Asia Financial Services

A recent announcement that plans to raise the capital requirement for insurance companies could be delayed beyond 2016 could give local and international insurers more time to focus on growth areas such as microinsurance and bancassurance.

The Thai banking sector experienced rapid growth in the first quarter of 2012 on the back of significant expansion of the economy as a whole, with most banks posting increases in profits and loans.

Confidence among players in Papua New Guinea’s (PNG’s) banking industry and the launch of new microfinance and mobile banking initiatives highlight the sector’s potential to grow amid the country’s natural resource-based surging growth. However, the Bank of PNG (BPNG), the central bank, remains concerned about increasing levels of liquidity.

Malaysia’s capital markets are in line for a boost, as the introduction of private pension funds is expected to create a significant funding inflow that will be directed towards various investment vehicles. This should also serve to take some of the pressure off the state’s retirement schemes.

Healthy domestic demand is expected to drive growth in Malaysia’s banking sector this year as public projects help to stimulate lending. While international factors mean banks may take a more cautious outlook, the system as a whole is well capitalised and soundly managed, standing it in good stead for the future.

Local business leaders and foreign investors alike are expressing confidence in the outlook for Indonesia’s insurance sector. Continued economic growth, low levels of penetration and strong performances from leading firms this year are all upside indicators. The market is a competitive one, and insurers are actively examining new strategies for capitalising on its considerable potential.