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Kotak Life Insurance, fully owned by the Kotak Mahindra Group, leverages the financial strength and extensive network of its parent company to operate as a significant player in the Indian life insurance market. The company offers a comprehensive suite of life insurance products, including term plans, ULIPs, savings and investment plans, 1 retirement solutions, and group insurance. Kotak Life has focused on a balanced distribution strategy, utilizing bancassurance through Kotak Mahindra Bank branches alongside a strong agency network and digital channels to enhance market penetration. While recent financial results have shown fluctuations in profit, the company maintains a strong capital adequacy ratio and a growing asset under management, indicating a stable financial foundation. Kotak Life Insurance emphasizes customer-centricity and aims to provide long-term value through its diverse product offerings and expanding reach across India.

Latest News on Kotak Life

ICICI Prudential Life Insurance and Axis Max Life Insurance lead in Customer Experience.

The Hansa Research Group has released its 5th edition of the Insurance CuES report, which tracks customer experience, perceptions, attitudes, and behavior of insurance consumers in India, with a focus on life insurance. The report ranks the top life insurance companies in India based on customer experience and captures feedback from over 3600 customers across 13 life insurance brands. The report highlights key trends and insights that can help companies prioritize and better position their business strategies and investments.

The report shows a significant leap in customer experience in the life insurance industry, particularly in communication, customer support, and the initial purchase and onboarding journey. Customers are associating life insurance brands more positively, especially in aspects like “trust and transparency”, “innovation”, and being “customer-oriented”. This improvement has resulted in a significant increase in the industry’s Net Promoter Score (NPS) from 54% to 58%.

Key highlights include ICICI Prudential Life Insurance and Axis Max Life Insurance achieving impressive NPS scores of 65% and 64%, respectively. Tata AIA and Kotak Life Insurance have tied for the third spot, along with HDFC Life Insurance, showing an improvement in their customer experience offerings. SBI Life Insurance has also made significant strides, ranking high on trust and affordability.

The report identifies five key trends that will shape the industry’s evolution, including the increasing influence of economic factors on financial investment decisions, the evolution of life insurance needs, the growing importance of digital services, and the emerging needs of millennials and women.

Overall, the report highlights the need for life insurance companies to prioritize customer satisfaction and loyalty, and to differentiate themselves through tailored products and experiences that meet the diverse needs of India’s fragmented demographics.

Kotak Life reframes term insurance as a legacy protection tool

Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance has launched a new campaign called “Viraasat Ban Ke Hi Rahegi” (Legacy Will Remain) to promote term insurance as a crucial component of building a “Viraasat” (legacy) for future generations. The campaign aims to reposition term insurance as a tool to protect and ensure the continuity of one’s legacy.

In India, there is a strong cultural emphasis on creating a “Viraasat” through financial stability and security for future generations. However, many Indians often overlook the importance of protecting their assets against unforeseen circumstances. The campaign suggests that term insurance can be an affordable solution to safeguard this process.

The ad film features Kotak Life brand ambassador Rajkummar Rao, who depicts a man dedicated to building assets for his family. However, it raises a critical question: what happens to this “Viraasat” if an unforeseen event occurs? Rao then introduces Kotak Life’s Term Insurance Plans as a solution that safeguards the legacy-building process.

The agency behind the campaign, The Womb, aimed to differentiate themselves from traditional term insurance messaging by focusing on the consumer’s desire to build a “Viraasat”. By reframing term insurance as a tool to protect this process, they have given the category a fresh and compelling perspective.

The campaign will be deployed across various platforms to maximize its reach and engagement. The campaign’s goal is to redefine term insurance as a powerful tool that complements legacy building, aligning with Kotak Life’s brand promise of “Hum Hain… Hamesha” (we are with you always).

Overall, the campaign aims to educate consumers about the importance of term insurance in building and protecting their legacy, and to position Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance as a reliable partner in this journey.

Kotak Life introduces a cover that considers your future.

Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance has launched Kotak Gen2Gen Income, a non-linked savings plan designed to provide financial protection for two generations. This unique plan allows policyholders to secure income and protection for both themselves and their heirs under a single policy, by choosing the legacy option. The plan offers flexible plan options to cater to diverse financial goals, such as building a retirement corpus or creating a wealth legacy for the next generation.

Upon policy maturity, the policyholder receives the accumulated benefits, which may include the sum assured, bonuses, and additional amounts, depending on the chosen plan option. If the policyholder has selected the legacy option, the benefits can be passed on to the next generation. The plan also offers lump sum payments or regular income to meet the financial needs of both the policyholder and their heirs.

According to Mahesh Balasubramanian, managing director of Kotak Mahindra Life, the plan reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and understanding consumer needs. The plan also includes optional riders, wellness benefits, and enhanced benefits for female policyholders, offering higher sums assured at the same premium rates.

Kotak Gen2Gen Income is designed to align with the diverse financial needs of today’s consumers, who require life insurance solutions that cater to their life stages. The plan allows policyholders to pass down values and legacy, which is a core aspect of Indian culture. Overall, Kotak Gen2Gen Income is a comprehensive life insurance plan that offers a unique combination of income and protection for two generations, making it an attractive option for those seeking to secure their financial future.

Kotak Life Sciences Fund raises Rs 250 Cr in first close

Kotak Alternate Asset Managers Ltd. has announced the first close of its Kotak Life Sciences Fund, a private equity vehicle that targets investments in India’s healthcare and life sciences sector. The fund has raised Rs 250 crore ($30.2 million) from family offices, institutional investors, ultra-high-net-worth individuals, and industry executives, and aims to back early- to growth-stage companies across pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, digital health, and diagnostics.

The fund’s strategy is to support high-potential companies in their formative years, with a focus on businesses that can innovate and scale over the next decade. Kotak Alternate Asset Managers has been an active investor in life sciences, deploying nearly Rs 4,000 crore across healthcare-related ventures over the past two years.

Kotak Mahindra Group, the parent company of Kotak Alternate Asset Managers, has been actively investing in the healthcare and life sciences sectors through its mutual funds and private equity arms. The firm has made notable investments in several companies in the life sciences space, including Ahammune Biosciences Pvt. Ltd., Immuneel Therapeutics Pvt. Ltd., Niramai Health Analytix Pvt. Ltd., Monitra Healthcare Pvt. Ltd., and Eyestem Research Pvt. Ltd.

The firm’s CEO, Lakshmi Iyer, expressed satisfaction with the response to the fund’s first close, stating that it underscores investor confidence in Kotak’s track record and the structural opportunities in the healthcare sector. Ashish Ranjan, director of private equity at Kotak Alternate Asset Managers, emphasized that life sciences is a sector where the firm sees immense potential for long-term growth, and its focus is on businesses that can innovate and scale over the next decade.

Kotak Alternate Asset Managers manages assets across private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and credit, with over $22 billion under management. The firm’s investment in the life sciences sector is part of its overall strategy to support the development of innovative and scalable businesses in key sectors.

Kotak Life’s Viraasat Ban Ke Hi Rahegi campaign emphasizes the importance of term insurance as a tool for legacy protection.

Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd. (Kotak Life) has launched a new campaign, “Viraasat Ban Ke Hi Rahegi”, which highlights the importance of term insurance in protecting the legacies that individuals work hard to build for their families. The campaign draws from a deeply ingrained cultural insight – Indians aspire to accumulate wealth and assets to ensure stability and security for their loved ones.

The campaign film features Rajkummar Rao, who plays a protagonist dedicated to saving and building assets for his family’s future, but fails to consider the possibility of an unexpected event occurring. The film introduces Kotak Life’s Term Insurance Plans as a smart and affordable solution, ensuring that the process of legacy creation remains uninterrupted, even in uncertain times.

The “Viraasat Ban Ke Hi Rahegi” campaign aims to redefine how term insurance is perceived – not just as a financial product, but as a powerful enabler that complements the efforts of legacy building. The campaign will be rolled out across multiple digital and traditional platforms, ensuring widespread reach and engagement.

According to Ashish Nair, CMO and Head – Customer Value Management and Health Tech, Kotak Life, “The campaign ‘Viraasat Ban Ke Hi Rahegi’ speaks to the deep-rooted desire of every Indian to build a legacy for the security and comfort of their loved ones.” He added, “With this campaign, we aim to redefine how term insurance is perceived – not just as a financial product, but as a powerful enabler that complements the efforts of legacy building by ensuring its continuity.”

The campaign is a significant departure from traditional term insurance messaging, which has focused on uncertainty. Heval Patel, COO at The Womb, a creative agency, stated, “We saw an opportunity to change the conversation by focusing on what truly drives consumers – their desire to build a Viraasat.” By reframing term insurance as a tool to protect this process of Viraasat building, Kotak Life has given the category a fresh and compelling perspective.

Recent Updates

Business leaders Irdai, Uday Kotak, and Keki Mistry convene to create a clear path for listing insurance companies.

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Irdai) has urged large insurance companies, including Bajaj Allianz Life, HDFC Ergo General, SBI General, and Kotak Life, to present a clear roadmap for listing on the stock exchange within the next two to three years. The regulator met with the company promoters, including Sanjiv Bajaj, Uday Kotak, and Keki Mistry, to discuss the matter. According to sources, Irdai insisted on meeting with promoters, as they are ultimately responsible for setting the course for their companies. While there is no law specifying a time limit for listing, Irdai believes that listing will benefit policyholders and investors by subjecting them to stricter disclosure norms and market consultations.

Irdai’s goal is to encourage more insurance companies to follow the path of SBI Life, HDFC Life, and ICICI Prudential Life, which have already listed. The regulator has also been making changes to facilitate listing, such as relaxing share transfer rules to allow insurers to list shares on stock exchanges without prior approval. Additionally, a new draft proposal suggests allowing 100% foreign ownership, which could attract more foreign investment in the sector.

The insurance sector in India is highly competitive, with over 70 companies operating in the market. While some companies, such as Niva Bupa, have recently gone public, many others, including Bajaj Allianz, remain unlisted. Irdai’s push for listing is expected to bring more transparency and accountability to the sector, ultimately benefiting policyholders and investors. The regulator has given companies a deadline of two to three years to come up with a listing plan, and if companies fail to do so, Irdai will engage further to ensure compliance.

To commemorate 25 years of their successful partnership, Kotak Life and Kaun Banega Crorepati (KBC) have joined forces under a new collaborative agreement.

Storyboard18 has evolved into the premier, multi-media destination for news and opinions that matter to the A&M (Advertising and Media) community. Since its inception, the platform has made a significant impact, becoming a go-to source for individuals, brands, and businesses looking to stay informed and ahead of the curve. Through its innovative content and properties, Storyboard18 has set the agenda and created a buzz around the issues that matter most.

The platform’s coverage extends beyond the traditional advertising, marketing, and media industries, now also including trend-setting news on startups, policy, and technology. Its roster of properties has grown to include marquee shows like “The Visionaries” and “Share The Spotlight”, cementing its position as a leader in the industry.

With a strong online presence and a range of television shows, including “Media Dialogues With Storyboard18” and the “Storyboard18 Weekend Show”, the brand has solidified its reputation as the premier platform for the A&M industry. This depth and breadth of coverage makes Storyboard18 an invaluable resource for those looking to stay informed, network, and build connections within the A&M community.

For those interested in partnering with Storyboard18, the platform is open to collaboration and sales inquiries. With its extensive reach and influence, working with Storyboard18 can be a powerful way to increase brand visibility, build credibility, and connect with key decision-makers in the industry. Whether you’re a brand, business, or individual looking to make a mark, Storyboard18 is the perfect platform to get your message seen and heard by the right audience. Its commitment to delivering high-quality content, exceptional audience engagement, and strategic partnerships makes it an ideal partner for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the A&M space.

A lone giant stands amidst a sea of minute, equally imperfect giants.

The life insurance industry in India has reported disappointing numbers for February, with Life Insurance Corp. of India (LIC) being the biggest contributor to the decline. LIC’s annual premium equivalent (APE) fell by 23% year-on-year, leading to a 6% drop in the overall industry’s APE. The number of policies sold in the individual segment decreased by 32% year-on-year, but the average ticket size increased by 24%, mitigating the impact on overall value.

The industry’s decline is attributed to the meltdown in the equity market, which has likely affected sales of unit-linked insurance plans (ULIPs). Large insurance companies such as HDFC Life Insurance and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance have reported varying results, with HDFC Life being the only one to report growth in February. HDFC Life’s outperformance is attributed to its relatively better product mix, with a lower dependence on ULIPs.

Brokerages such as Kotak Institutional Equities have cut their estimates for LIC, predicting a 6% decline in APE for FY26. However, they still maintain a buy rating on the stock with a target price of ₹1,175, indicating over 50% upside from the current market price. The stocks of most life insurance companies, including HDFC, ICICI Prudential, and SBI Life, have been trading sideways for the past year, with reasonable valuations. Investors are hoping for double-digit growth in APE for the next couple of years, which may be triggered by a revival in the stock market and increased demand for ULIPs.

Kotak Life introduces its cutting-edge AI-driven HR companion

Insurance Asia is an online community that offers various opportunities for businesses to advertise and connect with customers. The team behind Insurance Asia can help create a customized advertising campaign, including print and digital options, for companies to reach their target audience on the website and in the print magazine.

In addition, they can organize events, both online and offline, and arrange for thought leaders and industry leaders to attend, potentially leading to new partnerships and connections. Insurance Asia also hosts awards programs that recognize outstanding achievements in the industry, providing companies with opportunities to participate as a participant or sponsor.

By partnering with Insurance Asia, businesses can increase their visibility, reach a wider audience, and drive their business forward. With a range of options available, from advertising and events to awards and networking opportunities, companies can leverage Insurance Asia’s platform to achieve their goals and connect with potential customers, partners, and industry leaders. By doing so, entrepreneurs and business leaders can stay ahead of the competition, build their brand, and stay informed about the latest trends and developments in the insurance industry. Overall, Insurance Asia offers a range of tools and resources to help businesses succeed and grow in the competitive market.

Rishi Tiwari takes on the role of Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Kotak Life Insurance.

Kotak Life, a prominent insurance company, has appointed Rishi Tiwari as its new Senior Vice President of Human Resources. Based in Mumbai, Tiwari will be responsible for leading the company’s HR functions, including human capital management, talent acquisition, talent management, and strategy. With over 18 years of experience in the IT, hospitality, and BFSI (Banks, Financial Institutions, and Insurance) sectors, Tiwari brings a wealth of expertise in HR strategy, leadership development, HR transformation, HR business partnership, and talent management.

Tiwari’s impressive career has seen him hold leadership positions at renowned brands such as Max Life Insurance, Hilton, Hyatt Hotels, The Lalit, and REA India. His extensive experience has equipped him with the skills to drive business growth, manage high-performing teams, and develop strategic HR initiatives.

Tiwari’s academic background is also impressive, having earned his degree from the prestigious Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Bangalore. With his comprehensive understanding of the industry and his leadership skills, Tiwari is poised to make a significant impact at Kotak Life. His expertise will help the company attract, retain, and develop top talent, drive business results, and create a strong organizational culture.

As a seasoned HR professional, Tiwari has a keen understanding of the importance of aligning HR with business objectives, ensuring seamless talent management, and fostering a positive work environment. His ability to connect with diverse stakeholders, from top executives to employees at all levels, will enable him to drive synergies between business units and HR functions. Tiwari’s appointment is expected to further strengthen Kotak Life’s position as a leading insurance provider in India.