IslamicFinance.de

Despite a failed merger with HSBC Amanah Takaful a year ago, Allianz Malaysia is still keen to acquire a takaful business. According to Allianz CEO Zakri Khir, there is bright takaful business growth potential because the penetration rate in Malaysia is just 15%. Allianz Malaysia has recently sealed a partnership with insuretech start-up PolicyStreet to offer potential clients to purchase insurance policies online. Four Allianz digital products will be offered on PolicyStreet’s digital platform namely Enhanced Road Warrior, Smart Home Cover, Allianz Travel Care and Allianz Flight Care. In 2017, Allianz Malaysia's profits fell 7.7% to RM287.96 million from RM312.13 million on the back of 2.6% rise in revenue from RM4.68 billion to RM4.8 billion. Zakri said Allianz Malaysia was impacted by Bank Negara's detariffication of motor and fire insurances from July 1 2017.

Allianz Malaysia, a subsidiary of the German Allianz SE, has ended discussions to acquire HSBC Amanah Takaful. The company announced it has discontinued its negotiations with the shareholders of HSBC Amanah, namely HSBC Insurance (Asia-Pacific), JAB Capital and Employees Provident Fund (EPF). The life and general insurer did not give a reason why the talks failed. Allianz Malaysia CEO, Zakri Mohd Khir, previously said that he had been approached by takaful operators in the past, but the asking price was too high. Allianz Malaysia had been pursuing a bid for HSBC Amanah since October last year. Allianz Malaysia saw its net profit rise by a marginal 1.1% to RM312.13 million in the financial year 2016 (FY16) from RM308.87 million in FY15 due to higher gross earned premiums and investment income. Revenue also grew by 3.5% to RM4.68 billion from RM4.52 billion.

Allianz Malaysia has received the green light to begin stalks to acquire HSBC Amanah Takaful (Malaysia). According to Allianz, Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) has no objection in principle for Allianz to commence negotiations with HSBC Insurance (Asia Pacific) Holdings, JAB Capital and the Employees Provident Fund Board on the proposed acquisition. This is subject to all parties concluding the negotiations within six months from BNM's written approval. Pursuant to the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013, parties concerned are required to obtain the prior written approval from BNM or the Minister of Finance on the recommendation of BNM, before entering into any agreement to effect the proposed acquisition.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed HSBC Amanah Takaful (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd's (HSBCAT) Insurer Financial Strength (IFS) rating at 'A-' with Stable Outlook and has simultaneously withdrawn the rating. The rating of HSBCAT is no longer considered by Fitch to be relevant to the agency's coverage. The rating reflects HSBC group's franchise value, distribution channel and management support. HSBC Holdings Plc (AA-/Stable) has a strong ability and willingness to provide it with continuing support. The rating also incorporates HSBCAT's conservative investment mix, healthy capitalisation, and prudent management. The rating is constrained by the takaful operator's modest size, and a limited track record amid a competitive and evolving takaful operating environment. Additionally, the company is challenged to manage its expenses effectively as it builds up its business portfolio.