Banks and IFAs looking to generate interest amongst retail customers in mutual funds and insurance products are likely to retain the distribution model, looking at embedding advice into products they offer.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDA) has appointed T.S. Vijayan as chairman to succeed J Hari Narayan, who stepped down on 20 February 2013.

Choon Nean Chong, director, private client services at Jardine Lloyd Thompson, talks to Hubbis about recent innovations by insurance companies in terms of product features to cater to evolving demand, especially in the high net worth segment.

Chris Gill, principal officer and general manager for Friends Provident International in South-east Asia, explains how the firm looks to fulfill the desire of investors looking to grow their wealth – and in a way which enables a certain amount of tax planning for certain nationalities or jurisdictions.

Life insurance premiums are expected to rebound in Asia this year, according to a recent study by Swiss Re.

Craig Ellis, Skandia International Group’s head of region and principal officer for Singapore and South-east Asia, reveals how the firm is looking to build on its success to date in a niche part of the market by diversifying in terms of both channel and product.

Thomas Henze, chief executive officer of Swiss Life in Singapore, explains the role and application of investment-linked insurance solutions as a key component of wealth structuring in areas such as succession planning, asset protection and tax optimisation.

Alan Armitage, take-to-market director for Asia and emerging markets at Standard Life, explains to Hubbis how the firm now tailors its offerings to meet already-identified customer needs – in turn fostering stronger relationships with key business partners and distributors.

Some wealth management practitioners say they find it difficult to make the case to clients that they're getting significant value for money through buying insurance products. Indeed, the industry – even by its own admission – must do more to meet investors’ expectations, in terms of transparency and fair dealing.

Annette King, president and chief executive officer for Manulife in Singapore, tells Hubbis about the practical ways the firm looks to differentiate its business – especially in the wealth management space – through its people, products, processes and training culture.

Neal Armstrong of Standard Life looks at the changing role of insurance within wealth management in Singapore, and discusses how the product offering is likely to evolve, especially in line with new regulations.

Dah Sing Life Assurance Company has launched new plans, including the CI Protector Insurance Plan and Income Generator (RMB) Annuity Insurance Plan.

Germany’s Ergo Insurance Group, part of the Munich Re group, has announced a joint venture with an Indian diversified group, Avantha Group, to launch India’s 24th life insurance company.

Allianz and HSBC have signed a 10-year exclusive bancassurance distribution agreement in Asia, with Allianz’s life insurance products to be distributed by HSBC in China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, Sri Lanka and Taiwan.

Neal Armstrong of Standard Life explains the firm’s strategy in Singapore and across Asia, discussing its product offering and how it intends to compete within the region.

To expand its retail investment business in Asia, Standard Life has set up a branch in Singapore to target high net worth (HNW) individuals.

Indian finance minister P Chidambaram announced on Monday, 1 October 2012, a number of initiatives to revitalise the insurance industry, including a plan for banks to change their insurance business from being an agent to becoming a broker.

Below is a snapshot of some of the key local and international regulatory and compliance developments in September 2012 relevant to the Asian wealth management industry.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has published a consultation paper on the Insurance (Amendment) Bill, proposing more power for MAS over insurance companies to meet supervisory objectives.

Lau Chun Yin and Chau Chi Ho were fined HK$10,000 (US$1,300) each and were ordered to pay the Securities and Futures Commission’s (SFC’s) investigation costs after pleading guilty.

Fan Choi of Coutts discusses the drivers for the increasing focus in Asia on the need for wealth planning, and looks at some of the trends in the tools and structures being used.

Dah Sing Life Assurance Company has launched the upgraded “New Coupon Plan”, which enables customers to realise mid- to long-term wealth management goals while meeting their life insurance needs.

Naomi Ballantyne of Partners Life explains the significance for her business of building the right technology platform and finding the right vendor – which she did in partnership with Bravura Solutions.

Naomi Ballantyne of Partners Life explains the key features and characteristics of the life insurance market in New Zealand, including the regulatory environment and the distribution model.

Naomi Ballantyne of Partners Life explains her approach to leadership, along with her main attributes and characteristics which she says has led to her success so far in various life insurance businesses.

In line with the many regulatory, tax and general transparency-driven developments globally, there is a growing focus within Asia’s advisory community on how to make the best use of trust and other structures as part of the various wealth planning options available to HNW clients.

AXA China Region Insurance Company (AXA) has announced three appointments to its senior management team.

The Monetary Authority of Singapore has issued a response to the feedback from the consultation on the review of section 21 of the Insurance Act on the maintenance of assets in Singapore, which was conducted in September 2010.

HSBC has launched its life insurance operations in Beijing, to provide customers of HSBC and Hang Seng Bank across 14 outlets in the city with access to a comprehensive range of insurance solutions, covering life and health protection, retirement and education savings, and investments.