Allianz Malaysia Q1 earnings rise 30% to RM87m

Allianz Malaysia Bhd’s net profit for the first quarter ended March 31, 2018 jumped 29.9% to RM87.23 million from RM67.17 million a year ago, due mainly to higher contribution from both general and life insurance segments.

Its revenue grew 5.2% to RM1.27 billion compared with RM1.21 billion in the previous year’s first quarter, thanks to higher gross earned premiums and investment income.

Allianz said the general insurance industry will likely see some volatility in a fully liberalised environment, which can be expected to remain for up to two to three years, as seen in other markets where detariffication has taken place.

Competition is likely to intensify in the run up to the anticipated next phase of liberalisation in 2019. The general insurance segment aims to maintain its market leadership in 2018 and will continue to drive initiatives to ensure a profitable portfolio and create value for its customers and distribution partners. It will also leverage on digital assets to enhance its processes and service proposition to customers.

Meanwhile, the life insurance industry grew at a softer pace with total industry new business recorded a growth of 1.9% in 2017 and 3.1% in first quarter of 2018. The segment will continue to strengthen its agency force with a focus on increasing productivity.

Allianz said the group will remain focused on delivering sustainable results of its insurance businesses to its shareholders in 2018.