Irda clears IPO norms; Sebi nod expected shortly

The sectoral regulator Irda today said it has finalised the IPO guidelines for insurance companies and has referred the same to the capital markets watchdog Sebi for final approval which is expected soon.

"We are expecting the guidelines shortly. We have given our observations. The matter is currently with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi)," Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (Irda) chairman J Harinarayan told PTI.

He further said the valuation norms for the companies have been finalised in consultation with the Institute of Actuaries. "Idra, in consultation with the Institute of Actuaries, has given its views on the IPO. Sebi has to clear it now," he added.

Irda, which has been working on the initial public offer guidelines along with the market regulator Sebi, is likely to come out with a draft for public comments before issuing the final norms. Several private sector insurers, including Reliance Life, have shown interest in tapping the capital market to augment their resource base.
     
The government had proposed to ease the norms to allow insurers to list after five years of operation, instead the current 10-year practice. As per the Insurance Act, promoters having 26 percent stake can offload equity after 10 years of operation. The legislation also empowers the government to reduce the mandatory period.
    
Irda had already notified the disclosure norms, necessary for providing details about the operations and balancesheets on quarterly and yearly basis. The IPO guidelines will deal with minimum norms that a company must fulfil before hitting the capital markets.
    
Norms for correct valuation, disclosure of operating results and profit and loss account and filing of the draft red herring prospectus are the three essentials that a company have to fulfil when going for public float.
    
Besides the state-owned Life Insurance Corporation, 22 private companies are offering life insurance policies. The general insurance sector has 21 players which include four state-owned companies.