Why has it been so difficult to reform the humanitarian system? Simply put, good intentions alone are not enough. This study thinks through three long-standing reform proposals to their respective ends. The analysis shows where the reforms conflict with the self-interests of humanitarian organisations and donors. It recommends to: invest in stronger assessment and analysis capacities of operational organisations; support the consolidation of the humanitarian actor landscape; rely more on diplomatic representations to negotiate with host governments; and, give priority to supporting the cash reform.