Pakistan’s insurance industry is undergoing a digital transformation with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) registering Salaam Family Takaful Limited as the country’s first-ever digital family takaful operator. This milestone follows a 2022 amendment to the Insurance Rules, which established a framework for licensing digital-only insurers and dedicated micro-insurers. The aim is to leverage digitalization to improve customer convenience and propel the industry forward.
The arrival of digital insurance players like Salaam Family Takaful is expected to bring a wave of innovation and competition to the Pakistani market. Lower entry barriers could lead to a wider range of insurance products and services offered at potentially lower costs. These digital players are also anticipated to prioritize customer needs by adopting international best practices. Features like streamlined digital claims management, enhanced communication through online portals, and personalized insurance solutions could become the norm.
Currently, digital channels contribute a mere fraction (less than 1%) of the total insurance industry premium in Pakistan. The SECP anticipates that the registration of digital insurers will significantly increase this figure, driving overall insurance penetration in the country upwards. This move by the SECP paves the way for a more dynamic and accessible insurance landscape in Pakistan, with digital players like Salaam Family Takaful leading the charge.