Allianz has received approval from the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission (CBIRC) to begin operating as the first fully foreign-owned insurance holding company in the country.
According to Allianz, the approval follows a series of measures recently announced by the Chinese government to further open up and encourage investment in China by foreign financial insurance institutions.
Based in Shanghai, the Allianz (China) Insurance Holding Company Limited will support the Germany-based insurance group’s growth ambitions in the country. This, Allianz said, will enhance its strategic and financial flexibility to capture business opportunities, increase investment, and drive long-term success in the market.
Alongside the announcement, Allianz has named Sergio Balbinot as chairman, Allianz (China) Insurance Holding Company Limited and Solmaz Altin as CEO of the Allianz (China) Insurance Holding Company Limited.
“We sincerely thank the China Bank and Insurance Regulatory Commission for their constructive guidance and support during the preparation period,” said Balbinot. “Allianz is extremely optimistic on China and we are committed to accelerating our growth plans in this strategic market. The regulatory approval for the holding company is an important landmark for our business and puts us in priority position to maximize on the opening up of the Chinese economy.”
“China is a strategically important market for Allianz in the region and today’s announcement underlines that commitment,” added Altin. “With the new holding structure in place, we are able to better serve an expanding middle class with our range of financial solutions. Allianz aims to play a larger role in China’s insurance sector and grow with the market. We will continue to work under the guidance of the regulator to deepen our participation in a more open financial market to support the country’s economic growth.”
