MUMBAI : The banking regulator’s proposed framework to encourage responsible selling of financial products will likely dent banks’ earnings from insurance policy sales, which generate about ₹25,000 crore annually for the industry. On 11 February, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released draft guidelines targeting mis-selling, bundled sales, and even “dark patterns" in banking apps, redrawing the boundaries of how banks sell such products. The norms will be applicable from July. “The responsibility on banks ...

Transaction Overview - Ageas will acquire 100% ownership of AG Insurance from BNP Paribas Fortis for EUR 1.9 billion[4] - The transaction will be financed via an equity placement of 18.5 million shares at EUR 60 per share, totaling EUR 1.11 billion, along with existing cash and financing facilities[4] - The closing is subject to regulatory approval and is expected in Q2 2026[4] Strategic Rationale - The acquisition offers strategic flexibility and strengthens Ageas' position for potential future inorganic growth opportunities[22, 25] - It allows for further leveraging of AG Insurance's distribution, technical, and operational expertise to deepen group synergies[25] - The deal re-confirms the long-term nature of the bancassurance distribution agreement with BNP Paribas Fortis and deepens collaboration on investments[8, 25, 41] Financial Impact - The transaction is expected to deliver an attractive levered Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) of 15-16%[26, 40] - It is projected to increase HFCF (Holding Free Cash Flow) per share by 7-8% by 2027[26, 33] - The acquisition is expected to provide an immediate uplift of EUR 160-175 million from Belgium and EUR 15 million from the Reinsurance segment starting in 2028[33] Partnership with BNP Paribas - BNP Paribas will maintain a significant stake in Ageas, with a shareholding cap of 25%-1[52] - The partnership is governed by a Relationship Agreement with a 5-year duration and automatic renewal[52] - BNP Paribas supports Ageas' future growth as an independent and autonomous group[52] Elevate27 Targets - The transaction leads to an upgrade of Elevate27 financial targets, including an increase in HFCF and shareholder remuneration[26, 53, 59, 60] - The shareholder remuneration is expected to increase by +10%[60] - HFCF is expected to increase by +13%[59]

Core Viewpoint - BNP Paribas Group has sold its 25% stake in AG Insurance to Ageas for EUR 1.9 billion, formalizing a long-term partnership focused on bancassurance operations in Belgium, particularly in digital development and investment management [1][2]. Group 1: Partnership and Stake Sale - The partnership between BNP Paribas and Ageas aims to enhance the bancassurance operations of AG Insurance and BNP Paribas Fortis, focusing on savings, protection, and property & casualty insurance [1]. - Ageas is consolidating its position in the Belgian market by acquiring BNP Paribas Fortis' stake in AG Insurance, which is valued at EUR 1.9 billion [2]. - BNP Paribas Cardif will increase its stake in Ageas from 14.9% to 22.5% through a EUR 1.1 billion capital contribution, strengthening Ageas' growth capacity while maintaining its independence [3]. Group 2: Financial Impact - The transaction is expected to be finalized in the second quarter of 2026, pending regulatory approvals, and will result in a net capital gain after tax of EUR 820 million in 2026 [4]. - BNP Paribas Group's net income is projected to increase by EUR 40 million annually following the completion of the transaction [4]. Group 3: Strategic Statements - The CEO of BNP Paribas highlighted the growth potential in the bancassurance business through the partnership with AG Insurance and the new asset management platform [5]. - The CEO of Ageas emphasized that this transaction is a significant milestone in implementing their Elevate27 strategy, allowing for further advancement in Belgian operations [5].