642BA3F91578F4A291F10" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_GainslossesonsecuritiesheldasofreportingdateMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_GainslossesonsecuritiesheldasofreportingdateMember_FCDD7B4A90047B9BA9AF578F4A293108" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_2231D69B95F642BA3F91578F4A291F10" xlink:to="loc_ambc_GainslossesonsecuritiesheldasofreportingdateMember_FCDD7B4A90047B9BA9AF578F4A293108" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_ED0B9FC80F6ECB0096F9578F4A296CFD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_9F59F467375F812E54FD578F4A299DCB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_ED0B9FC80F6ECB0096F9578F4A296CFD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B81F51CB16D3AAD54CA2578F4A29F606_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_ED0B9FC80F6ECB0096F9578F4A296CFD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B81F51CB16D3AAD54CA2578F4A29F606_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B81F51CB16D3AAD54CA2578F4A29F606" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_ED0B9FC80F6ECB0096F9578F4A296CFD" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B81F51CB16D3AAD54CA2578F4A29F606" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_3AF2798419E178C388F9578F4A297C50" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B81F51CB16D3AAD54CA2578F4A29F606" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_3AF2798419E178C388F9578F4A297C50" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetRealizedOrUnrealizedGainLossOnTradingSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetRealizedOrUnrealizedGainLossOnTradingSecurities_FE2AB97DF936A5F8B697578F4A29D2B8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_31A6F402A484BE57E44D578F4A2986C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetRealizedOrUnrealizedGainLossOnTradingSecurities_FE2AB97DF936A5F8B697578F4A29D2B8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_BEB1C81FE6D413FC6C3D578F4A29EC82" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_31A6F402A484BE57E44D578F4A2986C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesRealizedGainLoss_BEB1C81FE6D413FC6C3D578F4A29EC82" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InvestmentIncomeInterestOnDebtSecurities" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InvestmentIncomeInterestOnDebtSecurities_65BBC474B6F7E4EB7D92578F4A29C081" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_31A6F402A484BE57E44D578F4A2986C9" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InvestmentIncomeInterestOnDebtSecurities_65BBC474B6F7E4EB7D92578F4A29C081" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InvestmentIncomeInsuranceEntityShortTermInvestments" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InvestmentIncomeInsuranceEntityShortTermInvestments_84CC3678D02665CD40D2578F4A29CB11" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_31A6F402A484BE57E44D578F4A2986C9" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InvestmentIncomeInsuranceEntityShortTermInvestments_84CC3678D02665CD40D2578F4A29CB11" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InvestmentIncomeInterestOnLoansReceivable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InvestmentIncomeInterestOnLoansReceivable_9F4302CE3A2A0FC79B5C578F4A295D9D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_31A6F402A484BE57E44D578F4A2986C9" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InvestmentIncomeInterestOnLoansReceivable_9F4302CE3A2A0FC79B5C578F4A295D9D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_D6583CA710A27BE17F63578F4A29F188" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_31A6F402A484BE57E44D578F4A2986C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InvestmentIncomeInvestmentExpense_D6583CA710A27BE17F63578F4A29F188" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesAvailableForSale" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesAvailableForSale_2A33DB855DA0AE22085E578F4A29327F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_31A6F402A484BE57E44D578F4A2986C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestAndDividendIncomeSecuritiesAvailableForSale_2A33DB855DA0AE22085E578F4A29327F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherInvestmentsIncome" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherInvestmentsIncome_0AF460CBF8CB35C29B2E578F4A2924CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_31A6F402A484BE57E44D578F4A2986C9" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherInvestmentsIncome_0AF460CBF8CB35C29B2E578F4A2924CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_2C2A4777B5A0C1EB1A8F578F4A293DE0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_31A6F402A484BE57E44D578F4A2986C9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_2C2A4777B5A0C1EB1A8F578F4A293DE0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfRollForwardOfAmbacsCumulativeCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesForWhichPortionOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentWasRecognizedInOtherComprehensiveIncomeDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems_49113AC02620B08D7DC4578F4182087A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable_4D14C8A41D0B3335DD8A578F4182942C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems_49113AC02620B08D7DC4578F4182087A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable_4D14C8A41D0B3335DD8A578F4182942C" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A4543E711A004388B860578F4182853C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfOtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsTable_4D14C8A41D0B3335DD8A578F4182942C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A4543E711A004388B860578F4182853C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6BB1F54066AB923BE6A5578F4182E574_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A4543E711A004388B860578F4182853C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6BB1F54066AB923BE6A5578F4182E574_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6BB1F54066AB923BE6A5578F4182E574" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_A4543E711A004388B860578F4182853C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6BB1F54066AB923BE6A5578F4182E574" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_DF94A83F21598AD36E47578F4182B26D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6BB1F54066AB923BE6A5578F4182E574" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_DF94A83F21598AD36E47578F4182B26D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_8FA5CBDFC3E3861D5233578F41822350" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_6BB1F54066AB923BE6A5578F4182E574" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_8FA5CBDFC3E3861D5233578F41822350" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsRollForward" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsRollForward_58E27F3B544049A76376578F4182B9C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems_49113AC02620B08D7DC4578F4182087A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsRollForward_58E27F3B544049A76376578F4182B9C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld_9C58ADDEC9A1E4F41C9C578F41826774" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsRollForward_58E27F3B544049A76376578F4182B9C4" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsCreditLossesOnDebtSecuritiesHeld_9C58ADDEC9A1E4F41C9C578F41826774" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAdditionsForCreditImpairmentsRecognizedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAdditionsForCreditImpairmentsRecognizedAbstract_DE738F1AA1A1D4A9E090578F4182B5D2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsRollForward_58E27F3B544049A76376578F4182B9C4" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAdditionsForCreditImpairmentsRecognizedAbstract_DE738F1AA1A1D4A9E090578F4182B5D2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsNoPreviousImpairment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsNoPreviousImpairment_618F6B8C19DEC4F77299578F4182FF6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAdditionsForCreditImpairmentsRecognizedAbstract_DE738F1AA1A1D4A9E090578F4182B5D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsNoPreviousImpairment_618F6B8C19DEC4F77299578F4182FF6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsAdditionalCreditLosses" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsAdditionalCreditLosses_5AD2E46BC9678F2F197E578F418261FA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsAdditionsForCreditImpairmentsRecognizedAbstract_DE738F1AA1A1D4A9E090578F4182B5D2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsAdditionsAdditionalCreditLosses_5AD2E46BC9678F2F197E578F418261FA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsReductionsForCreditImpairmentsPreviouslyRecognizedAbstract" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsReductionsForCreditImpairmentsPreviouslyRecognizedAbstract_FB6A178B05FFB823E3A0578F41827703" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsRollForward_58E27F3B544049A76376578F4182B9C4" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsReductionsForCreditImpairmentsPreviouslyRecognizedAbstract_FB6A178B05FFB823E3A0578F41827703" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsReductionsSecuritiesSold" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsReductionsSecuritiesSold_6C2D24EE7CA54A8FAEAB578F4182982A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentsReductionsForCreditImpairmentsPreviouslyRecognizedAbstract_FB6A178B05FFB823E3A0578F41827703" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsReductionsSecuritiesSold_6C2D24EE7CA54A8FAEAB578F4182982A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsReductionsChangeInStatus" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsReductionsChangeInStatus_D515B6A876DD56D2CA62578F41827CF9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsLineItems_49113AC02620B08D7DC4578F4182087A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherThanTemporaryImpairmentCreditLossesRecognizedInEarningsReductionsChangeInStatus_D515B6A876DD56D2CA62578F41827CF9" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsSummaryOfSourcesOfCollateralReceivedAndVariousInvestmentAgreementInWhichCollateralPledgedDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentLineItems" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_FD2D3C011095D14D37B6863C5F9C7AB2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentTable" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_A88329DB727B06E734E1863C5F9B0AB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_FD2D3C011095D14D37B6863C5F9C7AB2" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_A88329DB727B06E734E1863C5F9B0AB6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_7E49FD80FF910177FC57863C5F9BA23F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_A88329DB727B06E734E1863C5F9B0AB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_7E49FD80FF910177FC57863C5F9BA23F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A04C3EDF490DD34AFAB8863C5F9B40F6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_7E49FD80FF910177FC57863C5F9BA23F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A04C3EDF490DD34AFAB8863C5F9B40F6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A04C3EDF490DD34AFAB8863C5F9B40F6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_7E49FD80FF910177FC57863C5F9BA23F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A04C3EDF490DD34AFAB8863C5F9B40F6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesAndNonRatedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesAndNonRatedSecuritiesMember_1353E41951BC7559B6C8863C5F9BE4C1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_A04C3EDF490DD34AFAB8863C5F9B40F6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_BelowInvestmentGradeSecuritiesAndNonRatedSecuritiesMember_1353E41951BC7559B6C8863C5F9BE4C1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6EB0325199DB53F8F842863C5F9B15A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_A88329DB727B06E734E1863C5F9B0AB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6EB0325199DB53F8F842863C5F9B15A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4358394334F95DD11C02863C5F9B0FB0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6EB0325199DB53F8F842863C5F9B15A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4358394334F95DD11C02863C5F9B0FB0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4358394334F95DD11C02863C5F9B0FB0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6EB0325199DB53F8F842863C5F9B15A9" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4358394334F95DD11C02863C5F9B0FB0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_A7118F3E0AAD8C4807F9863C5F9B7E09" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4358394334F95DD11C02863C5F9B0FB0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_A7118F3E0AAD8C4807F9863C5F9B7E09" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_524A9FF08E9693BE50F6863C5F9BA7BE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentTable_A88329DB727B06E734E1863C5F9B0AB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_524A9FF08E9693BE50F6863C5F9BA7BE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_01603F46ECC6587F915E863C5F9CE51F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_524A9FF08E9693BE50F6863C5F9BA7BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_01603F46ECC6587F915E863C5F9CE51F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_01603F46ECC6587F915E863C5F9CE51F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_FinancialInstrumentAxis_524A9FF08E9693BE50F6863C5F9BA7BE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_01603F46ECC6587F915E863C5F9CE51F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InvestmentPortfolioMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InvestmentPortfolioMember_053613194986ED96153C863C5F9C9985" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_01603F46ECC6587F915E863C5F9CE51F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InvestmentPortfolioMember_053613194986ED96153C863C5F9C9985" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_DerivativeCounterpartiesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_DerivativeCounterpartiesMember_6B1D820EC0815C014AF8863C5F9C521A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_TransfersAndServicingOfFinancialInstrumentsTypesOfFinancialInstrumentsDomain_01603F46ECC6587F915E863C5F9CE51F" xlink:to="loc_ambc_DerivativeCounterpartiesMember_6B1D820EC0815C014AF8863C5F9C521A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueofSecuritiesPlacedinTrust" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueofSecuritiesPlacedinTrust_A9835423C53DE414A75A86C971D00842" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_FD2D3C011095D14D37B6863C5F9C7AB2" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueofSecuritiesPlacedinTrust_A9835423C53DE414A75A86C971D00842" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueOfCashAndUnderlyingSecurities" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueOfCashAndUnderlyingSecurities_2E961577E77D73AAE86F863C5F9C4C1D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_FD2D3C011095D14D37B6863C5F9C7AB2" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueOfCashAndUnderlyingSecurities_2E961577E77D73AAE86F863C5F9C4C1D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueOfCashAndSecuritiesPledgedToInvestmentAndRepurchaseAgreementCounterparties" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueOfCashAndSecuritiesPledgedToInvestmentAndRepurchaseAgreementCounterparties_C53F5B7DA827BF1206F2863C5F9CF0E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_FD2D3C011095D14D37B6863C5F9C7AB2" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueOfCashAndSecuritiesPledgedToInvestmentAndRepurchaseAgreementCounterparties_C53F5B7DA827BF1206F2863C5F9CF0E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueOfCashAndSecuritiesPledgedToDerivativeCounterparties" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueOfCashAndSecuritiesPledgedToDerivativeCounterparties_587B982E1EFE4CA40446863C5F9C8992" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_invest_InvestmentLineItems_FD2D3C011095D14D37B6863C5F9C7AB2" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueOfCashAndSecuritiesPledgedToDerivativeCounterparties_587B982E1EFE4CA40446863C5F9C8992" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/InvestmentsTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/NetIncomePerShare" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/NetIncomePerShareAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareTable_DB2B0802F04909DD222ED29464555A42" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareTable_DB2B0802F04909DD222ED29464555A42" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_3D8070BE320D10234960D29464562CFE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareTable_DB2B0802F04909DD222ED29464555A42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_3D8070BE320D10234960D29464562CFE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_72772B3BE8939881AEE4D29464563153_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_3D8070BE320D10234960D29464562CFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_72772B3BE8939881AEE4D29464563153_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_72772B3BE8939881AEE4D29464563153" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_3D8070BE320D10234960D29464562CFE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_72772B3BE8939881AEE4D29464563153" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_32D9515AC8817A20258BD2946456A19B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_72772B3BE8939881AEE4D29464563153" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_32D9515AC8817A20258BD2946456A19B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_510F2DB75253A6B6DB43D294645619CF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_72772B3BE8939881AEE4D29464563153" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_510F2DB75253A6B6DB43D294645619CF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_08138F6A82E042B84BB1D2946456F35F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_72772B3BE8939881AEE4D29464563153" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_08138F6A82E042B84BB1D2946456F35F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_E97074E4D0D2D72661B3D29464567CDB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_72772B3BE8939881AEE4D29464563153" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_E97074E4D0D2D72661B3D29464567CDB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_4F9D149589571D424A5FD29464566C8E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareTable_DB2B0802F04909DD222ED29464555A42" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_4F9D149589571D424A5FD29464566C8E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B898B6562D46A015498CD29464578C3B_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_4F9D149589571D424A5FD29464566C8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B898B6562D46A015498CD29464578C3B_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B898B6562D46A015498CD29464578C3B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_4F9D149589571D424A5FD29464566C8E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B898B6562D46A015498CD29464578C3B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_5103BD797ACF1E9D5FD3D294645779E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_B898B6562D46A015498CD29464578C3B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_5103BD797ACF1E9D5FD3D294645779E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_2BB9B4053ACD5BB67CB9D2946457B461" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_2BB9B4053ACD5BB67CB9D2946457B461" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_0E421C64A1E7F13C0D6ED2946457283B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockSharesIssued_0E421C64A1E7F13C0D6ED2946457283B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_WarrantBuyBackAuthorizedDollars" xlink:label="loc_ambc_WarrantBuyBackAuthorizedDollars_8EE65FCABF8F347CDA31D29464581892" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_WarrantBuyBackAuthorizedDollars_8EE65FCABF8F347CDA31D29464581892" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_WarrantsPurchasedDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_ambc_WarrantsPurchasedDuringPeriodShares_B4AC9A3FDED287DED295D2946458CF8A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_WarrantsPurchasedDuringPeriodShares_B4AC9A3FDED287DED295D2946458CF8A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_WarrantsPurchasedDuringPeriodDollars" xlink:label="loc_ambc_WarrantsPurchasedDuringPeriodDollars_66DDF32DC9467A684047D2946458387B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_WarrantsPurchasedDuringPeriodDollars_66DDF32DC9467A684047D2946458387B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_C8AE101B950A5FF298EBD294645802A1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CommonStockParOrStatedValuePerShare_C8AE101B950A5FF298EBD294645802A1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_BA7AF765878C08910D1AD2946458265A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightNumberOfSecuritiesCalledByWarrantsOrRights_BA7AF765878C08910D1AD2946458265A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_80806FB44E7238BEE4A9D2946458F402" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassOfWarrantOrRightExercisePriceOfWarrantsOrRights1_80806FB44E7238BEE4A9D2946458F402" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/invest/2013/invest-2013-01-31.xsd#invest_InvestmentWarrantsExpirationDate" xlink:label="loc_invest_InvestmentWarrantsExpirationDate_8DB1B891F7DF7FD14B8CD29464581E95" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:to="loc_invest_InvestmentWarrantsExpirationDate_8DB1B891F7DF7FD14B8CD29464581E95" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_5561AAD27241A5ED7A30D2946458997E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StockIssuedDuringPeriodSharesNewIssues_5561AAD27241A5ED7A30D2946458997E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_WarrantExercisedDuringPeriodShares" xlink:label="loc_ambc_WarrantExercisedDuringPeriodShares_C542A34E6595C572A06DD2946458CC12" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_WarrantExercisedDuringPeriodShares_C542A34E6595C572A06DD2946458CC12" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_WarrantsOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_ambc_WarrantsOutstanding_9BD7994C53271605C62ED294645855B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_ScheduleOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_8C75F480832677E35FF8D294645738D0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_WarrantsOutstanding_9BD7994C53271605C62ED294645855B0" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/NetIncomePerShareReconciliationOfCommonSharesUsedForBasicAndDilutedEarningsPerShareDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_E8349EDF453945D40B70578F531E2780" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_F5D627D30963E25A873A578F531E5EB6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_E8349EDF453945D40B70578F531E2780" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_F5D627D30963E25A873A578F531E5EB6" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1AE56D9CC30994E3B5C5578F531E6491" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_F5D627D30963E25A873A578F531E5EB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1AE56D9CC30994E3B5C5578F531E6491" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_FEF9B3E75FCAE4D2210B578F531E8B4D_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1AE56D9CC30994E3B5C5578F531E6491" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_FEF9B3E75FCAE4D2210B578F531E8B4D_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_FEF9B3E75FCAE4D2210B578F531E8B4D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_1AE56D9CC30994E3B5C5578F531E6491" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_FEF9B3E75FCAE4D2210B578F531E8B4D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_A51A643B76C54463EC5D578F531EEE90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_FEF9B3E75FCAE4D2210B578F531E8B4D" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_A51A643B76C54463EC5D578F531EEE90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B32CF50678F072F01C15578F531EE5D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_F5D627D30963E25A873A578F531E5EB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B32CF50678F072F01C15578F531EE5D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E30A3088F22799C14C53578F531E9D83_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B32CF50678F072F01C15578F531EE5D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E30A3088F22799C14C53578F531E9D83_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E30A3088F22799C14C53578F531E9D83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementEquityComponentsAxis_B32CF50678F072F01C15578F531EE5D3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E30A3088F22799C14C53578F531E9D83" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WarrantMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_AAF40D03FEB09F2B8028578F531EE78B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E30A3088F22799C14C53578F531E9D83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WarrantMember_AAF40D03FEB09F2B8028578F531EE78B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_B33D86B26C739A6C0106578F531E017C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_EquityComponentDomain_E30A3088F22799C14C53578F531E9D83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_B33D86B26C739A6C0106578F531E017C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_5B3F47B5067D856F72A4578F531E3D0E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfAntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareTable_F5D627D30963E25A873A578F531E5EB6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_5B3F47B5067D856F72A4578F531E3D0E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_BA8928E4C340EBF63D69578F531E5224_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_5B3F47B5067D856F72A4578F531E3D0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_BA8928E4C340EBF63D69578F531E5224_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_BA8928E4C340EBF63D69578F531E5224" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareByAntidilutiveSecuritiesAxis_5B3F47B5067D856F72A4578F531E3D0E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_BA8928E4C340EBF63D69578F531E5224" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_450FC0E5A67B6296F9FC578F531E2426" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_BA8928E4C340EBF63D69578F531E5224" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EmployeeStockOptionMember_450FC0E5A67B6296F9FC578F531E2426" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_A4D453C88D2CA6E12E34578F531EFE79" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_BA8928E4C340EBF63D69578F531E5224" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RestrictedStockUnitsRSUMember_A4D453C88D2CA6E12E34578F531EFE79" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_2D7115BA608CC17E46B4578F531E3682" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesNameDomain_BA8928E4C340EBF63D69578F531E5224" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PerformanceSharesMember_2D7115BA608CC17E46B4578F531E3682" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_2FACA22472DC8672AD7B578F531E02CE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_E8349EDF453945D40B70578F531E2780" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfSharesOutstandingBasic_2FACA22472DC8672AD7B578F531E02CE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_5275CB71EF9E4F9765BC578F531EB00F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_E8349EDF453945D40B70578F531E2780" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_5275CB71EF9E4F9765BC578F531EB00F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustment" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustment_B6099B3C72E11A63A2D2578F531E30C4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustmentAbstract_5275CB71EF9E4F9765BC578F531EB00F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberDilutedSharesOutstandingAdjustment_B6099B3C72E11A63A2D2578F531E30C4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_C30B150876ABE1FCBD63578F531EB17D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_E8349EDF453945D40B70578F531E2780" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_WeightedAverageNumberOfDilutedSharesOutstanding_C30B150876ABE1FCBD63578F531EB17D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_B1088F6DB0408F74D43F578F531E5934" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareLineItems_E8349EDF453945D40B70578F531E2780" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AntidilutiveSecuritiesExcludedFromComputationOfEarningsPerShareAmount_B1088F6DB0408F74D43F578F531E5934" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/NetIncomePerShareTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/SegmentInformation" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/SegmentInformationAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/SegmentInformationScheduleOfGrossPremiumsWrittenNetPremiumsEarnedAndNetChangeInFairValueOfCreditDerivativesDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B200E03C40CC1FC140F9D379E423B54F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_FC0A157C561819265F98D379E41D44DC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B200E03C40CC1FC140F9D379E423B54F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_FC0A157C561819265F98D379E41D44DC" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6D6D13718D786B2355DED379E41DD5A3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_FC0A157C561819265F98D379E41D44DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6D6D13718D786B2355DED379E41DD5A3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D5A654870634D655A13DD379E41D7CEE_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6D6D13718D786B2355DED379E41DD5A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D5A654870634D655A13DD379E41D7CEE_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D5A654870634D655A13DD379E41D7CEE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6D6D13718D786B2355DED379E41DD5A3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D5A654870634D655A13DD379E41D7CEE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_0AEE7C3EA9BC3089D771D379E41DB6B7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D5A654870634D655A13DD379E41D7CEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_0AEE7C3EA9BC3089D771D379E41DB6B7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_EB1F8AB22B43F53F0FC7D379E41DA8FD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_D5A654870634D655A13DD379E41D7CEE" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_EB1F8AB22B43F53F0FC7D379E41DA8FD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A95AF69372B39486F7CED379E41D606B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_FC0A157C561819265F98D379E41D44DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A95AF69372B39486F7CED379E41D606B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_050AA68CC7259F61FD51D379E41D042A_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A95AF69372B39486F7CED379E41D606B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_050AA68CC7259F61FD51D379E41D042A_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_050AA68CC7259F61FD51D379E41D042A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_A95AF69372B39486F7CED379E41D606B" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_050AA68CC7259F61FD51D379E41D042A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ReportableGeographicalComponentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ReportableGeographicalComponentsMember_FB1F575B935B909D5124D379E41DA41D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_050AA68CC7259F61FD51D379E41D042A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ReportableGeographicalComponentsMember_FB1F575B935B909D5124D379E41DA41D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_DE68D2963C3C57861D12D379E41DCDD1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_FC0A157C561819265F98D379E41D44DC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_DE68D2963C3C57861D12D379E41DCDD1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_36141D522F71812ED55ED379E423D8EB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_DE68D2963C3C57861D12D379E41DCDD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_36141D522F71812ED55ED379E423D8EB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_36141D522F71812ED55ED379E423D8EB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementGeographicalAxis_DE68D2963C3C57861D12D379E41DCDD1" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_36141D522F71812ED55ED379E423D8EB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_US" xlink:label="loc_country_US_B54A40743C934E13EC54D379E423E60F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_36141D522F71812ED55ED379E423D8EB" xlink:to="loc_country_US_B54A40743C934E13EC54D379E423E60F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/country/2013/country-2013-01-31.xsd#country_GB" xlink:label="loc_country_GB_1FB783F2C262E5A3F9CCD379E42391C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_36141D522F71812ED55ED379E423D8EB" xlink:to="loc_country_GB_1FB783F2C262E5A3F9CCD379E42391C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherInternationalMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherInternationalMember_F30E026EAA6E3B0F81C8D379E423BD5D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentGeographicalDomain_36141D522F71812ED55ED379E423D8EB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherInternationalMember_F30E026EAA6E3B0F81C8D379E423BD5D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenGross" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenGross_6038DAFD124687C5FC5CD379E42328A9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B200E03C40CC1FC140F9D379E423B54F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsWrittenGross_6038DAFD124687C5FC5CD379E42328A9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_52083EEA01475F4F4A15D379E42372C8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B200E03C40CC1FC140F9D379E423B54F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PremiumsEarnedNetFinancialGuaranteeInsuranceContracts_52083EEA01475F4F4A15D379E42372C8" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_15DD720103DA54F45190D379E423D2F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentReportingInformationLineItems_B200E03C40CC1FC140F9D379E423B54F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GainLossOnDerivativeInstrumentsNetPretax_15DD720103DA54F45190D379E423D2F1" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/SegmentInformationSummaryOfFinancialInformationByReportableSegmentDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SalesInformationLineItems" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SalesInformationLineItems_0B98015632A5361214B7863C5EB4D7CA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_E69FCA841C2AD0E95DA2863C5EB3F7B5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SalesInformationLineItems_0B98015632A5361214B7863C5EB4D7CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_E69FCA841C2AD0E95DA2863C5EB3F7B5" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_680CE3C0715DEBB63AAF863C5EB3DC4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_E69FCA841C2AD0E95DA2863C5EB3F7B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_680CE3C0715DEBB63AAF863C5EB3DC4E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D8B900E51AA402869E37863C5EB39A16_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_680CE3C0715DEBB63AAF863C5EB3DC4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D8B900E51AA402869E37863C5EB39A16_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D8B900E51AA402869E37863C5EB39A16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsAxis_680CE3C0715DEBB63AAF863C5EB3DC4E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D8B900E51AA402869E37863C5EB39A16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_24FBFE9D308DDE68CB22863C5EB30157" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D8B900E51AA402869E37863C5EB39A16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OperatingSegmentsMember_24FBFE9D308DDE68CB22863C5EB30157" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_19869875B3E88522632B863C5EB33E69" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D8B900E51AA402869E37863C5EB39A16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_19869875B3E88522632B863C5EB33E69" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_34422FC130667A8F21FA863C5EB373E6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidationItemsDomain_D8B900E51AA402869E37863C5EB39A16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_34422FC130667A8F21FA863C5EB373E6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D5C461C9BB6612975A9A863C5EB348C6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_E69FCA841C2AD0E95DA2863C5EB3F7B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D5C461C9BB6612975A9A863C5EB348C6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4BF7AB922CB150D0B4AD863C5EB31F16_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D5C461C9BB6612975A9A863C5EB348C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4BF7AB922CB150D0B4AD863C5EB31F16_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4BF7AB922CB150D0B4AD863C5EB31F16" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D5C461C9BB6612975A9A863C5EB348C6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4BF7AB922CB150D0B4AD863C5EB31F16" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_3568A5FAE469F5A1A33C863C5EB4C105" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4BF7AB922CB150D0B4AD863C5EB31F16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_3568A5FAE469F5A1A33C863C5EB4C105" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_ECD87B50DD44AA0C589C863C5EB42498" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_4BF7AB922CB150D0B4AD863C5EB31F16" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_ECD87B50DD44AA0C589C863C5EB42498" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9F1CFC39E112E9C5C2C1863C5EB460A6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_E69FCA841C2AD0E95DA2863C5EB3F7B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9F1CFC39E112E9C5C2C1863C5EB460A6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BED839BD90E68C0238A9863C5EB48D2E_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9F1CFC39E112E9C5C2C1863C5EB460A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BED839BD90E68C0238A9863C5EB48D2E_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SegmentDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BED839BD90E68C0238A9863C5EB48D2E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementBusinessSegmentsAxis_9F1CFC39E112E9C5C2C1863C5EB460A6" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BED839BD90E68C0238A9863C5EB48D2E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember_DF4F35B3B71FF49416C6863C5EB4A80D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BED839BD90E68C0238A9863C5EB48D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_FinancialGuaranteeMember_DF4F35B3B71FF49416C6863C5EB4A80D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FinancialServicesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FinancialServicesMember_9BCBBA6DE5F11160828B863C5EB46668" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BED839BD90E68C0238A9863C5EB48D2E" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FinancialServicesMember_9BCBBA6DE5F11160828B863C5EB46668" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_6F5F6F64F7B690D3F2C5863C5EB4825D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BED839BD90E68C0238A9863C5EB48D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateNonSegmentMember_6F5F6F64F7B690D3F2C5863C5EB4825D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_50BC3182CB28585A573A863C5EB4455C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_SegmentDomain_BED839BD90E68C0238A9863C5EB48D2E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_50BC3182CB28585A573A863C5EB4455C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_594D65683B50695CBFD9863C5EB45D90" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfSegmentReportingInformationBySegmentTable_E69FCA841C2AD0E95DA2863C5EB3F7B5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_594D65683B50695CBFD9863C5EB45D90" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_03403322D9D8FB46EE1D863C5EB45C96_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_594D65683B50695CBFD9863C5EB45D90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_03403322D9D8FB46EE1D863C5EB45C96_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_03403322D9D8FB46EE1D863C5EB45C96" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorCustomersAxis_594D65683B50695CBFD9863C5EB45D90" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_03403322D9D8FB46EE1D863C5EB45C96" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_UnaffiliatedCustomersMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_UnaffiliatedCustomersMember_5EC78AAA654DBB7287E2863C5EB4F442" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_03403322D9D8FB46EE1D863C5EB45C96" xlink:to="loc_ambc_UnaffiliatedCustomersMember_5EC78AAA654DBB7287E2863C5EB4F442" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember_FA345AAB40046BD7E624863C5EB4F587" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_03403322D9D8FB46EE1D863C5EB45C96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvesteeMember_FA345AAB40046BD7E624863C5EB4F587" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_B53F10890C32CEA37B2C863C5EB460C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_NameOfMajorCustomerDomain_03403322D9D8FB46EE1D863C5EB45C96" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IntersegmentEliminationMember_B53F10890C32CEA37B2C863C5EB460C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F9C4083A8649B985EA8D863C5EB42D99" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SalesInformationLineItems_0B98015632A5361214B7863C5EB4D7CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F9C4083A8649B985EA8D863C5EB42D99" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Revenues" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_532FE3165963202C0481863C5EB576FE" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_RevenuesAbstract_F9C4083A8649B985EA8D863C5EB42D99" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Revenues_532FE3165963202C0481863C5EB576FE" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAttributableToParentAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAttributableToParentAbstract_FDDDFCE25509EA58BFF4863C5EB59FAA" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SalesInformationLineItems_0B98015632A5361214B7863C5EB4D7CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAttributableToParentAbstract_FDDDFCE25509EA58BFF4863C5EB59FAA" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_951A380AC88AFD30287D863C5EB5B73F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsAttributableToParentAbstract_FDDDFCE25509EA58BFF4863C5EB59FAA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_IncomeLossFromContinuingOperationsBeforeIncomeTaxesMinorityInterestAndIncomeLossFromEquityMethodInvestments_951A380AC88AFD30287D863C5EB5B73F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_Assets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_Assets_6E369816B03E64F55EC4863C5EB5BBFC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SalesInformationLineItems_0B98015632A5361214B7863C5EB4D7CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_Assets_6E369816B03E64F55EC4863C5EB5BBFC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_5D001B97F8AFA9ED36F7863C5EB52111" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SalesInformationLineItems_0B98015632A5361214B7863C5EB4D7CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_NetInvestmentIncome_5D001B97F8AFA9ED36F7863C5EB52111" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_E25F42AA88D46BA77535863C5EB5123A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SalesInformationLineItems_0B98015632A5361214B7863C5EB4D7CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AmortizationOfIntangibleAssets_E25F42AA88D46BA77535863C5EB5123A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_F3EC1216A5D175DA7F76863C5EB59F47" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SalesInformationLineItems_0B98015632A5361214B7863C5EB4D7CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_InterestExpenseDebt_F3EC1216A5D175DA7F76863C5EB59F47" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_865E7DB8891551A5A4CB863C5EB518AD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_ambc_SalesInformationLineItems_0B98015632A5361214B7863C5EB4D7CA" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GoodwillImpairmentLoss_865E7DB8891551A5A4CB863C5EB518AD" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/SegmentInformationTables" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntities" xlink:type="extended" />
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesAdditionalInformationDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F288B5F66658AE9DA65B863C60C45BA8" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F288B5F66658AE9DA65B863C60C45BA8" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_68896AC5AEC4FD44FDA6863C60C49A81" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F288B5F66658AE9DA65B863C60C45BA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_68896AC5AEC4FD44FDA6863C60C49A81" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_586C9B5FC519F0503C5F863C60C441E5_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_68896AC5AEC4FD44FDA6863C60C49A81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_586C9B5FC519F0503C5F863C60C441E5_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableRateDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_586C9B5FC519F0503C5F863C60C441E5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateAxis_68896AC5AEC4FD44FDA6863C60C49A81" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_586C9B5FC519F0503C5F863C60C441E5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_D9FE719BDD1302046C0F863C60C4B8DD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableRateDomain_586C9B5FC519F0503C5F863C60C441E5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LondonInterbankOfferedRateLIBORMember_D9FE719BDD1302046C0F863C60C4B8DD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_LegalEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_88A32636EBD335365712863C60C4A551" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F288B5F66658AE9DA65B863C60C45BA8" xlink:to="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_88A32636EBD335365712863C60C4A551" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8982DF961D9FE14F6E0D863C60C45367_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_88A32636EBD335365712863C60C4A551" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8982DF961D9FE14F6E0D863C60C45367_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.sec.gov/dei/2014/dei-2014-01-31.xsd#dei_EntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8982DF961D9FE14F6E0D863C60C45367" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_dei_LegalEntityAxis_88A32636EBD335365712863C60C4A551" xlink:to="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8982DF961D9FE14F6E0D863C60C45367" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember_3F6F6266EDF9EC4DAAEC863C60C4545A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_dei_EntityDomain_8982DF961D9FE14F6E0D863C60C45367" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ConsolidatedEntitiesMember_3F6F6266EDF9EC4DAAEC863C60C4545A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_36BBDB2C8BBCD9CC67FF863C60C4D423" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F288B5F66658AE9DA65B863C60C45BA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_36BBDB2C8BBCD9CC67FF863C60C4D423" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_01D5474757A8FF814E9F863C60C4CFE2_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_36BBDB2C8BBCD9CC67FF863C60C4D423" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_01D5474757A8FF814E9F863C60C4CFE2_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_01D5474757A8FF814E9F863C60C4CFE2" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_36BBDB2C8BBCD9CC67FF863C60C4D423" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_01D5474757A8FF814E9F863C60C4CFE2" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_ED5D0F06338A87C33813863C60C4E751" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_01D5474757A8FF814E9F863C60C4CFE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_ED5D0F06338A87C33813863C60C4E751" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember_4294495F8F05ECA8EB3A863C60C46D98" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_01D5474757A8FF814E9F863C60C4CFE2" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember_4294495F8F05ECA8EB3A863C60C46D98" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_8BDA5F80697CD0DE6758863C60C4FAF5" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F288B5F66658AE9DA65B863C60C45BA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_8BDA5F80697CD0DE6758863C60C4FAF5" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_7FD8D388EF170EDA13E1863C60C4EA36_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_8BDA5F80697CD0DE6758863C60C4FAF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_7FD8D388EF170EDA13E1863C60C4EA36_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_7FD8D388EF170EDA13E1863C60C4EA36" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsByNatureAxis_8BDA5F80697CD0DE6758863C60C4FAF5" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_7FD8D388EF170EDA13E1863C60C4EA36" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SponsoredVariableInterestEntitiesMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SponsoredVariableInterestEntitiesMember_0E785DAEB8A27A9EFB87863C60C4FF68" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_GuaranteeObligationsNatureDomain_7FD8D388EF170EDA13E1863C60C4EA36" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SponsoredVariableInterestEntitiesMember_0E785DAEB8A27A9EFB87863C60C4FF68" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7C9B2AE4C60A2B29A8AF863C60C4FA63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F288B5F66658AE9DA65B863C60C45BA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7C9B2AE4C60A2B29A8AF863C60C4FA63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0E0699CD1236088D2F7C863C60C46BD6_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7C9B2AE4C60A2B29A8AF863C60C4FA63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0E0699CD1236088D2F7C863C60C46BD6_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0E0699CD1236088D2F7C863C60C46BD6" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentAxis_7C9B2AE4C60A2B29A8AF863C60C4FA63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0E0699CD1236088D2F7C863C60C46BD6" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_AssetBackedSecuritiesAndUtilityObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_AssetBackedSecuritiesAndUtilityObligationsMember_F22F4EED4839C055EC69863C60C41B7D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtInstrumentNameDomain_0E0699CD1236088D2F7C863C60C46BD6" xlink:to="loc_ambc_AssetBackedSecuritiesAndUtilityObligationsMember_F22F4EED4839C055EC69863C60C41B7D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6949E001CC22D357CD4A863C60C498FC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_F288B5F66658AE9DA65B863C60C45BA8" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6949E001CC22D357CD4A863C60C498FC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BC22562286B0603692BD863C60C430C0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6949E001CC22D357CD4A863C60C498FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BC22562286B0603692BD863C60C430C0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BC22562286B0603692BD863C60C430C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6949E001CC22D357CD4A863C60C498FC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BC22562286B0603692BD863C60C430C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_C911BBC0F2B8C0BA89C5863C60C41E4B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BC22562286B0603692BD863C60C430C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_C911BBC0F2B8C0BA89C5863C60C41E4B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_PredecessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_B45797655EC1FE95CB22863C60C4F77C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_BC22562286B0603692BD863C60C430C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_PredecessorMember_B45797655EC1FE95CB22863C60C4F77C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_A61FCCB134382D52892C863C60C46547" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestments_A61FCCB134382D52892C863C60C46547" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NumberofRMBSSold" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NumberofRMBSSold_EE8E1643D758968D416B863C60C4B984" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NumberofRMBSSold_EE8E1643D758968D416B863C60C4B984" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_CashReceivedFromDelawareTrust" xlink:label="loc_ambc_CashReceivedFromDelawareTrust_44263A44B957836B61E4863C60C4F252" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_CashReceivedFromDelawareTrust_44263A44B957836B61E4863C60C4F252" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NumberofDeConsolidatedVariableInterestEntities" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NumberofDeConsolidatedVariableInterestEntities_B3E9BDA03C5806AE9E19863C60C4A1D3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NumberofDeConsolidatedVariableInterestEntities_B3E9BDA03C5806AE9E19863C60C4A1D3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NumberofVIEsAACTransferredAssetsTo" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NumberofVIEsAACTransferredAssetsTo_FC4757E2CF9C88884101863C60C4EBD0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NumberofVIEsAACTransferredAssetsTo_FC4757E2CF9C88884101863C60C4EBD0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NumberofVIEsLiquidated" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NumberofVIEsLiquidated_1B026187D03F6FA17DD6863C60C46C85" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="6" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NumberofVIEsLiquidated_1B026187D03F6FA17DD6863C60C46C85" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SecuredDebt" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_7E2BD24B9DD1F3E8CBE6863C60C48C41" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="7" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SecuredDebt_7E2BD24B9DD1F3E8CBE6863C60C48C41" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_ParValueofSecuritiesPlacedinTrust" xlink:label="loc_ambc_ParValueofSecuritiesPlacedinTrust_08144E790230E744B44B863C60C4EF2A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="8" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_ParValueofSecuritiesPlacedinTrust_08144E790230E744B44B863C60C4EF2A" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FairValueofSecuritiesPlacedinTrust" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FairValueofSecuritiesPlacedinTrust_8E3D6151CD6068F48C83863C60C4C14F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="9" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FairValueofSecuritiesPlacedinTrust_8E3D6151CD6068F48C83863C60C4C14F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_SecuritiesIssuedbyDelawareTrust" xlink:label="loc_ambc_SecuritiesIssuedbyDelawareTrust_2CAD8EECB93FFD3AF24B863C60C41ECF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="10" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_SecuritiesIssuedbyDelawareTrust_2CAD8EECB93FFD3AF24B863C60C41ECF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_InterestRateonSecuritiesIssuedbyDelawareTrust" xlink:label="loc_ambc_InterestRateonSecuritiesIssuedbyDelawareTrust_FBDF26C47339F0B0B322863C60C4861B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="11" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_InterestRateonSecuritiesIssuedbyDelawareTrust_FBDF26C47339F0B0B322863C60C4861B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_BB1AB0FEE1CAD2D1F8A7863C60C43805" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="12" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_EquityMethodInvestmentsFairValueDisclosure_BB1AB0FEE1CAD2D1F8A7863C60C43805" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NumberOfTransactionsWithSponsoredSpecialPurposeEntitiesInceptionToDate" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NumberOfTransactionsWithSponsoredSpecialPurposeEntitiesInceptionToDate_AFAAFE83E45E7C6E3856863C60C4143E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="13" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NumberOfTransactionsWithSponsoredSpecialPurposeEntitiesInceptionToDate_AFAAFE83E45E7C6E3856863C60C4143E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NumberOfTransactionsOutstandingWithSponsoredSpecialPurposeEntities" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NumberOfTransactionsOutstandingWithSponsoredSpecialPurposeEntities_4D9A27DDD263ACEC37E3863C60C4C944" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="14" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NumberOfTransactionsOutstandingWithSponsoredSpecialPurposeEntities_4D9A27DDD263ACEC37E3863C60C4C944" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_FaceAmountOfDebtOutstandingIssuedBySponsoredSpecialPurposeEntities" xlink:label="loc_ambc_FaceAmountOfDebtOutstandingIssuedBySponsoredSpecialPurposeEntities_DABCD549387ABD1D99B6863C60C466CD" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="15" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_FaceAmountOfDebtOutstandingIssuedBySponsoredSpecialPurposeEntities_DABCD549387ABD1D99B6863C60C466CD" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_WeightedAverageLifeOfAssetsHeldBySponsoredSpecialPurposeEntities" xlink:label="loc_ambc_WeightedAverageLifeOfAssetsHeldBySponsoredSpecialPurposeEntities_070E3EA4BEE69B03E041863C60C41981" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="16" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_WeightedAverageLifeOfAssetsHeldBySponsoredSpecialPurposeEntities_070E3EA4BEE69B03E041863C60C41981" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_WeightedAverageRatingOfAssetsHeldBySponsoredSpecialPurposeEntities" xlink:label="loc_ambc_WeightedAverageRatingOfAssetsHeldBySponsoredSpecialPurposeEntities_07767580E3A66BECD458863C60C4CE92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="17" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_WeightedAverageRatingOfAssetsHeldBySponsoredSpecialPurposeEntities_07767580E3A66BECD458863C60C4CE92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_NumberOfConsolidatedVariableInterestEntities" xlink:label="loc_ambc_NumberOfConsolidatedVariableInterestEntities_766C31D1FFE0B3DC4BDF863C60C4C4AC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="18" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_NumberOfConsolidatedVariableInterestEntities_766C31D1FFE0B3DC4BDF863C60C4C4AC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets_5A77DC1A7EAB90DDD6DC863C60C41E6E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="19" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssets_5A77DC1A7EAB90DDD6DC863C60C41E6E" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities_EA7A92A11657822D3503863C60C4C3B0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="20" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities_EA7A92A11657822D3503863C60C4C3B0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_Variableinterestentitiesdeconsolidationgainloss" xlink:label="loc_ambc_Variableinterestentitiesdeconsolidationgainloss_C1CC9BC21978DC59FFE0863C60C4E321" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="21" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_2AD82CD0787E691F5105863C60C4D1B0" xlink:to="loc_ambc_Variableinterestentitiesdeconsolidationgainloss_C1CC9BC21978DC59FFE0863C60C4E321" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesSummaryOfCarryingAmountOfAssetsLiabilitiesAndMaximumExposureToLossOfAmbacsVariableInterestsInNonConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_4E203112EF6991D45271578F4EDAED83" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_89F333009019C6E477D3578F4EDAFC7A" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_4E203112EF6991D45271578F4EDAED83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_89F333009019C6E477D3578F4EDAFC7A" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_307E42ED6DFE68F73EC6578F4EDABC8F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_89F333009019C6E477D3578F4EDAFC7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_307E42ED6DFE68F73EC6578F4EDABC8F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_CDF8C6CBF5359CF97C2A578F4EDAAB63_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_307E42ED6DFE68F73EC6578F4EDABC8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_CDF8C6CBF5359CF97C2A578F4EDAAB63_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_CDF8C6CBF5359CF97C2A578F4EDAAB63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_307E42ED6DFE68F73EC6578F4EDABC8F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_CDF8C6CBF5359CF97C2A578F4EDAAB63" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_4307637CD153F67D8857578F4EDA4B02" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_CDF8C6CBF5359CF97C2A578F4EDAAB63" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryMember_4307637CD153F67D8857578F4EDA4B02" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_C288657A37C49AADC4B6578F4EDA823C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_89F333009019C6E477D3578F4EDAFC7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_C288657A37C49AADC4B6578F4EDA823C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F41ED43FE43AA1B49E59578F4EDA99BB_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_C288657A37C49AADC4B6578F4EDA823C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F41ED43FE43AA1B49E59578F4EDA99BB_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F41ED43FE43AA1B49E59578F4EDA99BB" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_C288657A37C49AADC4B6578F4EDA823C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F41ED43FE43AA1B49E59578F4EDA99BB" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_22B40C066C53A5EE0D5B578F4EDAE952" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F41ED43FE43AA1B49E59578F4EDA99BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CollateralizedDebtObligationsMember_22B40C066C53A5EE0D5B578F4EDAE952" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_8717DB41C8EF5CFD2E5D578F4EDA14F1" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F41ED43FE43AA1B49E59578F4EDA99BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ResidentialMortgageBackedSecuritiesMember_8717DB41C8EF5CFD2E5D578F4EDA14F1" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherConsumerAssetBackedMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherConsumerAssetBackedMember_9077C014EB5E82BFCDEB578F4EDAA801" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F41ED43FE43AA1B49E59578F4EDA99BB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherConsumerAssetBackedMember_9077C014EB5E82BFCDEB578F4EDAA801" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_OtherCommercialAssetBackedMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_OtherCommercialAssetBackedMember_4C80FAA6BB37B7C89C6A578F4EDA3F89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F41ED43FE43AA1B49E59578F4EDA99BB" xlink:to="loc_ambc_OtherCommercialAssetBackedMember_4C80FAA6BB37B7C89C6A578F4EDA3F89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember_870218FC1A661CD5E50B578F4EDAEC46" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_F41ED43FE43AA1B49E59578F4EDA99BB" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_OtherDebtSecuritiesMember_870218FC1A661CD5E50B578F4EDAEC46" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_E97D9665DBFBF91E58F2578F4EDAD39C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_89F333009019C6E477D3578F4EDAFC7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_E97D9665DBFBF91E58F2578F4EDAD39C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_647764D8467FB3C05B8C578F4EDA52D4_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_E97D9665DBFBF91E58F2578F4EDAD39C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_647764D8467FB3C05B8C578F4EDA52D4_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_647764D8467FB3C05B8C578F4EDA52D4" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_DebtSecurityAxis_E97D9665DBFBF91E58F2578F4EDAD39C" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_647764D8467FB3C05B8C578F4EDA52D4" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_GlobalStructuredFinanceMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_GlobalStructuredFinanceMember_9A7F58DDC281BC9C87F4578F4EDA989C" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_647764D8467FB3C05B8C578F4EDA52D4" xlink:to="loc_ambc_GlobalStructuredFinanceMember_9A7F58DDC281BC9C87F4578F4EDA989C" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_GlobalPublicFinanceMember" xlink:label="loc_ambc_GlobalPublicFinanceMember_7A2165EA7D8ED2002457578F4EDA6751" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtSecuritiesDomain_647764D8467FB3C05B8C578F4EDA52D4" xlink:to="loc_ambc_GlobalPublicFinanceMember_7A2165EA7D8ED2002457578F4EDA6751" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C4C93C51DDEBFF5F6AA6578F4EDA1A71" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_89F333009019C6E477D3578F4EDAFC7A" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C4C93C51DDEBFF5F6AA6578F4EDA1A71" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E6B102066EFD8862085C578F4EDA0C62_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C4C93C51DDEBFF5F6AA6578F4EDA1A71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E6B102066EFD8862085C578F4EDA0C62_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E6B102066EFD8862085C578F4EDA0C62" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_C4C93C51DDEBFF5F6AA6578F4EDA1A71" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E6B102066EFD8862085C578F4EDA0C62" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_D195615853F31A04A5A5578F4EDA1CDC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_E6B102066EFD8862085C578F4EDA0C62" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_D195615853F31A04A5A5578F4EDA1CDC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_B3EC5005C13CFD1ED0D6578F4EDAAC6D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_4E203112EF6991D45271578F4EDAED83" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityEntityMaximumLossExposureAmount_B3EC5005C13CFD1ED0D6578F4EDAAC6D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountInsuranceAssets" xlink:label="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountInsuranceAssets_4C86A0C061B32014BDE3578F4EDAE7AF" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_4E203112EF6991D45271578F4EDAED83" xlink:to="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountInsuranceAssets_4C86A0C061B32014BDE3578F4EDAE7AF" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountInsuranceLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountInsuranceLiabilities_6333F3872C61718276A5578F4EDA781B" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_4E203112EF6991D45271578F4EDAED83" xlink:to="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountInsuranceLiabilities_6333F3872C61718276A5578F4EDA781B" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountDerivativeNetAssetsOrLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountDerivativeNetAssetsOrLiabilities_DC5DBF19301B3015B3D6578F4EDA1C63" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_4E203112EF6991D45271578F4EDAED83" xlink:to="loc_ambc_VariableInterestEntityNonconsolidatedCarryingAmountDerivativeNetAssetsOrLiabilities_DC5DBF19301B3015B3D6578F4EDA1C63" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesSummaryOfFairValueOfFixedIncomeSecuritiesByAssetTypeHeldByConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_F7BFB1AB13E3829AD710578F4421C305" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_5E5DB120F93BD9EAF0A7578F44212411" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_F7BFB1AB13E3829AD710578F4421C305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_5E5DB120F93BD9EAF0A7578F44212411" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_CDCC12E77DA57751143D578F44216782" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_5E5DB120F93BD9EAF0A7578F44212411" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_CDCC12E77DA57751143D578F44216782" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_E10667F101335196E3AB578F44215962_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_CDCC12E77DA57751143D578F44216782" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_E10667F101335196E3AB578F44215962_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_E10667F101335196E3AB578F44215962" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesAxis_CDCC12E77DA57751143D578F44216782" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_E10667F101335196E3AB578F44215962" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_E7FED2918FAEA920B4C5578F44210EC7" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_MajorTypesOfDebtAndEquitySecuritiesDomain_E10667F101335196E3AB578F44215962" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_CorporateDebtSecuritiesMember_E7FED2918FAEA920B4C5578F44210EC7" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6F61574ACDF610FFB02A578F44210CA3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_5E5DB120F93BD9EAF0A7578F44212411" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6F61574ACDF610FFB02A578F44210CA3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_ED127D753CCBF6476BDB578F44215D92_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6F61574ACDF610FFB02A578F44210CA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_ED127D753CCBF6476BDB578F44215D92_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_ED127D753CCBF6476BDB578F44215D92" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_6F61574ACDF610FFB02A578F44210CA3" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_ED127D753CCBF6476BDB578F44215D92" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_ED1D87026AB1C3764169578F44212369" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_ED127D753CCBF6476BDB578F44215D92" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_ED1D87026AB1C3764169578F44212369" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_FD00B5B398CFC62E729E578F4421F36F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_5E5DB120F93BD9EAF0A7578F44212411" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_FD00B5B398CFC62E729E578F4421F36F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_39CA8207F31B4EF43343578F44217EF0_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_FD00B5B398CFC62E729E578F4421F36F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_39CA8207F31B4EF43343578F44217EF0_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_39CA8207F31B4EF43343578F44217EF0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_FD00B5B398CFC62E729E578F4421F36F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_39CA8207F31B4EF43343578F44217EF0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember_127F5987449F2A895B7A578F44211A89" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_39CA8207F31B4EF43343578F44217EF0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember_127F5987449F2A895B7A578F44211A89" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_62C6C25F1F81F53A1342578F442102C0" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_F7BFB1AB13E3829AD710578F4421C305" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_62C6C25F1F81F53A1342578F442102C0" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_A586E7AD1FEF7FA2CC35578F44218B4E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountAssetsAndLiabilitiesAbstract_62C6C25F1F81F53A1342578F442102C0" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_AvailableForSaleSecurities_A586E7AD1FEF7FA2CC35578F44218B4E" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesSupplementalInformationAboutLoansHeldAsAssetsAndLongTermDebtAssociatedWithConsolidatedVariableInterestEntitiesDetail" xlink:type="extended">
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_C5EB1A71B9948D73B295578F4643AC3E" xlink:type="locator" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_3852F31C8B6EE9C1E4F2578F46435444" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/all" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_C5EB1A71B9948D73B295578F4643AC3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_3852F31C8B6EE9C1E4F2578F46435444" xlink:type="arc" xbrldt:closed="true" xbrldt:contextElement="segment" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_F5EFB64A06E1938DF904578F46439328" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_3852F31C8B6EE9C1E4F2578F46435444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_F5EFB64A06E1938DF904578F46439328" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_D59458BAFF0A5083423A578F4643D821_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_F5EFB64A06E1938DF904578F46439328" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_D59458BAFF0A5083423A578F4643D821_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_D59458BAFF0A5083423A578F4643D821" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntitiesByClassificationOfEntityAxis_F5EFB64A06E1938DF904578F46439328" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_D59458BAFF0A5083423A578F4643D821" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember_92C6A720A5D3FD7E40EA578F464373F9" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ClassificationOfVariableInterestEntityDomain_D59458BAFF0A5083423A578F4643D821" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityPrimaryBeneficiaryAggregatedDisclosureMember_92C6A720A5D3FD7E40EA578F464373F9" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D7BFB27A15BB786965DA578F464385EC" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/hypercube-dimension" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScheduleOfVariableInterestEntitiesTable_3852F31C8B6EE9C1E4F2578F46435444" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D7BFB27A15BB786965DA578F464385EC" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_368BD75E41DF98178E5E578F4643ED4F_default" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-default" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D7BFB27A15BB786965DA578F464385EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_368BD75E41DF98178E5E578F4643ED4F_default" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_368BD75E41DF98178E5E578F4643ED4F" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/dimension-domain" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_StatementScenarioAxis_D7BFB27A15BB786965DA578F464385EC" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_368BD75E41DF98178E5E578F4643ED4F" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_SuccessorMember" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_21B1E2934D21E67A4634578F46432801" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_ScenarioUnspecifiedDomain_368BD75E41DF98178E5E578F4643ED4F" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_SuccessorMember_21B1E2934D21E67A4634578F46432801" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure_0EED9FEFF5A461E335C7578F4643B964" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="1" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_C5EB1A71B9948D73B295578F4643AC3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LoansReceivableFairValueDisclosure_0EED9FEFF5A461E335C7578F4643B964" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_2569FFD531AA6794C6DA578F4643BD80" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="2" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_C5EB1A71B9948D73B295578F4643AC3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_LongTermDebtFairValue_2569FFD531AA6794C6DA578F4643BD80" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LoansUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LoansUnpaidPrincipalBalance_39E2BA06615F56A1821C578F4643C6E3" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="3" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_C5EB1A71B9948D73B295578F4643AC3E" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LoansUnpaidPrincipalBalance_39E2BA06615F56A1821C578F4643C6E3" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="ambc-20160331.xsd#ambc_LongTermDebtUnpaidPrincipalBalance" xlink:label="loc_ambc_LongTermDebtUnpaidPrincipalBalance_2ECA72DB0D5F86A187D2578F4643023D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="4" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_C5EB1A71B9948D73B295578F4643AC3E" xlink:to="loc_ambc_LongTermDebtUnpaidPrincipalBalance_2ECA72DB0D5F86A187D2578F4643023D" xlink:type="arc" />
    <loc xlink:href="http://xbrl.fasb.org/us-gaap/2015/elts/us-gaap-2015-01-31.xsd#us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities" xlink:label="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities_15198BC5810646514850578F4643A54D" xlink:type="locator" />
    <definitionArc order="5" xlink:arcrole="http://xbrl.org/int/dim/arcrole/domain-member" xlink:from="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityLineItems_C5EB1A71B9948D73B295578F4643AC3E" xlink:to="loc_us-gaap_VariableInterestEntityConsolidatedCarryingAmountLiabilities_15198BC5810646514850578F4643A54D" xlink:type="arc" />
  </definitionLink>
  <definitionLink xlink:role="http://www.ambac.com/role/SpecialPurposeEntitiesIncludingVariableInterestEntitiesTables" xlink:type="extended" />
</linkbase>
