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Manila Bulletin devider Business devider Insurance regulators broaden investment options for insurers, reinsurers, MBAs

Insurance regulators broaden investment options for insurers, reinsurers, MBAs

Published Apr 10, 2025 06:36 am

Insurance Commission.png

The Insurance Commission (IC) has released new guidelines introducing a broader range of allowable investments for insurance companies, reinsurers, and mutual benefit associations (MBAs).

As outlined in Circular Letter (CL) No. 2025-09 issued April 10, IC-regulated entities (ICREs) are now allowed to offer other investment products, including structured products, debt securities from supranational organizations, and investment vehicles.

Under the new issuance, these investments are now permitted without the need for prior approval from the IC. But these should be accompanied by regulatory safeguards “to ensure that ICREs will be able to maximize returns, subject to prudent levels of risk.”

Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo A. Regalado said the new guidelines aim “to enhance investment adaptability of insurers, reinsurers, and MBAs to respond to the dynamic investment market environment.”

Regalado also said the new rules would “further empower the Commission’s regulated entities to make well-informed investment decisions with the aim of ensuring the stability and growth of their respective financial assets while safeguarding the interests of their policyholders.”

The new guidelines consolidated 15 previous CLs on allowable investments for ICREs, which were either superseded, updated, or referenced, streamlining and modernizing the existing investment framework.

“Specifically, the new CL mandates that each new allowable investment must meet minimum credit rating requirements or be listed on recognized exchanges, which provides a layer of transparency and market oversight,” the regulator said.

Additionally, the new guidelines also lifted the prior approval requirement for certain peso- and foreign currency-denominated investments, as long as they meet market standards and have undergone external reviews, such as credit ratings and listings on recognized exchanges.

“By issuing these new omnibus guidelines, we are addressing the bottlenecks that hinder timely investment decisions and strain regulatory resources,” Regalado further said.

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