Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2026-01-20 08:29Core Viewpoint - The insurance industry is experiencing a strong recovery in the bancassurance channel, which has become a core pillar supporting industry growth, with a projected 10% year-on-year increase in premium income from this channel in 2025. However, this recovery is characterized by a polarized growth pattern, with leading insurers showing significant gains while smaller firms struggle [1][11]. Group 1: Industry Growth and Trends - The "old seven" life insurance companies are expected to see a 48% year-on-year growth, with Ping An Life leading at a remarkable 163% increase in premium income from the bancassurance channel [1][3]. - The bancassurance channel's average commission level has decreased by approximately 30% following the implementation of the "reporting and banking integration" policy, which has shifted the focus from cost-driven competition to demand-driven and product-driven strategies [3][13]. - The overall growth rate for the bancassurance channel is projected to be around 10% in 2025, with the market share of the "old seven" companies increasing to 36% [3][14]. Group 2: Competitive Landscape - The competitive landscape is intensifying, with larger insurers leveraging their resource advantages and channel strengths to capture market opportunities, while smaller firms face challenges in resource allocation [2][12]. - The bancassurance channel has seen a compound annual growth rate of 16.2% from 2019 to 2023, while standard premium income from bancassurance and individual insurance has declined by 4.9% and 10.9%, respectively [2][12]. - The removal of the "1+3" restriction on bank- insurer partnerships has allowed leading firms to accelerate their acquisition of quality bank resources, further enhancing their market position [4][14]. Group 3: Performance of Key Players - Ping An Life's bancassurance channel new business value grew by 170.9% in the first three quarters of 2025, contributing 35.1% to the company's overall new business value [7][17]. - China CITIC Insurance and other firms have achieved significant growth, with CITIC Insurance's new business scale premium surpassing 11.5 billion yuan, marking a 141% year-on-year increase [8][18]. - MetLife has established partnerships with over 20 banks, focusing on high-net-worth clients and aiming for long-term, value-driven development in its bancassurance operations [9][19]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The outlook for the bancassurance channel in 2026 is optimistic, with expectations of a 30% increase in new premium income driven by the reallocation of household savings and strategic positioning by insurers [6][16]. - The projected incremental funds for the bancassurance channel in 2026 are expected to show a "high first, low later" trend, with significant contributions in the first quarter due to the timing of household savings [6][16]. - The ongoing trend of market differentiation will likely continue, with firms that possess comprehensive service capabilities and differentiated competitive advantages expected to lead the market [10][19].