Insurance, takaful businesses: SECP launches gross premium valuation

ISLAMABAD: The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has introduced gross premium valuation for long-term insurance and takaful businesses to promote the long-term financial viability and sustainability of the industry and safeguard policyholders’ interests.

The SECP has issued Actuarial Valuation Rules for Insurers & Takaful Operators, 2025 here on Friday.

The proposed framework applies to both Life and Non-Life Insurance and Takaful businesses, aligning with the objectives of the SECP’s five-year strategic plan, “Journey to an Insured Pakistan.”

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The minimum actuarial reserve for policyholder liabilities for life insurers as per the requirements of Section 35 and 50 of the Ordinance and reserves for non-life insurance as required under Section 34 of the Ordinance will be determined in accordance with the methodologies, bases and assumptions for short-term and long-term business under life and non-life insurance as given in these rules.

The draft Rules establish a framework for valuation of insurance contract assets and liabilities. They were developed in line with the International Association of Insurance Supervisors’ (IAIS) Core Principles and the latest global actuarial practices. Prepared in consultation with the Pakistan Society of Actuaries (PSoA), the Rules also incorporate the adoption of risk-based capital and supervisory regimes. The aim is to standardise and align actuarial valuation practices with international markets, supporting the SECP’s objectives of digitisation, transparency, and innovation.

Highlighting the Commission’s focus on insurance sector, the SECP Chairperson stated, “Developing a vibrant and sustainable insurance sector is a key focus of our five-year strategic plan. We are guided by a commitment to core principles that ensure a level playing field: championing competition and market openness, removing barriers such as legal monopolies, privatisation and ensuring our regulatory framework meets the highest international standards.”

These Rules introduce and expand upon contemporary and market-consistent reserving practices. Key provisions include gross premium valuation for long-term insurance and takaful businesses, updated methodologies for premium and claims reserving for short-term insurance and takaful businesses, the adoption of principle-based and consistent actuarial assumptions, improved data quality practices, and enhanced standardisation of quality submissions.

The adoption of updated actuarial valuation practices will promote the long-term financial viability and sustainability of the industry. This will help meet and safeguard policyholders’ interests and expectations, enhance shareholders’ understanding and management of insurance businesses, and improve the quality of reviews for statutory reporting.

The draft Rules are available on the SECP website for public information and feedback. Comments and suggestions on the draft Rules may be submitted to the SECP within 30 days of their publication. The SECP will also schedule consultation sessions to get input from industry stakeholders.

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