The insurance industry is turning at its peak

Whether judging from policy or performance, “peak turn” is the key word for the insurance industry in 2024.

According to industry insiders, under the care of multiple policies, the foundation for high-quality development of the insurance industry will be more stable. Looking ahead to 2025, the fundamentals of China's long-term economic growth have not changed. Both the assets and liabilities of insurers are expected to resonate for the better, which will also bring more investment opportunities to insurance stocks. (Shanghai Securities Journal)

Insurance capital increased equity investment, and many 10 billion yuan projects were launched one after another

Another 10 billion yuan equity investment project involving insurance capital was successfully implemented. Recently, as a trustee, China Life Asset Management Co., Ltd. used funds commissioned by China Life Insurance Co., Ltd. and third parties to participate in the “Angang Steel Group Co., Ltd. capital increase pilot project”, with a total scale of about 10.5 billion yuan.

In fact, since this year, insurers have made frequent moves in the field of equity investment. Through direct equity investment, participation in equity investment plans, and participation in the establishment of private equity funds, etc., many 10 billion yuan projects have been launched. Interviewed experts said that insurance capital, as “patient capital,” is an important source of capital for equity investment and can support the development of the real economy. At the same time, insurance institutions should also pay attention to risk assessment and control when carrying out equity investment projects. (Securities Daily)

Ten thousand branches were shut down in five years, and listed insurers accounted for nearly 50%. The insurance industry's “slimming down” campaign continues in 2024

Under the main theme of reducing costs and increasing efficiency, institutions are “subtracting” and adding production capacity, which is one of the common understandings in the insurance industry in recent years. Agents are doing “deductions,” and tens of millions of agents have shrunk by 70% in the past five years, which is rumored to be less than 3 million; branches have been “slimmed down,” and nearly 10,000 branches have been shut down within five years, and the number 3- and 4-level grass-roots institutions have shrunk markedly.

The game of chess in the market is changing, and it is normal for insurers to enter and retreat. At the same time as abolishing branches, insurance companies will also establish new branches. According to the data, since 2024, insurance companies have established 1,843 new branches (including 1,263 new branches established by Shenneng Financial Insurance), abolished 1,956, and withdrawn 113. (Huibao World)

Since the fourth quarter, new dividend insurance products have accounted for nearly 40%. Has it become the main “good start” for insurance companies?

In 2025, the “good start” for insurance will gradually open, and various insurance companies will continue to develop dividend insurance products. According to the data disclosed by the China Insurance Industry Association, since the fourth quarter, up to now, there have been 414 new life insurance models, including 157 dividend life insurance, accounting for nearly 40%; of the more than 200 annuity insurances, dividend annuity insurance accounts for 35%. (Beijing Commercial Daily)