Mumbai/IBNS: Jio Financial Services Ltd., led by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, has been in discussions with Allianz SE to form a new insurance partnership in India, Bloomberg reported, citing sources familiar with the matter.
German insurer Allianz is reportedly looking to exit its current joint ventures in the country as part of this potential new collaboration.
The talks involve creating both a general insurance company and a life insurance company in India, though the discussions are still in the early stages and may not result in a finalized deal, the sources cautioned, given the private nature of the information, according to the Bloomberg report.
Allianz has informed its current partner, Bajaj Finserv Ltd., that it is actively considering an exit from their existing partnerships, a statement from Bajaj confirmed on Tuesday (Oct. 22).
Despite the shift, Allianz emphasized its continued commitment to the Indian insurance market.
Sources told Bloomberg that the split stems from differing views on the partnerships strategic direction.
In response to the reports, a Jio Financial spokesperson refrained from commenting on market speculation, stating, If and when there are any material developments regarding the company, we will fulfill our disclosure obligations as we have always done.
Allianz similarly declined to comment on market rumours.
Jio Financial, which is led by experienced banker K.V. Kamath, already operates a shadow banking business and an insurance brokerage.
It has also partnered with BlackRock Inc. to establish an asset management venture.
Expanding into insurance would be a strategic step in Jio Financials ambition to become a comprehensive financial services powerhouse.
Indias insurance sector shows promising growth potential, as the countrys insurance penetration ratemeasured as the ratio of premiums to GDPis significantly lower than that of countries like South Africa and Canada, according to data from the insurance regulator.
