Core Viewpoint - The recent recruitment announcement by Hengqin Life for "employee-based" sales consultants has attracted industry attention, marking an important attempt by small and medium-sized insurance companies to respond to regulatory calls and explore reforms in individual insurance marketing systems [1][2]. Group 1: Traditional Individual Insurance Marketing Challenges - Since the introduction of the personal insurance agent system in 1992, the number of insurance agents peaked at over 10 million, significantly boosting life insurance premiums from billions to trillions [1]. - The traditional individual insurance marketing model faces challenges due to economic cycles, structural issues within the industry, and tightening regulations, leading to high dropout rates and a lack of systematic training [1]. - The professional dignity, capabilities, and survival status of insurance sales personnel are crucial for the success of channel transformation [1]. Group 2: Regulatory Support and Employee-Based Model - In April, the Financial Regulatory Bureau issued a notice promoting the professional development of insurance sales personnel, allowing for the exploration of employee-based or agency-based roles under labor contracts [2]. - The "employee-based" insurance sales consultant model involves direct employment by insurance companies, providing formal employment status and benefits such as social insurance and a dual salary structure [2]. Group 3: Industry Expectations and Professional Value - Many insurance sales personnel express optimism about the "employee-based" model, viewing it as a means to enhance job security and professional identity [4]. - The transition from agency to employee status represents a fundamental shift in professional logic, moving from a commission-based focus to a service-oriented approach [4]. Group 4: Current Practices and Challenges - The "employee-based" model is not new, having been successfully implemented in mature markets like Japan and Taiwan, with domestic companies exploring similar paths [5]. - However, the scale of implementation in China remains limited, with most companies maintaining only a few hundred employees under this model [5]. Group 5: Future of Employee-Based Model - The insurance sales landscape is undergoing profound changes, with a shift from merely selling policies to providing comprehensive risk management solutions, making professionalization essential [6]. - Despite support for the "employee-based" model, challenges such as high labor costs and the need for a balanced commission structure remain significant [7]. - Experts predict that the proportion of "employee-based" insurance sales consultants will be around 10%, equating to approximately 250,000 individuals [7]. Group 6: Recommendations for Transition - Recommendations for addressing the challenges of transitioning to an "employee-based" model include resolving tax inconsistencies, optimizing cost structures, and establishing a comprehensive incentive system [8]. - The transition is complex and requires insurance companies to tailor their approaches based on their unique operational characteristics and resources [8].