IRDAI

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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Amended Cyber Security Guidelines for Insurance Sector: Key Amendments and What They Mean for Regulated Entities

Summary: On April 6, 2026, IRDAI issued certain amendments to its 2023 Information and Cyber Security Guidelines for insurance sector, while retaining the core structure of the guidelines. This article covers the key changes to the guidelines and their implications for regulated entities such as expanded Board accountability, introduction of IT Steering Committee, enhanced independence of CISO, and targeted relaxations for Foreign Reinsurance Branches etc

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Insurance Distribution in India: Emerging Channels, Compliance, and Data Governance

Summary: This continuation of Part I delves into the evolving insurance distribution landscape in India, focusing on other channels such as web aggregators, insurance marketing firms, and common service centres, alongside traditional intermediaries like PoSPs, MISPs, and agents. It highlights regulatory prohibitions that safeguard ethical practices, policyholder-centric reforms under the IRDAI framework, and the impact of the Digital Personal Data Protection Act on intermediaries. The article underscores how compliance, transparency, and data security are shaping a future-ready distribution ecosystem that balances innovation with consumer trust.

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Understanding Insurance Distribution in India: A Comprehensive Guide

Summary: This blog provides an overview of India’s insurance distribution framework, explaining the roles of intermediaries like brokers, corporate agents, TPAs, and surveyors under IRDAI regulations. It highlights recent reforms introduced by the Insurance Amendment Bill, 2025, which aim to simplify compliance, expand intermediary definitions, and strengthen policyholder protection. Understanding these evolving rules is crucial for insurers, intermediaries, and stakeholders to navigate the market effectively and ensure transparent, compliant distribution.

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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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Aa Ab Laut Chalein!: Key Considerations for ‘Reverse Flips’

Summary: The trend of Indian businesses relocating offshore is reversing, with many now seeking to “reverse flip” to India, driven by the nation’s vibrant economy and capital markets. While the reverse flip offers significant opportunities, it requires careful navigation of legal processes, along with addressing complex regulatory, and corporate compliance aspects. Understanding these key considerations is crucial for companies contemplating a return to India.

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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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FIG Paper no. 48: Change in Control & Learnings in FIG space

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) in the banking, financial services, and insurance (BFSI) sector constituted approximately 10% of all M&A activity in India in 2024, exceeding USD 12.1 billion[1] in value, making it the second highest among all sectors. Infrastructure and BFSI are expected to continue driving M&A deal activity in India. Recently, India is seeing several large M&A transactions involving complex structuring, regulatory approvals on account of change in control, bespoke due diligence and documentation considerations and nuanced approach to regulatory interface before and after deal signing to obviate deal failure risks. Basis our recent experience, and change in control provisions applicable to banks, non-banks, payment system operators (PSOs), mutual funds and insurance players, this paper provides an overview of the specific deal and change in control linked regulatory approvals and learnings / considerations relevant from a transaction structuring and deal execution perspective, across each of the BFSI verticals.

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