Hua Er Jie Jian Wen·2025-08-25 04:16Core Viewpoint - The wealth management division of China Merchants Bank (CMB) has reached a significant milestone, with its retail insurance distribution premium surpassing 1 trillion yuan, showcasing its strong position in wealth management and asset selection capabilities [1][7]. Group 1: Wealth Management Strategy - CMB's insurance distribution business has seen substantial growth, with a 40% year-on-year increase in insurance distribution revenue in 2021, making it one of the fastest-growing categories for the bank [3]. - The bank's retail assets under management (AUM) have exceeded 16 trillion yuan, positioning it as a leader among joint-stock banks in China [9]. - CMB has integrated insurance distribution into its core strategy, alongside funds, wealth management, and trusts, creating a diversified asset allocation tool [3][4]. Group 2: Market Trends and Customer Needs - The current economic landscape has shifted residents' asset allocation decisions from yield-focused to value preservation, with insurance emerging as a preferred option due to its long-term benefits and risk coverage [4]. - There is a growing trend among residents for diversified, customized, and digital insurance solutions, moving away from single product offerings to comprehensive risk planning [5]. - The demand for family-oriented insurance solutions is increasing, with households evaluating their protection gaps through a family asset-liability perspective [5]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - The insurance industry faces challenges in meeting the diverse and digital expectations of consumers, with smaller firms struggling to provide a comprehensive product range and larger firms lacking agility in innovation [6]. - CMB's approach to insurance distribution, characterized by a rigorous selection process and a focus on customer needs, sets a new benchmark in the industry [6][12]. - The bank's strategy emphasizes the importance of value creation over mere sales, aiming to enhance customer experience through tailored products and services [10][12]. Group 4: Future Outlook - CMB's ability to adapt to evolving customer needs and market dynamics will determine its future success in the wealth management sector [8]. - The bank's innovative digital capabilities and proactive customer engagement strategies are expected to further strengthen its position in the insurance distribution market [11]. - CMB's practices in insurance distribution may serve as a model for the industry, promoting a shift from zero-sum competition to collaborative value creation among banks and insurance companies [12].