Page 3 - Aathira Varier

Reforms, robust demand may drive insurance growth back to double digits

After a muted FY26 so far, India's insurance industry is expected to return to double-digit growth in FY27, aided by regulatory changes, GST rationalisation and improving demand across segments

Small business credit exposure rises 16% to ₹46 trillion: CRIF-Sidbi report

Small business credit exposure rose 16.2 per cent to ₹46 trillion as of September 2025, though growth moderated from the previous quarter amid cautious underwriting and seasonality

Life insurance industry to grow 8-11% in FY26, FY27, says CareEdge Ratings

CareEdge expects life insurers to sustain 8-11 per cent growth over the next two years, but warns investors not to overread past trends as margins may face near-term pressure from reforms

Policy changes create room for foreign insurers to explore: Sompo MD

India's non-life insurance sector is set for faster growth as the Insurance Amendment Bill allows 100% FDI, boosts investor confidence and strengthens regulation, says Mathur, Universal Sompo CEO

Phase-II of cheque-clearing system postponed until further notice: RBI

RBI has deferred Phase 2 of continuous cheque clearing to give banks more time, and modified presentation hours to 9 am-3 pm and confirmation hours to 9 am-7 pm

Gold most stable asset during geopolitical tensions, says RBI staff study

An RBI staff study says gold remains the most stable asset during geopolitical stress, while crude oil is the most sensitive to shocks; silver and US Treasuries show intermediate reactions

Credit card spending moderates to ₹1.89 trillion in November 2025

After crossing Rs 2 trillion in September and October, credit card spending eased to Rs 1.89 trillion in November 2025, with major issuers reporting month-on-month declines

Outward remittances under LRS slip 2% in Oct on travel, education dip

Outward remittances under RBI's LRS slipped to $2.36 billion in October 2025 as overseas travel and education outflows fell, while remittances for equity and debt investments rose sharply

Net FDI into India nearly doubles to $6.2 bn in April-October: RBI data

Net FDI into India rose to $6.2 billion in April-October FY26 as repatriation fell to $31.65 billion, even as outward FDI increased to $20.5 billion, RBI data showed

Insurance intermediaries with high commissions may see payouts drop

Currently, 50 per cent of life insurance investment is allocated to government securities and the balance 50 per cent to other alternative investments

Irdai proposes allowing insurers to invest 20% in debt of public infra SPVs

Irdai noted that once infrastructure projects begin commercial operations, their cash flows become more predictable and regulated, significantly reducing funding risks

Insurance Amendment Bill: High-commission intermediaries may see payout cut

The Insurance Amendment Bill empowers IRDAI to limit high commissions, reclaim unlawful gains, and strengthen oversight of intermediaries while opening new investment avenues for insurers

Insurance industry flags concerns over proposed Insurance Amendment Bill

Under the proposed Bill, the revised definition of insurance business seeks to allow insurers to enter into non-insurance contracts as well

Early signs of stress in micro LAP, housing loans, CV portfolio: CIBIL

Festive spending and Goods and Services Tax (GST) changes drove credit growth in the economy across vehicle finance and consumer durables in the last few months

100% FDI in Insurance: Legacy distribution remains hurdle for foreign firms

The FDI limit in the insurance sector was raised from 49 per cent to 74 per cent in 2021

Cabinet approves 100% FDI in insurance; Bill likely in Parliament on Monday

The source further said that this is likely to be tabled on Monday in the ongoing winter session of Parliament, which is slated to conclude on December 19

GST cuts: Insurers still negotiating commission revisions with distributors

Life insurers have formed committee to discuss the capping of distributor commission

Tier-II, -III mkts make 62% of new health insurance policies: Report

Policybazaar data shows a structural shift in India's health insurance market, with Tier 2, Tier 3 and rural regions accounting for most new policies in FY26

Ageas Federal Life Insurance aims 3x premium growth by FY28: CEO Gomes

Company is open to exploring non-life opportunities once composite licence is approved by Parliament

Insurance industry's premium growth tops 20% for the first time in FY26

Nil GST on premiums, favourable base effect key drivers