Insurance inroads

Structured product manufacturers have targeted the insurance sector as a potentially important new distribution channel following the collapse in volumes of products sold through retail banks in the Asian region. Ben Marquand finds out if they are gaining traction

Sales of structured products in Asia collapsed spectacularly in 2008 and their return has been patchy. While investment banks have repeatedly sought to re-establish volumes in markets, they have been hampered in many jurisdictions – such as Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan – by increased regulation affecting retail bank sales. This has been only partially offset by investments from private banks that have accepted a return to structures with more alacrity. However, volumes are still well off