By Li Jianwei, Yang Lin　

Date: 2004/09/07

Abstract:    

The international insurance industry has the following main characteristics. The rapid expansion of insurance industry is gaining a higher position in international financial industry in economic development. The insurance industry is growing rapidly in the newly industrialized countries but is still inferior to the developed countries that hold monopolistic positions. Development of life insurance sector is slowing down whereas the non-life insurance sector is speeding up. The intensity of insurance industry in all countries are increasing but under a slower rate of expansion. The international life insurance industry is witnessing a boost in depth, whereas the non-life insurance is having an opposite trend. The product structure of insurance industry is experiencing a great change with the related product innovation growing equally rapidly. The non-life insurance companies are suffering from a weaker marginal capacity of payment, the capital fund of life insurance companies is decreasing and a greater risk in international insurance industry lurks on the horizon. The M&A in the international insurance industry is heating up and as a result this industry is heading toward a higher consolidation.