HNB Assurance PLC (HNBA) and HNB General Insurance Limited (HNBGI) continued to build on their impressive performance, recording strong financial growth and achieving impressive operational success during the third quarter of 2024.
With a focus on innovation, customer-centricity and expanding their market presence, both companies for the nine months ending September 30, 2024, reported a Gross Written Premium (GWP) of LKR 16.6 billion, a 22% increase when compared to the same period last year. This growth was fueled by HNBA’s GWP of LKR 9.9 billion, reflecting a 27% increase, and HNBGI’s GWP of LKR 6.7 billion, marking a 14% increase. Additionally, the Group’s PAT saw a notable growth of 26%, rising from LKR 583 million to LKR 734 million when compared to the same period last year. These exceptional financial performances were further fortified by the affirmation of Insurer Financial Strength ratings of HNBA and HNBGI as ‘A-’ (lka) from Fitch, with a stable outlook.
"Our robust performance this quarter speaks to the strength of our team and the focus we’ve maintained in expanding our reach," commented Mr. Stuart Chapman, Chairman of HNBA and HNBGI. “The year 2024, we navigated with careful optimism, mindful of the elections and the unpredictability they could bring. Despite these uncertainties, our teams not only anticipated the challenges but surpassed expectations, achieving outstanding growth targets. The Group's GWP saw a substantial increase of 22% compared to the same period last year. Meanwhile, the Group’s Assets grew by almost 15%, rising to LKR 58.9 billion, during the first nine months. Additionally, our total equity touched LKR. 10.6 billion and our life fund reached LKR 37.6 billion, a noteworthy increase of 23%, during the first 03 quarters of the year. These achievements reflect our commitment to sustainable growth, positioning us strongly for the future as we continue to create value for our stakeholders.” Added, Mr. Chapman.
“I am delighted to note that we have continued to maintain our remarkable financial performance during the third quarter and maintain our position as the only fitch A- rated life insurance provider in Sri Lanka.” Stated Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNB Assurance. “Our Gross Written Premium has grown by 27%, reaching LKR 9.9 billion from LKR 7.8 billion when compared to the same period last year. The company posted a 6% growth in profitability by recording Rs. 550 million as profit after tax. It must be noted that the company is yet to recognize surplus from the Life fund which will be at the end of the year. An achievement which highlights the success of our strategic focus in offering accessible and innovative insurance solutions that truly resonate with the needs of our customers, through collaborations and new partnerships.”
For HNBGI, the Q3 performance highlights its proactive stance in navigating challenges while seizing growth opportunities. Mr. Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNBGI, commented, “Our commitment to improved underwriting and efficient claims management has been instrumental to our success. We continue to make considerable strides in offering tailored insurance solutions that resonate with our clients, which has helped us achieve a GWP of LKR 6.7billion, a 14% increase when compared to the same period last year. Our business and efficiency improvements allowed us to increase our profit after tax threefold, to reach a 187% growth when compared to the same period last year. Notably, our focus on diversifying our portfolio beyond motor insurance has yielded significant growth, with our non-motor segment growing by 22% when compared to the same period last year. Within this category, we saw remarkable performances in marine, fire, and engineering insurance lines, which have grown by 121% and 27%, respectively, highlighting our proactive strategy to expand into areas of high demand.”
Jul
HNB Life PLC entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government Medical Officers' Association (GMOA), marking the beginning of a strategic collaboration aimed at delivering enhanced value and protection solutions to medical professionals across Sri Lanka.Through this collaboration, GMOA members will gain access to tailored life insurance solutions from HNB Life, complemented by a range of exclusive benefits and value-added features designed to support their long-term financial security and protection needs.Speaking at the MOU signing, Executive Director / Chief Executive Officer of HNB Life PLC, Lasitha Wimalaratne, stated, "At HNB Life, we are committed to creating meaningful solutions that address the evolving needs of different customer segments. This MOU signing with GMOA represents an important step in extending specialized protection and wealth creation opportunities to Sri Lanka's medical community. We are pleased to collaborate with GMOA and offer enhanced benefits, enabling members to secure their future and that of their loved ones with greater confidence."Sharing his thoughts, Dr. Sanjeewa Tennekone, President of GMOA, stated, "The wellbeing and financial security of our members remain a priority for the GMOA. We are pleased to enter into this collaboration with HNB Life, which offers our membership access to a tailored solution with added benefits. We believe this initiative will provide meaningful value and support our members in planning for their long-term financial goals."Commenting on the significance of the collaboration, Harindra Ramasinghe, Executive Vice President / Chief Business Officer Advisor Distribution of HNB Life PLC, stated, "Medical professionals dedicate their lives to caring for others, and it is equally important that they have access to financial solutions that safeguard their own future. Through this collaboration, we are able to provide GMOA members with a comprehensive proposition that combines investment, protection, long-term value, and exclusive benefits designed to complement their professional and personal aspirations."Mr. Prabath Sugathadasa, Secretary of the GMOA, stated, "This collaboration with HNB Life reflects our ongoing commitment to identifying opportunities that enhance the overall wellbeing of our members. Beyond professional development, financial security is an important aspect of long-term stability for medical professionals. We are pleased to collaborate with HNB Life to provide our members with access to tailored life insurance solutions and exclusive benefits that will support them in planning for the future with confidence."
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Jul
As part of its ongoing transformation journey following the transition to HNB Life, the company has introduced a refreshed professional identity for its sales force along with a new digital learning platform. These initiatives reflect HNB Life’s commitment to building a digitally enabled and highly skilled team focused on delivering greater value to customers.HNB Life has elevated the traditional “Advisor” role to “Life Planner”, marking a significant step in strengthening professionalism and enhancing the way its sales force engages with customers. This new identity reflects a more modern and purpose-driven approach, where Life Planners go beyond providing financial advice to become trusted partners who understand life goals, offer meaningful guidance, and help customers plan their financial future with confidence.This transformation is driven by the belief that customers today expect more than advice. They seek professionals who can support them through different life stages with clarity and trust.Speaking on the initiative, Mr. Harindra Ramasinghe, EVP / Chief Business Officer, Advisor Distribution Channel of HNB Life, stated: “This transformation marks an important step in how we prepare our people for the future. With the introduction of the Life Planner identity and NexE, we are not just enhancing training, we are reshaping how our advisors grow, think, and deliver value. Our focus is to build a highly capable, digitally empowered team that can guide customers with confidence through every stage of life. This is a key milestone in strengthening both our people and our purpose as HNB Life.”To support this elevated role and enable continuous development, HNB Life has introduced NexE, the new identity of its Learning Management System (LMS). NexE is derived from the phrase “Next Era of Education” and represents a next-generation digital learning platform designed exclusively for HNB Life Life Planners.Senior Vice President / Head of Training & Development at HNB Life, Mr. Shiran Fernando, added, “NexE is more than a learning platform, it is a Personal Growth Engine designed to support continuous development at every stage of a Life Planner’s journey. It enables learning that is flexible, structured, and outcome-driven, ensuring our teams are equipped with the right knowledge and skills at the right time. By combining digital learning with clear career pathways, we are creating an environment where growth is continuous and performance is future-ready. This learning journey will also directly support the transition into the Life Planner role, helping our salesforce strengthen the capabilities needed to succeed in this elevated identity”
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Jun
As HNB Life enters a new chapter following its transition from HNB Assurance to HNB Life, the company continues to build on a proud 25-year legacy of protecting and empowering Sri Lankans. Marking this milestone through meaningful community engagement, HNB Life celebrated the Vesak season with a series of initiatives centered on gratitude, togetherness, and shared blessings.The celebrations commenced with a special effort to recognize and promote local entrepreneurs who contribute to the vibrant Vesak season each year. By shining a spotlight on small business owners operating Vesak-related stalls and ventures, HNB Life sought to support their livelihoods while encouraging the entrepreneurial spirit that strengthens communities across the country.The company further extended its involvement through a series of activities at Lankaramaya in Anuradhapura, including the painting of the sacred stupa and participation in several Vesak-related community events, bringing together employees, partners, and well-wishers.As HNB Life begins this new era, the Vesak season served as a meaningful reminder of the relationships and trust that have shaped the company's journey over the past 25 years. The transition from HNB Assurance to HNB Life represents more than a change in name, it reflects the company's continued evolution and renewed commitment to helping individuals and families protect what matters most while achieving long-term financial wellbeing.The Vesak initiatives were carried out with the intention of sharing positivity and seeking blessings for customers, employees, business partners, and communities across Sri Lanka. They also serve as a precursor to a series of Poson-related activities planned for the coming weeks, further reinforcing the company's commitment to engaging with communities and celebrating the values that bring people together.
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