Relaxed investment rules for insurers welcomed, but with caution
CIRC move likely to widen firms’ choices, but may also add risk
The insurance watchdog’s decision this week to relax its rules to allow mainland insurers to invest in infrastructure projects will certainly open up their investment universes, but it may not necessary boost their profitability, as they open themselves to wider risks, according to analysts.
From this week, mainland insurance companies have a freer hand in their investment choices, according to an regulation update from the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC).
That includes the ability now to invest in all public private partnership infrastructure projects, instead of previously being able to invest in those from just fives sectors: transportation, communication, energy, municipal and environment protection.
Under the new regulation, companies only now have to register to invest in projects, as against having to seek approval from the regulator for each individual project.
The new rules also require insurance firms to have a risk-management structure in place, which sets out a clear line of responsible when investing in such projects.
CIRC officials say the new rule is primarily aimed at allowing insurers wider investment scope, at a time when bond yields and deposit interest rates remain low.