Irdai Chief Calls for Regulatory Focus on Rising Insurance Commissions
High insurance commissions need regulatory attention, says Irdai chief
Business Standard
Image: Business Standard
Ajay Seth, Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), emphasized the need for regulatory intervention due to high insurance commissions and structural cost issues in the sector. The insurance industry's premium growth has slowed, with total collections reaching ₹8.02 trillion as of November 2025, reflecting a 9.86% increase from the previous year.
- 01Ajay Seth highlighted the need for regulatory intervention in the insurance sector due to high commissions.
- 02Total premium collections reached ₹8.02 trillion, growing 9.86% year-on-year.
- 03Life insurance dominates the market, accounting for nearly 80% of total premiums.
- 04The industry faces challenges including underwriting losses and rising complaints.
- 05Regulatory priorities will focus on governance, policyholder protection, and sector resilience.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Ajay Seth, Chairman of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai), addressed significant issues in the insurance sector during the authority's 133rd meeting in December 2025. He noted a concerning rise in commissions, which indicates a reliance on high-cost distribution methods rather than efficient digital solutions. This structure erodes policyholder value, particularly in long-term products, and undermines trust in the sector. Seth also pointed to persistent underwriting losses among non-life insurers and an increase in complaints related to health and motor insurance as areas needing regulatory focus. As of November 2025, total premium collections reached ₹8.02 trillion, reflecting a 9.86% growth, with life insurance accounting for nearly 80% of this figure. The meeting also reviewed the financial stability of insurers, highlighting that assets under management rose to ₹78.48 trillion. Seth mentioned ongoing regulatory processes for new insurance registrations and the authority's plans to draft a consultation paper on implementing Indian Accounting Standards (Ind AS) in the sector.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
The high commissions and structural issues in the insurance sector may lead to increased costs for policyholders and affect their long-term investment returns.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Should the government implement stricter regulations on insurance commissions?
Connecting to poll...
More about Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.





