Global gold prices have been soaring in recent years, repeatedly hitting record highs. Meanwhile, Chinese insurers have been struggling with a "shortage of investable assets." The downturn in real estate prices and local government debt restructuring has significantly reduced their allocation to alternative assets, leaving them with limited options in bonds and equities. This lack of investment channels has constrained returns on insurance capital.
Since 2023, Chinese InsurTech companies have actively sought listings on US and Hong Kong stock exchanges. While some, like Cheche Technology and U-Bx Technology, have successfully gone public, many others have faced delays or suspensions in their IPO processes.
Prudential has appointed Mr Ray Farris as chief economist. In this new created role, he will drive economic analysis and insights for both Prudential and Eastspring Investments, Prudential's asset management arm.
Sun Life has appointed Mr Benjamin Deng as president of Asia asset management, effective 1 January 2025. He will join Sun Life's Asia Executive Team in this newly created role.
East Africa Reinsurance Company(EARe) has a track record of adequate operating performance, with return-on-equity moderately exceeding the inflation in Kenya over the past five years, says AM Best.
HSBC has appointed Mr William Chan as global CIO and head of investments for global insurance.
Aviva Investors has appointed Mr Denis Resovac as head of insurance solutions sales. In this newly created role, he will be responsible for leading the development of investment solutions for Aviva Investors' insurer clients across APAC.
Oliver Wyman has appointed Mr Paul Ricard as head of insurance and asset management. In his new role, he will be responsible for driving the growth of Oliver Wyman's insurance and asset management practice in the region, leading development of client accounts and ensuring the business is effectively serving the needs of the region.
The attitudes of high-net-worth individuals (HNWI) have changed over the past few years, driven by economic and social changes, with many of the younger generation putting an increased focus on ESG and sustainable investing. Asia Insurance Review spoke to Transamerica Life Bermuda's Jeremy Young on how the market has changed and how it has affected their business.
AIA has announced a new agreement with BlackRock and BNY, as it looks to transforms its investment platform, to support the group's long-term investment programme.