Insurance

Listing of Insurance Brokers in India: The Need for an Explicit Framework

Summary: The blog notes that while India’s insurance framework does not prohibit broker listings, due to the absence of explicit IRDAI guidance, the insurance brokers may have limited access to public markets. While recent reforms (such as perpetual registration) address some hurdles, the 25% investor cap under brokers regulations may create a tension with SEBI’s minimum public float requirement. The piece suggests that it may be helpful for IRDAI to consider a clear, conditions-based listing framework for brokers, drawing on existing models for insurers and the proposed pathway for TPAs.

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IRDAI sets up performance scorecard for KMPs: A case for indirect enforcement

The IRDAI published a circular on Remuneration to Key Management Persons, dated May 25, 2026 (“Circular”). This was soon after a concept paper revisiting the remuneration of Key Managerial Personnel (“KMP”) of Indian insurers was shared among a select group of stakeholders, inviting their comments. The Circular, which is now applicable law, amends the IRDAI Master Circular on Corporate Governance for Insurers, 2024 (“Master Circular”). The Circular has been issued in exercise of powers under Section 34 of the Insurance Act, 1938, Section 14 of the IRDA Act, 1999, and Regulation 12 of the Regulations.

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API Integration in Insurance: Unlocking Digital Policy Distribution

Summary: This article examines the increasing use of Application Programming Interfaces (“APIs”) in the insurance sector and their role in enabling embedded and digital distribution models. It discusses how API platforms are integrated for distribution of insurance products with third-party digital platforms, offering coverage at the point of transaction. The article also highlights the key legal and operational considerations arising from such arrangements and outlines the regulatory framework under the Insurance Act, 1938.

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Investment Functions of Insurers and Insurance Brokers: On A Short Rope or Ample Wiggle Room?

Summary: This blog broadly outlines the IRDAI’s prescriptive investment framework for insurers, permissible asset classes thereunder, limited applicability to insurance brokers, and the regulatory intent behind these norms. It also highlights proposed amendments to the investments regulatory framework, granting insurers greater flexibility to invest in private companies while maintaining governance safeguards. For comprehensive, insurer-specific, or instrument-specific details, it is important to refer to the full text of IRDAI’s investments regulatory framework.

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100% FDI in Insurance: Getting the Ground Ready

Summary: The Ministry of Finance has proposed significant amendments to the Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Rules, 2015, marking the latest regulatory move towards enabling 100% foreign direct investment in insurance companies. This follows Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget 2025-26 announcement to review and simplify FDI guardrails and conditionalities, representing a significant shift in India’s approach to foreign investment in the insurance sector. Our blog analyses the key proposals and implications for insurers/ intermediaries and stakeholders from a regulatory standpoint.

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A Review of the Performance of Surety Insurance Contracts in India

Introduction:

Surety insurance bonds (“Surety Bonds”) are a proven risk management mechanism, useful especially in the infrastructure, construction projects, and government procurement space. Surety Bonds can be an effective alternative financial solution to the principals/ contractors, who had to depend on bank guarantees earlier. 

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Forceful selling of Insurance by Automobile Dealers call for Regulation

Background

Automobile sector in India has been growing at a rapid pace, contributing to over 7% of India’s total Gross Domestic Product[1]. With annual sales exceeding 20 million passenger vehicles the mandatory vehicle insurance requirement has led to a commensurate increase in motor insurance business sales. This sector now constitutes 45% of the overall business of general insurance in India.[2]

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Primer on IRDAI Information and Cyber Security Guidelines 2023

Introduction

On September 14, 2023, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (“IRDAI”) set up an inter-disciplinary standing committee on cyber security, tasked with regularly reviewing the threats inherent in the existing or emerging technologies and suggest appropriate changes to the IRDAI Information and Cyber Security framework to further strengthen the insurance industry’s cyber security posture and resilience.[1] This is in furtherance to the IRDAI having notified the Information and Cyber Security Guidelines on April 24, 2023 (“CS Guidelines 2023”).

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Remuneration to Directors and KMPs of Insurers – Enhanced Guidelines with Extended Coverage

Introduction

The remuneration payable to Chief Executive Officers (“CEOs”), Whole-Time Directors (“WTDs”) and Managing Directors (“MDs”) of insurance companies is governed under Section 34A of the Insurance Act, 1938. This provision requires insurers to procure prior approval from the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (“IRDAI”) in relation to such remuneration. The IRDAI (Remuneration of Non-Executive Directors of Private Sector Insurers) Guidelines, 2016 and IRDAI (Remuneration of Chief Executive Officer/Whole Time-Director and Managing Director of the Insurers) Guidelines, 2016 dated August 5, 2016 (collectively, the “Erstwhile Guidelines”) have historically governed this matter. In supersession of the Erstwhile Guidelines, the IRDAI has recently notified the Guidelines on Remuneration of Directors and Key Managerial Persons of Insurers, on June 30, 2023, which includes the IRDAI (Remuneration of Non-Executive Directors of Insurers) Guidelines, 2023 and IRDAI (Remuneration of Key Managerial Persons of Insurers) Guidelines, 2023 (collectively, the “Revised Guidelines”). The Revised Guidelines are effective from the FY 2023-24 i.e. from April 1, 2023 and the insurers are required to complete the process of framing/reviewing the remuneration policy within three months of the issuance of the Revised Guidelines.

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