Hua Er Jie Jian Wen·2025-11-12 07:37Core Viewpoint - The implementation of the new accounting standards in the insurance industry, particularly the FVOCI category, is significantly impacting the asset allocation strategies of insurance companies [1][2][4]. Group 1: Accounting Standards and Implementation - The FVOCI (Fair Value Through Other Comprehensive Income) category will be fully implemented by January 1, 2026, replacing the previous four-category model with a three-category system [2][4]. - The new classification system includes FVOCI, FVTPL (Fair Value Through Profit or Loss), and AC (Amortized Cost) [2][4]. - Non-listed insurance companies must implement the new standards by the specified date, while some companies like China Ping An have already adopted them since 2018 [4]. Group 2: Impact on Profitability - Investment income is crucial for insurance companies, with total investment income contributing significantly to net profit for major players like China Life and China Ping An, with ratios reaching 192% and 194% respectively in the first half of 2025 [8]. - The choice between FVOCI and FVTPL for equity assets can greatly influence profit volatility, with FVOCI potentially offering a more stable profit profile for companies with long-term liabilities [11]. Group 3: Asset Allocation Trends - As of mid-2025, the proportion of equity assets classified under FVOCI has increased for major insurance companies, with China Life's FVOCI equity assets rising by 10.6 percentage points to 22.6% [12]. - The increase in FVOCI equity allocation is attributed to a low-interest-rate environment and a shortage of alternative investments, making FVOCI stocks a short-term substitute for bonds [15]. - In the bond category, the FVOCI proportion has also seen increases, with China Life's bond assets under FVOCI rising by 1.8 percentage points to 87.3% [16]. Group 4: Strategic Considerations - Different insurance companies have varying requirements regarding profit volatility, leading some to prefer a higher allocation to FVOCI assets while others may favor FVTPL for potential higher returns [17]. - The classification of assets is not standardized across the industry, allowing companies to tailor their strategies based on their specific operational needs and investment capabilities [17].