Resolution Life mulls full-blown expansion into mature Asian markets

Global life insurance group  Resolution Life has launched a new representative office in Singapore as it looks to grow its in-force business in mature Asian markets through partnerships with insurers, regulators and policyholders.

The insurer described the move as the “first step” in its plan to establish itself in Asia, with ambitions to grow its portfolio by supporting the primary life insurance industry.

Resolution Life provides solutions to life insurers, allowing them to free up the capital, cost and time devoted to legacy, non-core portfolios, via both acquisitions and reinsurance.

The new markets team establishing Resolution Life’s presence in Singapore include Kirstin Rankin, Asia COO and chief representative, who relocated to Singapore from London where she was group general counsel, and Yan Sun, who has joined as head of solutions for the region. Rushabh Ranavat will be leading Resolution’s overall expansion into the region as managing director, Asia.

The company’s launch in Singapore follows three recent transactions with Allianz Suisse Life in Europe, and Allianz Life and Lincoln Financial Group in North America. In early 2022, the company announced the acquisition of AIA’s A$8bn Australian Superannuation & Investments business.

Across the group’s combined US and Australasian businesses and its Bermudan reinsurance base, Resolution Life currently manages c.$90bn of assets, employs over 1,800 people and provides services to approximately three million policyholders.

Resolution Life and prior vehicles founded by Sir Clive Cowdery under the Resolution brand have pioneered the consolidation of life insurance assets since 2003 and have deployed $17 billion of equity across multiple transactions.

Sir Clive Cowdery (pictured), Resolution founder and executive chairman of Resolution Life, commented: “ Resolution Life was launched to be a global solutions provider. We see a growing need to support the life industry in mature Asian markets as primary insurers adapt to how to serve their policyholders best under new regulatory regimes, new accounting standards, and continuing low interest rates. We see this as a core region for Resolution Life over the long term.”

Nardeep Sangha, CEO of Resolution Life New Markets, added: “Our global experience, regional strategic relationships and aligned business model provide a strong foundation for our Asian business. We look forward to building on this foundation in a manner tailored to the region, through partnerships with insurers, regulators and policyholders.”

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