Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the recent trends in the settlement interest rates of universal insurance products, highlighting a significant decline in rates and the impact of regulatory changes on the industry [1][3][5]. Group 1: Universal Insurance Product Overview - Universal insurance combines protection and investment functions, allowing flexible premium payments and adjustable coverage levels [3]. - As of May 22, 653 universal insurance products reported their April settlement rates, with the highest at 3.5% and the lowest at 0.36% [1][3]. - 41% of the products have settlement rates of 3% or higher, while 59% are below 3% [3]. Group 2: Regulatory Impact - Recent regulatory actions aim to standardize the design and marketing of universal insurance products, emphasizing better management of assets and liabilities [1][4]. - The Financial Regulatory Authority has prohibited the development of universal insurance products with terms shorter than five years and allowed adjustments to minimum guaranteed interest rates [7]. - The minimum guaranteed interest rate has been reduced from 3.5% in 2017 to a maximum of 2% starting August 1, 2023, and further down to 1.5% from October 1, 2024 [5][7]. Group 3: Market Trends and Consumer Behavior - The decline in settlement rates is attributed to lower yields on fixed-income assets and pressures on investment returns, which directly affect the rates offered by insurance companies [4][5]. - Many existing policies have minimum guaranteed rates set at 2.5% or 3%, limiting the potential for further reductions despite market conditions [6]. - Despite the expected decline in settlement rates, universal insurance products may still offer higher returns than some bank deposit rates, maintaining their appeal to low-risk investors [7][8].

Investment Rating - The industry investment rating is "Overweight" indicating that the industry index is expected to outperform the CSI 300 index by 10% or more over the next six months [11]. Core Insights - The report highlights the regulatory changes in the universal life insurance sector, emphasizing the need for insurance products to return to their core protection functions. The new regulations will take effect on May 1, 2025, with a one-year transition period for compliance [5]. - The report suggests that the life insurance liability transformation is ongoing, with a notable improvement in productivity despite a decline in workforce size. There is an anticipated release of demand following an increase in consumer awareness regarding protection needs [6]. - The report expresses optimism about the equity market outlook, particularly in light of the "National Nine Articles" which signal a new starting point for the capital market. The long-term interest rates are at historically low levels, which may alleviate the risk of interest spread losses [6]. Summary by Sections Regulatory Changes - The China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission issued a notice on April 25, 2025, to strengthen the regulation of universal life insurance, aiming to guide the sector back to its core protection functions. The new rules include flexibility in adjusting minimum guaranteed interest rates and prohibit the development of products with terms shorter than five years [5][7]. Product Design - The new regulations allow for the adjustment of minimum guaranteed interest rates after the guarantee period, and only permit the design of universal life insurance for whole life, endowment, and annuity products. The cap on basic premium payments for the same universal life insurance product has been raised from 10,000 to 20,000 yuan [5][7]. Account Management - The report emphasizes the need for comprehensive account management, including the establishment of a smooth settlement rate mechanism and strict regulations on the use of special reserves. It mandates regular reviews of asset-liability status and prohibits practices that artificially inflate investment returns [5][7]. Fund Utilization - The report outlines the importance of managing investment concentration and liquidity, setting limits on investments in single unlisted equities and real estate-related financial products. It also requires a minimum proportion of liquid assets in the investment portfolio [5][7]. Sales Management - The report stresses the implementation of tiered management for sales personnel and the establishment of a "negative list" of prohibited sales practices to prevent misleading sales tactics. It also highlights the need for enhanced information disclosure to consumers regarding interest rate adjustments and account closures [5][7].