Higher insurance FDI may attract $12 bn, spark M&As

With removal of FDI limit, insurance cos eye new propositions to benefit customers

- Anshika Kayastha

MUMBAI: Allowing 100% foreign direct investment in insurance could bring up to $8-12 billion worth of capital flow into the country in three to five years, encourage expertise and niche products, and possibly, help normalize premiums due to increased competition, according to insurers.

Foreign investments will, however, take some time as the potential entry of foreign players interested in the Indian market means that some existing joint ventures with Indian companies will need to be dissolved before they can enter and establish standalone operations, according to industry stakeholders Mint spoke with.