Will Increased FDI Limit in Insurance Drive Innovation and Expand Coverage?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 100% FDI limit in insurance approved.
- Composite licenses and lower capital requirements introduced.
- Perpetual registration for intermediaries established.
- Increased competition expected to enhance product offerings.
- Potential for significant capital influx into the sector.
New Delhi, Dec 13 (NationPress) Leaders in the industry have expressed their approval of the Union Cabinet's sanctioning of the Insurance Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which has elevated the foreign direct investment threshold to 100 percent. They believe this will draw in capital, ignite innovation, and enhance broader insurance accessibility.
The legislation also introduced composite licenses, reduced capital requirements for newcomers, and established perpetual registration for intermediaries.
Sarbvir Singh, Joint Group CEO of PB Fintech, remarked that this initiative “instills clarity, confidence, and long-term capital into a flourishing sector that is essential for bolstering financial security.”
He emphasized that global expertise and continuous investment can significantly accelerate innovation, enhance consumer experiences, and widen access throughout the country, further stating that these reforms will improve service quality and unlock a substantial influx of new capital.
Moreover, increased competition is expected to promote a wider array of products and more advanced solutions, Singh added.
Balachander Sekhar, Co-founder and CEO of RenewBuy, characterized the bill as a “forward-looking and cohesive reform package” that sets the groundwork for a decade of transformation in the sector.
He pointed out that composite licensing would allow for unified, customer-focused protection, while rationalized capital standards would attract new participants to serve previously underserved markets.
Coupled with perpetual intermediary registration and modernized investment regulations, the ecosystem is poised for stability, innovation, and increased penetration, according to Sekhar.
He praised the initiative to allow 100 percent FDI, asserting that “access to global best practices and advanced technologies will directly enhance risk assessment, expedite claims, and significantly improve customer engagement.”
Furthermore, the transition to perpetual registration for intermediaries minimizes compliance friction and fosters long-term planning, enabling a focus on expanding reach and improving customer service, he added.
Rishi Mehra, CEO of India and Head of Strategy, Human Capital, Asia Pacific at Aon, stated that permitting 100 percent FDI in insurance represents a crucial step toward fortifying India’s risk and insurance ecosystem.
For India, this accelerates our advancement toward a more secure, competitive, and future-ready insurance market, an essential element in the nation’s journey towards a Viksit Bharat,” he noted.