Manila: The Insurance Commission (IC) has issued a circular detailing the new omnibus guidelines on investments for insurers, reinsurers, and mutual benefit associations (MBAs). In a statement, the IC announced that Circular Letter (CL) No. 2025-09, issued on April 8, introduces a range of new allowable investments for Insurance Commission Regulated Entities or ICREs.
According to Philippines News Agency, the new guidelines include structured products, debt securities issued by supranational organizations, and investment vehicles. These investments do not require prior approval by the Commission under the new issuance, although regulatory safeguards are in place to ensure that ICREs can maximize returns while maintaining prudent levels of risk. Each new allowable investment must meet minimum credit rating requirements or be listed on recognized exchanges.
Insurance Commissioner Reynaldo Regalado stated that the new Circular Letter aims to enhance the investment adaptability of insurers, reinsurers, and MBAs to respond to the dynamic investment market environment. Regalado emphasized that the guidelines are designed to empower the Commission’s regulated entities to make well-informed investment decisions, ensuring the stability and growth of their financial assets while safeguarding the interests of their policyholders.
The IC noted that 15 circular letters on allowable investments of ICREs have been consolidated to streamline and update the existing allowable investments framework. These letters were previously superseded, supplemented, or used as references for the consolidation of guidelines.
The new circular also removes the prior approval requirement, which was necessary under previous issuances for certain Philippine peso and foreign currency-denominated investments. These investments must meet accepted market-wide standards and have undergone external review processes, such as credit rating and listing on recognized exchanges.
Regalado further stated that by issuing these new Omnibus Guidelines, the IC is addressing bottlenecks that hinder timely investment decisions and strain regulatory resources.
