More options in unit-linked pension plans coming soon

Irda intends to allow investors more choice.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda) is planning to allow more options with the unit-linked pension plan. At present, there is only one product in that space and insurance companies are mandated to offer a 4.5 per cent return on such plans.

“We are looking at coming out with more exposure and more disclosures in the pension space. In case people are looking for more equity exposure, they should have an option. We are looking at these issues,” said R Kannan, member, actuary, Irda.

The return of 4.5 per cent is not guaranteed during the currency of the policy but can change depending upon the interest rate movement. The guarantee depends on the reverse repo rate and has to be reviewed annually. The return, however, can only move between three and six per cent.

He added that policy holders today could not change the proportion of debt and equity. “If a customer wants to take high-risk equity exposure, he does not have a choice.”

The sector regulator is also likely to come out with Initial Public Offer (IPO) norms for life insurance companies by the end of next month.

“Now the companies are busy with sales and later they will work on valuation. We will study the trend and disclosures by companies for a couple of quarters. So, in May or June, we can expect insurers will be ready to go public,” said Kannan.