China’s Life Insurance Sector Faces Significant Credit Quality Differentiation A Credit Study on the Life Insurance Industry in China November 18, 2020 ANALYSTS Key Takeaways Ying Li, CFA, FRM Beijing − Our study of 35 of China's major life insurers reveals a wide divergence in credit quality +86-10-6516-6061 between the leading players and small and mid-sized ones.
[email protected] − A regulatory clampdown on short-term savings products since 2016 has pushed Xiaochen Luan, CFA, FRM Chinese life insurers to refocus on protection-type products and improve their product Beijing mix. This initiative has moderated premium growth in recent years but is positive for +86-10-6516-6069
[email protected] the long-term sustainability of the sector. Zheng Li − We expect the life insurance sector to maintain a relatively stable credit outlook in the Beijing face of economic uncertainty caused by COVID-19. The effects of the pandemic have +86-10-6516-6067 mainly included a slowdown in top-line premium growth and heightened investment
[email protected] return volatility. Nevertheless, we believe the strong capital and earning buffers of leading life insurers will protect their credit quality. Cong Cui Beijing +86-10-6516-6068
[email protected] Contents Xuefei Zou, CPA Beijing Overview ........................................................................................................................ 2 +86-10-6516-6070 Industry Risk ................................................................................................................