Disquiet over IRDAI proposal to mandatorily invest 25% in government bonds.

 

Investors in unit-linked insurance plans (Ulips) may get lower returns and fewer choices if the insurance regulator's proposal on mandatory 25% investment in government bonds becomes a rule.

Equity tends to deliver the highest returns. Mandating a minimum exposure to government securities will run contradictory to this research-backed view. At present, Ulips make up 50-60% of life insurers' portfolios, with close to 90% of the premium being invested in equity.

The proposal will also whittle down choices available to policyholders. This draft reduces the flexibility offered to customers. All Ulips offer fund options with varying combinations of equity and debt, including pure equity, debt and balanced funds.

Since late 2013, Ulips have seen sustained revival in fortunes on the back of buoyant equity markets. In 2014-15, fresh premium income from Ulips grew 40% from the previous year to `13,250 crore.Overall Ulip premiums crossed `41,565 crore, a rise of 15% over 2013-14.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India's (IRDAI) proposal could put a spoke in the wheel of this Ulip juggernaut. The proposal is regressive. A market-linked product should be in a position to give returns in line with the market. Insurers fear that the proposed restrictive provision will translate into lack of parity with mutual funds, resulting in investors abandoning Ulips in favour of the latter