Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd. is celebrating its 25th anniversary of providing financial security to its customers. To mark this milestone, the company has launched a new life insurance product called Kotak EDGE (Early Defined Guaranteed Earnings). This comprehensive solution is designed to meet the evolving financial needs of modern consumers, who face numerous financial responsibilities that require immediate attention.

Kotak EDGE offers a unique combination of immediate liquidity and long-term guaranteed income, providing policyholders with an additional stream of income to meet their urgent needs. The plan features regular payouts, early regular income, guaranteed returns, and comprehensive life cover, all in one package. This allows policyholders to access income on demand, enabling them to respond to life’s immediate priorities.

According to Mr. Mahesh Balasubramanian, MD of Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance, the company’s 25-year journey has been guided by the belief that financial solutions must adapt to the changing lives of its customers. Kotak EDGE is a testament to this commitment, providing early income support without compromising long-term protection and financial stability.

Kotak Life’s performance is a reflection of its focus on financial stability and customer service. As of March 31, 2025, the company has maintained a claim settlement ratio of 98.6%, with one-day settlement for non-investigated claims and a solvency ratio of 2.86. This demonstrates the company’s ability to deliver on its promises and provide customers with peace of mind.

With the launch of Kotak EDGE, Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd. is reaffirming its commitment to innovating with empathy and empowering its customers to live confidently at every stage of life. The company’s dedication to financial stability, customer service, and innovative solutions has enabled it to build trust with its customers over the past 25 years, and it continues to strive for excellence in the life insurance industry.

Kotak Life Insurance Company Ltd. has launched an initiative to provide financial assistance to students from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. The program aims to support students pursuing their undergraduate studies in the commerce stream. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in the first year of the B.Com program and have secured 60% marks or more in Classes 10 and 12.

Additionally, the applicant’s annual family income must be Rs 3,60,000 or less. The program offers a reward of up to Rs 30,000 per year to selected students. The application process is online-only, and the last date to apply is September 7. Interested students can visit the website to submit their applications.

This initiative by Kotak Life Insurance Company Ltd. is a commendable effort to support students from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra who are pursuing higher education in the commerce stream. The program recognizes the financial constraints that many students face and aims to provide them with the necessary financial assistance to complete their studies.

By providing up to Rs 30,000 per year, the program can help students cover a significant portion of their educational expenses, including tuition fees, books, and other study materials. The eligibility criteria, including the requirement for 60% marks or more in Classes 10 and 12, ensure that the program supports meritorious students who are in need of financial assistance.

The program is open to students from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, and the online application process makes it convenient for students to apply from anywhere. The deadline of September 7 provides students with ample time to prepare and submit their applications. Overall, this initiative by Kotak Life Insurance Company Ltd. is a great opportunity for students from Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra to receive financial support and pursue their undergraduate studies in the commerce stream.

Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd has been awarded the prestigious ‘Product of the Year 2025’ award in the ‘Life Insurance – Savings Plan’ category for its innovative product, Kotak Gen2Gen Income. This recognition is based on a nationwide survey conducted by NielsenIQ, involving 1,800 consumers across India. The award is a testament to the company’s commitment to consumer-centric innovation and its effort to reflect the evolving financial priorities of Indian families.

The Kotak Gen2Gen Income plan is a non-linked savings plan designed to provide comprehensive financial protection. What sets it apart from other products in the industry is its unique feature that empowers policyholders to secure income and protection for two generations under a single policy. This is achieved through the legacy benefit, which enables intergenerational financial security.

Mahesh Balasubramanian, Managing Director of Kotak Life, expressed his honor and humility at receiving this recognition for the second consecutive year. He believes that this award is a validation of the company’s relentless commitment to innovation and its focus on creating products that meet the changing needs of Indian families.

Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd is a 100% owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited and is one of the fastest-growing insurance companies in India. The company has a strong presence with 323 branches across 152 cities and has covered over 5 crore active lives as of March 31, 2025. Kotak Life provides a range of world-class insurance products that combine protection and long-term savings, with a focus on high customer empathy.

The ‘Product of the Year’ award is the world’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation, recognized across over 40 countries. It celebrates and rewards brands for their quality and innovation, making it a significant achievement for Kotak Life to receive this award. The company’s commitment to innovation and customer-centricity has been recognized by consumers across India, and this award is a testament to its efforts to create products that make a meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd. (Kotak Life) is celebrating its 25th anniversary of providing financial security to Indian families. Since its inception in 2001, the company has grown to become one of India’s leading life insurers, covering over 30 million active lives and managing assets worth over ₹95,000 crore. Kotak Life has maintained a claim settlement ratio of 98.6%, demonstrating its commitment to its customers.

To commemorate this milestone, Kotak Life has released a brand film titled “Hausla Hain… Hamesha Kar Pau”, which pays tribute to the strength and resilience of everyday Indians who work hard to fulfill the dreams of their loved ones. The film tells poignant stories of how Kotak Life has supported millions of people in achieving their aspirations, not just as an insurer, but as a silent enabler of their dreams.

According to Mahesh Balasubramanian, Managing Director of Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd., the film captures the essence of the company’s journey and its focus on innovation, customer-centricity, and helping individuals achieve their dreams with confidence. The film showcases the everyday dreams and aspirations of Indian families across different life stages, highlighting how Kotak Life has been there to support them in the moments that matter most.

The film features Kotak Life brand ambassador Rajkumar Rao, who narrates the stories of love and courage that are woven together with the theme “Aapko Hausla Dene… Hum Hai Hamesha”. The film will be released in five languages across various platforms, including YouTube, Meta, LinkedIn, and SonyLiv, during the popular TV show Kaun Banega Crorepati.

Overall, Kotak Life’s 25th anniversary celebration is a testament to the company’s commitment to enabling financial security and nurturing the dreams of Indian families. The brand film is a heartfelt tribute to the strength and resilience of everyday Indians and a celebration of the company’s role in supporting them in achieving their aspirations.

Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd has been awarded the prestigious “Product of the Year 2025” award in the “Life Insurance – Savings Plan” category for its innovative product, Kotak Gen2Gen Income. This recognition is based on a nationwide survey conducted by NielsenIQ, involving 1,800 consumers across India. The survey is part of the world’s largest consumer-voted award for product innovation, which is recognized in over 40 countries.

The Kotak Gen2Gen Income plan is a non-linked savings plan that provides comprehensive financial protection and is designed to secure income and protection for two generations under a single policy. This unique feature, known as the legacy benefit, enables intergenerational financial security. The plan was designed to reflect the evolving financial priorities of Indian families, and its recognition as Product of the Year 2025 is a testament to its relevance and impact.

Mahesh Balasubramanian, Managing Director of Kotak Life, expressed his honor and pride in receiving this recognition for the second consecutive year. He emphasized the company’s commitment to consumer-centric innovation and its focus on providing world-class insurance products with high customer empathy. Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd is a 100% owned subsidiary of Kotak Mahindra Bank Limited and is one of the fastest growing insurance companies in India.

The company has 323 branches across 152 cities and has covered over 5 crore active lives as of March 31, 2025. The Product of the Year award is a significant milestone for Kotak Life, and it demonstrates the company’s ability to innovate and provide relevant products to its customers. The award is also a recognition of the company’s efforts to provide comprehensive financial protection and security to Indian families.

The survey conducted by NielsenIQ is a rigorous process that involves collecting feedback from consumers across the country. The results of the survey are a testament to the quality and innovation of Kotak Gen2Gen Income, and it reinforces the company’s position as a leader in the life insurance industry. Overall, the recognition of Kotak Gen2Gen Income as Product of the Year 2025 is a significant achievement for Kotak Mahindra Life Insurance Company Ltd, and it demonstrates the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

In a significant development for India’s bond market, Kotak Life Insurance and JP Morgan India successfully executed the country’s first bond forwards on May 5, 2025. This milestone was made possible after the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) permitted bond forwards in government securities from May 1, 2025. The introduction of bond forwards is expected to enhance the country’s bond market infrastructure and provide institutional players, such as insurance companies and mutual funds, with a more effective tool to hedge their positions.

The first bond forwards deal involved Kotak Life Insurance purchasing a 40-year government securities bond forward worth Rs 20 crore from JP Morgan. According to Mahesh Balasubramanian, managing director at Kotak Life Insurance, bond forwards offer a more robust framework for hedging compared to forward rate agreements (FRAs). With bond forwards, the seller is contractually obligated to deliver the bonds at a future date, providing insurance companies with a more effective way to manage interest rate risk.

Bond forwards can help insurance companies lock in current yields and protect against potential interest rate declines. For instance, if an insurance company expects interest rates to fall, it can enter into a contract to buy a specific bond at a future date. This development is expected to enhance the risk management capabilities of insurance companies and provide them with a more effective tool to manage interest rate risk.

The introduction of bond forwards also offers an advantage over FRAs, as they involve the physical delivery of bonds and allow for cash settlement in some cases. Market participants believe that bond forwards may eventually replace FRAs due to their added flexibility and potential for more comprehensive risk management. However, the market is currently adopting a wait-and-watch approach, with volumes expected to pick up once market players modify their contracts to accommodate the physical delivery of bonds.

The Indian bond market is expected to gradually increase, driven by a rising demand from insurance companies. However, the market primarily functions as an investment market, rather than a trading market, with state-run banks, insurance companies, and pension funds typically adopting a buy-and-hold strategy. To boost volumes, a shift in the mindset towards trading and active participation is necessary. Despite regulatory changes capping insurance premiums, the volume of bond forwards is expected to increase, driven by the need for insurance companies to effectively manage interest rate risk.

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 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 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 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 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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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.

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.