China steps up scrutiny of insurers’ deals with affiliate companies
Regulator said move is to stem ‘illicit transfer of benefits’ – the latest sign of tightening supervision of the rapidly growing sector
China’s top insurance regulator has ratcheted up its scrutiny of insurers’ transactions with connected or affiliate companies to stem what it called the “illicit transfer of benefits” – the latest sign of strengthened policing of the rapidly growing sector.
Regulatory procedures are commonly put in place to ensure that such transactions between companies that have close relationships do not lead to any conflict of interest, or might negatively affect value for shareholders.
Insurers will now be required to report any deals between related companies, including those done through trust and complicated assessment deals, to the China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC), and the people in charge could face hefty fines if any irregularities are found.
They are also required to set up a designated panel with no less than five members – led by an executive director and including senior management figures such as a compliance head – to oversee such deals, the watchdog said on its website on Friday.
The new measures apply to all classes of insurer, including asset management firms and emerging mutual insurance companies.