Core Viewpoint - The Hong Kong Insurance Authority has set a cap on the demonstration interest rates for participating insurance policies, limiting HKD policies to 6% and non-HKD policies to 6.5% starting July 1. However, industry experts indicate that this cap does not necessarily limit actual investor returns, as actual yields may still vary based on market conditions and other factors [1][2]. Summary by Sections Regulation Changes - The new regulations aim to provide a more realistic expectation of future returns for customers, as the demonstration interest rates are primarily used for illustrating potential benefits during sales [2]. - The cap on demonstration rates is seen as a measure to bring rationality back to the market amid increasing competition among insurance companies [2]. Impact on Actual Returns - Experts assert that the limitation on demonstration rates does not equate to a limitation on actual returns. If insurance companies can deliver high returns, regulatory bodies would not restrict the dividend levels offered to clients [2]. - A comparison of expected cash values for a specific participating insurance product shows negligible differences in cash value for the first 30-40 years, with a slight decline in later years [3]. Currency and Legal Considerations - The fluctuation of exchange rates poses a significant risk for mainland investors, as many Hong Kong insurance policies are denominated in USD or HKD. This can affect both the cost of premiums and the actual returns when converted back to RMB [4]. - Legal differences between Hong Kong and mainland China may complicate dispute resolution for policyholders, making it challenging for mainland clients to assert their rights in case of disputes [4]. Recommendations for Investors - Investors are advised to consider the stability and solvency of insurance companies, as well as their historical dividend realization rates, to ensure the safety of their funds and maximize policy benefits [5]. - For those with short-term liquidity needs or low risk tolerance regarding currency fluctuations, purchasing Hong Kong insurance may not be advisable. However, it could be a reasonable option for individuals planning to study or live abroad long-term [5].

南方财经全媒体记者林汉垚北京报道 "香港保险演示利率上限下调并非意味着保险公司无法实现较高回报。" 资深保险精算师徐昱琛指出， 综合历史及当前数据，香港保险业整体的分红实现率平均在90%以上。 香港保监局执行董事（长期业务）吕愈国也表示，"演示利率上限"只适用于保险公司在销售分红保单时 向客户提供的利益演示的内部收益率，保险公司仍可向投保人派发高于上限的红利，因此措施并不会影 响保单的实际回报。 同时，吕愈国强调，"演示利率上限"仅规范7月1日后保险公司在新保单销售时使用的说明文件，不会改 变既有保单的未来实际分红水平。 对于将"演示利率上限"下调解读为"降低收益"的误导式营销，有业内人士向记者表示，目前香港卖保险 的，很多是面向内地客户，且不少业务员本身也是近期移居香港或刚拿到香港身份的内地人。他们在开 展业务时，往往沿用国内"炒停售"的惯常做法，混淆演示利率和保证利率的概念，借助演示利率下调制 造焦虑，引导客户加快决策。 近日，香港保险市场因分红险演示利率下调而引发广泛关注。 香港保监局公布的《分红保险利益说明演示利率上限应用说明》（以下简称《应用说明》）规定，7月1 日起，港元分红保单演示利率上限由原有 ...

Core Viewpoint - The surge in insurance purchases in Hong Kong is driven by the impending regulatory change that will lower the illustrated yield cap for participating insurance policies from 7% to 6.5% starting July 1, 2023, leading to a rush among mainland clients to secure policies before the change takes effect [1][7][12]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The number of mainland clients traveling to Hong Kong for insurance has significantly increased, with reports of long queues at insurance companies as clients rush to finalize their policies before the new regulations [2][5][6]. - Insurance agents are capitalizing on the "last window period" narrative, promoting the urgency to purchase policies with higher illustrated yields before the regulatory change [9][10]. Group 2: Regulatory Changes - The Hong Kong Insurance Authority has issued guidelines that will limit the illustrated yield for Hong Kong dollar participating policies to 6% and for non-Hong Kong dollar policies to 6.5%, effective July 1, 2023 [7][10]. - The new regulations aim to address the significant gap between high illustrated yields and actual returns, as many policies have not met their projected performance [11][13]. Group 3: Product Performance - Despite the high illustrated yields, actual performance data shows that around 40% of participating insurance products in Hong Kong have not achieved their projected returns, with actual dividend realization rates fluctuating between 85% and 107% [12][13]. - The long-term nature of these insurance products means that achieving the illustrated yields often requires decades, with some policies needing up to 100 years to realize the higher returns [14].

Core Viewpoint - The recent surge in demand for Hong Kong dividend insurance is driven by the impending regulatory cap on expected returns, prompting mainland clients to secure policies before the new limits take effect in July 2025 [2][3][7]. Group 1: Market Dynamics - The Hong Kong Insurance Authority issued guidelines limiting the expected return rates for dividend insurance policies, capping Hong Kong dollar policies at 6% and non-Hong Kong dollar policies at 6.5% starting July 1, 2025 [2][7]. - There has been a notable increase in mainland clients traveling to Hong Kong for insurance purchases, with many seeking to lock in the higher expected return rates before the regulatory changes [3][4]. - The demand for dividend insurance has surged since mid-May, with June witnessing peak activity as clients rush to finalize their policies [4][5]. Group 2: Agent Insights - Insurance agents report a significant increase in inquiries and business, with some agents experiencing explosive growth in policy signings during this period [4][5]. - Agents are actively promoting the last opportunity to secure higher expected returns, leading to a competitive environment among insurance companies [4][8]. - Some agents express concerns about the potential over-exaggeration of expected returns, advising clients to approach purchases with caution and consider their actual needs [5][9]. Group 3: Regulatory Impact - The new guidelines aim to standardize the expected return rates and prevent misleading marketing practices that could create unrealistic client expectations [7][8]. - The regulation is expected to shift the focus of insurance companies from aggressive marketing to more stable and realistic return management, benefiting both the market and clients [11][12]. - The cap on expected returns does not necessarily imply a reduction in actual returns, as it primarily serves as a marketing tool [11][12]. Group 4: Client Considerations - Clients are advised to understand the structure of dividend insurance, which includes guaranteed and non-guaranteed returns, and to be aware of the associated risks, including currency fluctuations [6][10]. - The potential long-term benefits of dividend insurance can be substantial, with significant differences in returns based on the duration of the policy [10][11]. - Clients should evaluate their financial goals and risk tolerance before making investment decisions, ensuring they are well-informed about the products they are considering [12].