Mainland life insurers are seeking training in areas such as asset allocation, asset-and-liability management and liability-driven investment, heralding a major shift in approach.
After being cleared to conduct over-the-counter equity derivatives, the securities firm seeks to target insurers initially. It sees room for growth in this area amid CSRC liberalisation.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore has set out recommendations from its Financial Advisory Industry Review. Insurers may be relieved the rules don't go as far as some expected.
Commissioner Annie Choi admits that a prolonged low-rate environment will impact asset valuations and is seeking a solution, but says capital requirements will not be lowered.
China's insurance regulator has awarded asset management licences to seven domestic fund houses and two brokerages as it ups liberalisation. The next batch is expected soon.
Mainland trust companies and insurance asset managers will find it easier to grow their funds businesses following a relaxation of the rules on opening securities accounts in China.
Singaporean insurers are not finding the current low-yield environment as much of an issue as their peers in the region, but seem to be diversifying into alternatives.