HNB Assurance Group recorded yet another year of exceptional performance, marking the third consecutive year of achieving a growth rate exceeding 20% in terms of GWP (Gross Written Premium). The year 2023 witnessed the Group achieving remarkable financial milestones and an array of local and international awards, solidifying its position as a frontrunner in the insurance industry.
HNB Assurance Group recorded a substantial GWP of LKR 18.7 Bn, showcasing a remarkable growth of 20% compared to the previous year. Reflecting on this achievement, Mrs. Rose Cooray, Chairperson of HNBA and HNBGI, expressed her delight, stating, "To me personally, the remarkable growth trajectory of the HNB Assurance Group stands as a testament to our commitment to delivering value to our stakeholders. Both teams at HNBA and HNBGI performed an outstanding job, leaving no stone unturned, meticulously analyzing every challenge, and capitalizing on every opportunity. This approach to business was imperative, particularly in the aftermath of COVID-19 and the subsequent economic and social upheaval, where we as a nation encountered numerous challenges in diverse forms. In addition to our consistent growth of GWP, over the past three years, we as a group have so much to celebrate. Our Group assets grew by LKR 10Bn during the year, well exceeding a remarkable total of LKR 51.2Bn. Further, investment income for the Group surged to LKR 7.2 Bn, representing an outstanding growth of 49% from LKR 4.8 Bn in the preceding year. In terms of the Group’s profits, we recorded a commendable LKR 1.76 Bn in PAT.”
Honoring claims plays a vital role in maintaining the trust for any insurance company, “I am proud to note that the HNB Assurance Group honored claims of LKR 6.6Bn, showcasing a growth of 19% compared to the previous year, aptly demonstrating our position as a reliable partner during our policyholder’s time of need.” explained Mrs. Cooray. “As the Sri Lankan economy steadily makes progress towards recovery, I’m confident that our investments in technology, our teams and their skills along with all the fine-tuning we’ve done to our processes will hold us in good stead and propel us towards greater success”, added Mrs. Cooray.
“Consistency has been our main focus and certainly the cornerstone of our success”, said Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, CEO of HNB Assurance PLC. At HNB Assurance, our track record speaks for itself. Year after year, we've demonstrated and honored our commitment to our stakeholders and most importantly to our policyholders. This consistency is what set us apart and helped us in being recognized as the Best Life Insurance Company in Sri Lanka by the Indian Chamber of Commerce.”
The robust financial performance of HNB Assurance resonated with the numerous accolades garnered throughout the year. “I am delighted to highlight that as a team we have effectively translated our promises into action. Our Profit After Tax (PAT) reached LKR 1.61 Bn, marking a commendable 9% increase from the previous year. Moreover, we surpassed the significant milestone of LKR 10 Bn in GWP, representing a growth of 23%, which is almost twice the industry growth rate. We also witnessed a remarkable growth in our life fund from LKR 24.3 Bn to LKR 30.6 Bn.” Speaking further, Mr. Wimalaratne, added “As we move into 2024, it is going to be pivotal year for HNB Assurance, particularly as we anticipate the fruition of our investment in our core system. This strategic investment is expected to further enhance our operational efficiency and drive sustainable growth.”
HNB General Insurance Ltd witnessed an impressive 18% surge in GWP when compared to 2023, a growth from LKR 6.8 Bn to LKR 8 Bn, which is a three-time increase when compared to the industry growth. Throughout the year, the Company's strategic emphasis on product innovation and customer service proved to be pivotal. Mr. Sithumina Jayasundara, CEO of HNB General Insurance, expressed his thoughts on the team's achievements amidst turbulent times. “Despite economic uncertainties and high inflation rates, the team showcased remarkable proficiency in risk assessment and customer management. Our commitment as an organization to deliver exceptional service led us to the prestigious title ‘Most Customer Centric General Insurance Brand’ by the Global Brand's Magazine. Additionally, we secured a top three position among the most loved General Insurance Brands in the country, recognized by the renowned LMD Magazine. Moreover, we made LKR 4.3 Bn in claims, marking a 12% increase from the previous year, reaffirming our commitment to honoring the trust instilled in us by our valued customers.”
“In a move to enhance customer value, we also launched the revolutionary ‘HNB General Insurance MotorGuard 3 in 1’ product, offering policyholders the convenience of three insurance coverages within a single annual premium payment. Further, this product not only simplifies their insurance management but also ensures they have the necessary coverage for various aspects of their lives, all under one policy. Additionally, we also introduced "Claimee," a cutting-edge digital claims assistant aimed at revolutionizing how we manage our claim settlement process. With Claimee, policyholders can easily initiate and track their claims through a user-friendly digital interface, eliminating the hassle of traditional paperwork and long waiting times. The launch of 'Project Phoenix' marks yet another significant milestone for us internally, representing a strategic investment aimed at enhancing our operational efficiencies. This internal core system is not merely a short-term fix, but a comprehensive revamp geared towards fostering long-term success and sustainable growth. Through these investments and innovations, I’m confident that our team will continue to drive innovation while delivering exceptional service and creating long-term value for our customers and stakeholders,” added, Mr. Jayasundara.
Nov
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.”
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HNB Assurance recently hosted its annual staff conference, bringing together team members from all over the island for a day of celebration, recognition and fellowship. It was a night to honor the amazing people who are at the heart of HNB Assurances’ incredible growth, with awards for long service, excellence and standout achievements.Among the highlights of the evening were the Long Service Awards, recognizing employees who have been part of the HNB Assurance family for over 15 years. The Chairman’s Award, the night’s top honor, went to those who have truly gone above and beyond in their roles. The In.she Woman Empowerment Award celebrated women making an impact and the CEO’s Special Recognition award acknowledged employees achieving outstanding milestones outside their day-to-day work, especially in the field of sports.HNB Assurance CEO, Mr. Lasitha Wimalaratne, sharing his views during the event, stated, “There’s no denying that our success as a company is built on the dedication, talent and heart of our team. It is no small feat that HNB Assurance has been growing at double the rate of the industry for the past three years. This growth is a testament to the efforts of our people who don’t just fulfill their roles but go above and beyond every single day, shaping the very future of HNB Assurance. What I find particularly inspiring is how our people have stepped up to meet every challenge and opportunity that has come with our rapid growth. I couldn’t be prouder of all our award recipients tonight, congratulations and thank you for your hard work.”Head of HR / AGM, Mr. Navin Rupasinghe, highlighted the significance of HNB Assurance’s achievements, stating, “This conference is about celebrating our people and recognizing the values that make HNB Assurance what it is. Every award recipient has contributed in their unique way, and they continue to inspire us all to reach new heights. Our theme this year alludes to challenges that enable us to grow. Hence, this event is a testament to how HNBA continues to embrace challenges, remain resilient and reach ambitious heights.”Additionally, he went on to emphasize the importance of HNBA’s culture and the accolades that reflect it “We are proud to have been recognized as a Great Place to Work this year, a Company with Great Managers, one of the Most Mom-Friendly Workplaces and the recipient of the SLITAD People Development Award. As we look to the future, we want every member of our team to feel inspired to take on new challenges and reach their fullest potential. Hence why this year’s conference theme is, “Challenging You to Grow”, because when our people grow, HNB Assurance grows.” Added, Mr. Rupasinghe.
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HNB Assurance received two Bronze awards at the prestigious Dragons of Sri Lanka 2024 Awards, held in Malaysia. The company's innovative Dola Duka campaign and Independence Day campaign were celebrated in the Small Budget, Big Impact category and Best Brand Building and/or Awareness Campaign category, respectively. This prestigious international award shows the company’s commitment to keeping up with trends and effectively sharing its message with the public.Commenting on the company’s latest achievement, Lasitha Wimalarathne, CEO of HNB Assurance, stated, “We are truly happy and proud to receive these accolades as they serve as a testament to the creativity, strategic thinking and collaborative effort that goes into every campaign we run at HNB Assurance. Our focus has always been to create meaningful and impactful campaigns that can resonate with our audience and the results we’ve seen along with such recognitions reaffirm our approach and strategy. I’d like to take a moment to commend and extend my gratitude to both our internal teams and partners for their efforts in bringing these ideas to life and driving these accomplishments on an international stage.”Dinesh Yogaratnam, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer/General Manager of HNB Assurance, also shared his thoughts on this remarkable achievement: “This is a proud moment for us at HNB Assurance as we take home not just one but two Dragons at this year’s awards. Winning at last year’s Dragons of Asia Awards set the bar high for us, but our team’s continued focus on meaningful storytelling has proven to be a winning formula. In a competitive landscape, we had to also be innovative with our communications mix, finding fresh ways to break through the clutter and make a memorable impact. I would like to thank Dentsu Communications Sri Lanka and Kites Global for their partnership, which have been integral to our campaign’s success.”
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