Core Insights - The release of the "2025 Experience Life Table" marks a significant milestone for the life insurance industry in China, transitioning from price competition to a focus on data accumulation, risk identification, and actuarial capabilities [1][2][3] Industry Overview - The new life table is based on nearly a decade of comprehensive policy data, making it the largest sample size in the global insurance market, and aims to reflect the current and future survival and mortality probabilities of the insured population [2][3] - The life table indicates a continuous increase in life expectancy, with an approximate rise of 10 years compared to the first life table, and shows significant improvements in child mortality rates and reductions in mortality rates in economically underdeveloped regions [3][4] Regulatory Framework - The Financial Regulatory Bureau has issued guidelines for the application of the new life table, emphasizing the need for insurance companies to scientifically and accurately set insurance liabilities and offer diverse, high-quality insurance products [4][5] Pricing Impact - The new life table introduces a dual-track pricing model that combines industry benchmarks with company-specific experience, allowing for differentiated and scientific management of insurance products [7][8] - The expected decrease in mortality rates for term life insurance products may lead to lower premiums, while products like annuities and pensions may see an increase in rates due to longer life expectancies [7][8] Risk Management Enhancements - The introduction of a "mortality deviation assessment mechanism" requires insurance companies to evaluate the potential deviations in mortality rates and implement a retrospective mechanism to optimize actuarial models [8][9] - This dynamic risk management process will necessitate increased investment in actuarial models, data systems, and professional talent to enhance decision-making capabilities [8][9]

Core Insights - The release of the "2025 Experience Life Table" marks a significant milestone for the life insurance industry in China, transitioning from price competition to a focus on data accumulation, risk identification, and actuarial capabilities [1][3][4] Industry Developments - The new life table will be implemented starting January 1, 2026, and is expected to enhance risk management and operational stability within the industry, leading to a more mature and sustainable market ecosystem [1][3] - The fourth life table reflects changes in mortality rates and life expectancy, with a notable increase of approximately 10 years in life expectancy compared to the first life table [4][5] Data and Methodology - The fourth life table is based on nearly a decade's worth of comprehensive policy data, making it the largest sample size in the global insurance market [3] - It includes four categories of tables: pension-related, non-pension type one, non-pension type two, and a single life table, which is a first in using individual identification numbers for mortality research [7][8] Pricing and Risk Management - The introduction of the new life table is expected to lead to more precise pricing and risk management, reducing the risk of "death loss" and improving the financial foundation of insurance companies [4][9] - The notification mandates that insurance companies must consider both the new life table and their own experience data when determining product rates, leading to differentiated pricing strategies [9][11] Regulatory Framework - The notification introduces a "mortality deviation assessment mechanism," requiring companies to evaluate potential deviations in mortality rates and establish a retrievable mechanism for regular assessments [11][12] - The regulatory body emphasizes the importance of enhancing data governance and protecting consumer rights while ensuring the effective application of the new life table [12]