In this in-depth podcast interview, insurance legal expert Anand Singh from Al Tamimi & Co. discusses the major new insurance regulations introduced in the UAE in 2023. He provides insights into the context, impacts and implications for insurers, brokers and the overall insurance ecosystem.

Key Topics:

1. The 2023 UAE insurance regulations cover basic governance, risk management, business planning, ombudsman - areas where 60% of the market may not be fully compliant currently.

2. Upcoming Open Finance regulations could drive digitalization and integration of insurers' systems, increasing data sharing and enabling new product innovation.

3. New rules enhance protection of policyholders' medical data and require robust cybersecurity measures from insurers.

4. Higher capital requirements for branches (previously only subsidiaries) and potential licensing changes could drive market consolidation.

5. Reversal of COVID-era 50% motor insurance premium discounts has improved profitability after initial pricing competition.

6. For insurtechs, the choice of mainland vs free zone depends on B2B vs B2C model and brand-building plans.

7. Ombudsman regulation for consumer disputes could be a game-changer for policyholder protection.

8. Premium collection remains a major challenge, with insurers sometimes forced to deduct premiums from claims paid.

9. Regulatory reforms like advance premium collection could catalyze market growth.

10. Open Finance is seen as the most exciting potential innovation for increasing insurance awareness and penetration.


0:00 Intro
2:28 Overview of 2023 UAE insurance regulatory changes
4:13 Rationale behind basic governance, risk management rules
6:59 Potential impacts of upcoming Open Finance regulations
12:09 Regulations on medical insurance data protection & cybersecurity
15:19 New capital and licensing requirements
19:34 Reversal of COVID-era 50% motor insurance discount
22:47 Considerations for insurtech startups: mainland vs free zone
28:31 Policyholder protection and ombudsman regulations
31:29 Premium collection challenges & wishlist for regulatory reforms
36:39 Most exciting innovation: Open Finance
38:20 Rapid fire Q&A

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