HNB Assurance Group (HNBA and HNBGI) posted yet another year of remarkable performance, improving on its impressive growth rate maintained over the last few years. For the financial year 2024, the HNBA Group achieved a 21% increase in Gross Written Premium (GWP), growing from Rs. 18.8 Billion to Rs. 22.7 Billion. The Group also recorded a consolidated Profit After Tax (PAT) exceeding Rs. 1.8 Billion, marking a 7% growth compared to the previous year.
HNB Assurance PLC's (HNBA) financial strength was highlighted by its upgraded Fitch rating, making it the only life insurance provider in Sri Lanka with an 'A' rating from Fitch Ratings Lanka. Complementing this, HNB General Insurance (HNBGI) also achieved an 'A' rating, positioning it among the few general insurance companies in Sri Lanka to earn this distinction.
Chairman of HNBA Group, Mr. Stuart Chapman, commenting on the Group’s financials for the year 2024, stated, “I’m extremely proud to note that the HNBA Group has once again exceeded expectations, delivering strong results that showcase our strategic foresight and operational efficiency. In terms of our numbers, over the past four years, we have consistently delivered strong growth, with a remarkable 22% average annual increase in GWP as a Group. This achievement underlines our focus on sustainable business practices. Our share price growth of 42% at end of 2024 reflects the trust the market places in our stability. It is also remarkable to note that both HNBA and HNBGI have maintained robust capital adequacy ratios of 379% and 219%, respectively, well above the regulatory requirement of 120%.”
The Group’s Funds Under Management increased by 24% in 2024, reaching Rs. 55 Billion, highlighting the strength of the investment strategy as a key pillar in maintaining the Group’s financial stability and profitability. “When it comes to Insurance, trust is an absolute must and this remains central to our operations, as evidenced by the fact that we honored claims exceeding Rs. 6.7 Billion, with 98% of complaints being resolved successfully. This track record is a direct result of the dedication and hard work of our team, along with our focus on building lasting relationships with our policyholders”, added Mr. Chapman.
CEO of HNBA Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, breaking down the achievements of HNBA, stated, “Looking back at 2024, I am genuinely proud of the strides we have made as a company. Achieving a 7.5% market share is a huge milestone and we are well on our way to hitting that 10% target by 2026. Our New Business Premiums grew by 27% and our overall GWP up by 26% compared to 2024, which speaks volumes about the trust our customers place in us. Our investments also paid off, with an 8% boost in investment income, reaching Rs. 6.9 Billion.”
“Personally, what stood out last year was, how we weathered challenges together. Despite the higher operating costs from our IT upgrades, we managed to close the year with a 3% growth in profits. Additionally, our Total Assets have grown by 24% to reach Rs.53 Billion with a PBT of Rs. 2.4 Billion and PAT of Rs. 1.66 Billion. I'm extremely thankful to all the teams for their collective efforts in driving our business from strength to strength,” he added.
CEO of HNBGI, Mr. Sithumina Jayasundara, sharing his thoughts on the 2024 financial performance, stated, “2024 was a year of resilience and innovation for HNBGI, as we sustained our remarkable growth trajectory, doubling the industry growth rate for the fifth consecutive year. Our overall GWP growth of 14%, compared to the industry’s 6.9%, reflects the strong momentum we continue to drive. Notably, our non-motor segments surged by 24%, with Marine, Fire and Engineering Insurance achieving exceptional growth of 166% and 27% respectively, which is the highest among the top 10 General Insurers in the country. Despite challenges in the motor insurance sector, we remained agile, diversified our offerings, and secured a solid 6% growth."
“One of the aspects we paid close attention to during 2024 was customer satisfaction which reflected in our renewal retention ratios of 77% for motor and 82% for non-motor segments, as well as a remarkable Net Promoter Score of 77. These figures show the trust and loyalty our customers have in us. Additionally, we achieved a 59% growth in Profit After Tax, and a market share of 7% which demonstrated the success of our strategy of driving sustainable growth in an uncertain environment. With our total assets reaching Rs. 10.2 Billion, a 7% increase, we’re confident that our approach is positioning HNBGI for long-term success.” Added, Mr. Jayasundara.
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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