Insurance Act
(CHAPTER 142)

(Original Enactment: Act 46 of 1966)

[1st January 1967]
14.  [Repealed by Act 16/2011 wef 01/05/2011]
14A.  [Repealed by Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
15.  [Repealed by Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Register of policies
16.—(1)  Every licensed insurer shall establish and keep —
(a)a register of Singapore policies where it carries on business relating to Singapore policies; and
(b)a register of offshore policies where it carries on business relating to offshore policies.
[11/86]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(2)  Subject to this section, there shall be entered in the register of Singapore policies all Singapore policies of the insurer and in the register of offshore policies all offshore policies of the insurer, and no policy entered in any register shall be removed from it so long as the insurer is under any liability in respect of that policy.
[11/86]
(3)  Subject to this section, there may be entered in the register of Singapore policies such other policies as the insurer, with the consent (express or implied) of the policy owners, may determine, and this Act shall apply in relation to any policy so entered as if it were a Singapore policy.
[11/86]
(4)  Subject to subsection (5), an insurer carrying on life business outside Singapore (and not doing so only by the collection or receipt of premiums) may, at the request of the policy owner of a policy belonging to the insurer’s life business —
(a)refrain from entering the policy in the register of Singapore policies, notwithstanding that it is a Singapore policy; or
(b)remove the policy from the register of Singapore policies,
and this Act shall thereafter apply in relation to the policy as if it were not a Singapore policy.
[11/86]
(5)  Regulations may provide that subsection (3) or (4) shall apply only in such cases as may be prescribed or shall have effect subject to any prescribed exceptions or restrictions.
[11/86]
(6)  A Singapore insurer shall, at the request of any person having an interest in any policy of the insurer, inform him whether or not the policy is entered in any register of policies established by the insurer under this Act.
[11/86]
(7)  Where a Singapore insurer has established under this Act any register of policies, the register shall cease to exist as a statutory register under this Act of policies belonging to either class of insurance business, if the insurer ceases to be licensed under this Act in respect of that class of business; and any reference in this Act to policies registered under this Act shall be construed accordingly.
[11/86]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(8)  Subject to subsection (7), any register of policies established by a Singapore insurer shall, notwithstanding that the insurer at any time ceases to carry on in Singapore either class of insurance business, continue to be maintained by the insurer for policies belonging to that class so long as the insurer is under any liability in respect of those policies registered or required to be registered at that time.
[11/86]
(9)  No policies referred to in subsection (8) belonging to either class of insurance business shall be entered in the register under subsection (3) when the insurer is not carrying on that class of business in Singapore, or is doing so only by the collection or receipt of premiums.
[11/86]
(10)  A register of policies established and kept by an insurer under this section before 1st January 1987 shall be deemed to be a register of Singapore policies under subsection (1).
[11/86]
Establishment of insurance funds and allocation of surplus
17.—(1)  Every licensed insurer shall establish and maintain a separate insurance fund —
(a)for each class of insurance business carried on by the insurer that relates to Singapore policies; and
(b)for each class of insurance business carried on by the insurer that relates to offshore policies.
[11/86]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(1A)  Every direct insurer licensed to carry on life business shall establish and maintain, in addition to the insurance funds under subsection (1) and subject to such conditions or restrictions as the Authority may impose, separate insurance funds —
(a)for its investment-linked policies; and
(b)for its non-investment-linked policies.
[23/2003 wef 01/01/2004]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(2)  If, in the case of a direct insurer licensed to carry on life business, no part of the surplus of assets over liabilities from its non-participating policies is allocated by the insurer by way of bonus to its participating policies, the insurer shall, in addition to the funds maintained under subsections (1) and (1A) and subject to such conditions or restrictions as the Authority may impose, establish and maintain, in respect of its non-investment-linked policies, separate insurance funds —
(a)for its participating policies; and
(b)for its non-participating policies.
[23/2003 wef 01/01/2004]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(3)  The Authority may require any licensed insurer to establish and maintain, in addition to the insurance funds under subsections (1), (1A) and (2), such other insurance fund as the Authority may determine for different types of policies in respect of each class of insurance business.
[11/86; 32/93]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(4)  There shall be paid into an insurance fund all receipts of the insurer properly attributable to the business to which the fund relates (including the income of the fund), and the assets comprised in the fund shall be applicable only to meet such part of the insurer’s liabilities and expenses as is properly so attributable.
[16/2011 wef 01/05/2011]
[11/86]
(5)  For the purposes of subsection (4), the Authority may prescribe or specify in directions what constitutes receipts, income, liabilities or expenses of the insurer which are properly attributable to the business to which an insurance fund relates and the manner in which each item is to be determined or valued.
[23/2003 wef 23/08/2004]
(6)  In the case of an insurance fund maintained by a direct insurer licensed to carry on life business which comprises wholly or partly of participating policies —
(a)there shall be a surplus account, established and maintained in such manner as the Authority may prescribe or specify in directions, as part of the insurance fund;
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(b)no part of the fund shall be allocated by way of bonus to the participating policies except —
(i)with the approval of the directors of the insurer, upon considering a written recommendation from the actuary appointed under section 31; and
(ii)where the making of such allocation does not contravene any condition or restriction that may be prescribed or specified in directions for the purposes of this section;
(c)no part of the fund shall be allocated to the surplus account except —
(i)with the approval of the directors of the insurer, upon considering a written recommendation from the actuary appointed under section 31;
(ii)where the making of such allocation does not contravene the fund solvency requirement under section 18;
(iii)where the making of such allocation does not contravene any condition or restriction that may be prescribed or specified in directions for the purposes of this section; and
(iv)where the amount does not exceed 1/9th of the amount allocated pursuant to paragraph (b) for a particular accounting period.
[23/2003 wef 23/08/2004]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(7)  Notwithstanding subsection (6)(c), an insurer may make additional allocations to the surplus account of an insurance fund which comprises wholly or partly of participating policies of an amount and in a manner as prescribed or specified in directions by the Authority.
[23/2003 wef 23/08/2004]
(8)  Where the amount allocated to the surplus account in a particular accounting period pursuant to subsection (6)(c) is less than 1/9th of the amount allocated pursuant to subsection (6)(b) for that accounting period, the insurer shall not allocate the difference between the amount actually allocated and the 1/9th amount allowed to the surplus account in any subsequent accounting period.
[23/2003 wef 23/08/2004]
(9)  An insurer may, where there is a surplus of assets over liabilities of an insurance fund, at any time withdraw from the fund an amount not exceeding the surplus over any fund solvency requirement prescribed for that fund under section 18 if and only if —
(a)there is no provision in any instrument or contract binding the insurer disallowing such a withdrawal; and
(b)the insurer ascertains from the latest statement of accounts lodged with the Authority in accordance with section 36 or such other subsequent audited statement of accounts provided to the Authority that there is in fact such a surplus at the time of the withdrawal.
[23/2003 wef 23/08/2004]
(10)  On the making of any withdrawal in accordance with subsection (9), the surplus of the fund shall, for the purposes of this section, be treated as reduced by the amount withdrawn.
[23/2003 wef 23/08/2004]
(11)  Any amount withdrawn from an insurance fund under subsection (9) and, in a winding up, any part of an insurance fund remaining after meeting the liabilities and expenses to which the fund is applicable may be dealt with as if it had not formed part of the fund except that, in the case of a winding up where any other insurance fund of the insurer under this Act is in deficit, the surplus remaining after the winding up shall first be applied to make good the deficit in that fund.
[11/86; 32/93]
(12)  [Deleted by Act 16/2011 wef 01/05/2011]
(13)  Any insurance fund established by an insurer for any class of insurance business shall, notwithstanding that the insurer at any time ceases to carry on that class of business in Singapore, continue to be maintained by the insurer so long as the insurer is required by this Act to maintain a register of policies for policies belonging to that class.
[11/86]
(14)  [Deleted by Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(15)  [Deleted by Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(16)  The assets of any insurance fund established by an insurer under this Act shall be kept separate from all other assets of the insurer.
[11/86]
Fund solvency requirements and capital adequacy requirements
18.—(1)  Every licensed insurer shall satisfy —
(a)such fund solvency requirements in respect of each insurance fund established by the insurer under this Act; and
(b)such capital adequacy requirements,
as may be prescribed or specified in directions for the purposes of this section.
[23/2003 wef 23/08/2004]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(2)  The Authority may prescribe or specify in directions —
(a)different fund solvency requirements or capital adequacy requirements under subsection (1) for different classes of insurance business and for different types of insurers; and
(b)in respect of any type of insurers, any exception from the requirements of subsection (1).
[11/86]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(3)  Without prejudice to the generality of section 64, regulations made under this Act, or directions made under subsection (1) or (2), may —
(a)provide for the determination of the value of assets and the amount of liabilities;
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(b)provide that, for any specified purpose, assets or liabilities of any specified class or description shall be left out of account or shall be taken into account only to a specified extent; and
(c)make different provision in relation to different cases or circumstances.
[11/86]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(4)  The Authority may by notice in writing, if it considers it appropriate in the particular circumstances of a licensed insurer having regard to the risks arising from the activities of the insurer and such other factors as the Authority considers relevant, direct that the insurer satisfy fund solvency requirements or capital adequacy requirements other than those that the insurer is required to maintain under this section.
[23/2003 wef 23/08/2004]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(5)  Without prejudice to the generality of section 41, the failure of a licensed insurer to comply with subsection (1) or any direction of the Authority under subsection (4) shall be sufficient cause for the Authority to be satisfied that the affairs of the insurer are being conducted in a manner likely to be detrimental to the public interest or the interests of the policy owners and to issue such directions under section 41(1) as the Authority may consider necessary.
[23/2003 wef 23/08/2004]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(6)  Any licensed insurer which contravenes subsection (1) or fails to comply with a direction of the Authority under subsection (4) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $250,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $25,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Form, investment and situation of assets
19.  The Authority may prescribe or specify in directions, either generally or in such circumstances and to such extent as may be prescribed or specified —
(a)the manner in which the assets of any insurance fund of a licensed insurer are to be invested and the places in which such assets are to be maintained; and
(b)the nature of the assets that is appropriate in relation to the currency in which the liabilities of the insurer are or may be required to be met.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Requirements as to documents evidencing title to assets of insurance funds
20.—(1)  Where an insurer has established an insurance fund under this Act, the insurer shall secure that any document evidencing the insurer’s title to assets of the fund, so long as the document is held by or on behalf of the insurer, shall be kept in Singapore or, if not so kept, shall be kept in the custody of a person in accordance with such directions as may be issued by the Authority.
[11/86; 41/2001]
(2)  An insurer who has established an insurance fund under this Act shall from time to time notify the Authority in writing —
(a)the person having the custody of any such document on behalf of the insurer, and the fact of any person ceasing to do so; and
(b)the reason why any such document is not held by or on behalf of the insurer, and the identity of the document in question.
[11/86]
(3)  Any such document which is, for the time being, held by or on behalf of the insurer shall, on the Authority giving not less than 14 days notice in writing to the insurer or to the person having the custody of the document, be produced for inspection to the Authority or a person nominated by it by the person to whom the notice is given.
[11/86]
(4)  Any person who contravenes this section shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $12,500 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $1,250 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Maintenance of assets by licensed insurers
21.—(1)  The Authority may, from time to time, by notice in writing to any licensed insurer, or any class of licensed insurers, direct the insurer or class of insurers, as the case may be, each to maintain and hold such minimum amount or amounts of assets in Singapore as may be specified in the notice for the purpose of meeting its liabilities.
(2)  Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), the Authority may, in a notice issued under that subsection, specify —
(a)the types of liabilities in respect of which assets are to be maintained and held in Singapore;
(b)the types of assets that are to be treated as assets maintained and held in Singapore, and the minimum amount or amounts in respect of each asset for the purpose of any requirement of the Authority under that subsection; and
(c)the method for the valuation of assets maintained and held in Singapore, including any deduction to be made in respect of the assets.
(3)  Where the Authority issues a notice under subsection (1) to a class of licensed insurers, the Authority may direct different insurers within the class of insurers to maintain and hold different minimum amounts of assets in Singapore, having regard to the financial soundness of each insurer, the risk profile of each insurer and such other factors as the Authority may consider relevant.
(4)  Any licensed insurer which fails to comply with any direction of the Authority under subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $250,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $25,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Custody of assets of licensed insurers
22.—(1)  The Authority may, in the case of a licensed insurer on which a requirement has been imposed under section 21, impose an additional requirement that the whole or a specified proportion of the assets to which the requirement under that section applies shall be held by a person approved by the Authority for the purposes of the requirement under this section as trustee for the insurer.
[11/86]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(2)  [Deleted by Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(3)  Assets of a licensed insurer held by a person as trustee for the insurer shall be taken to be held by him in compliance with a requirement imposed under this section if, and only if —
(a)they are assets which the insurer has given him notice are to be held by him in compliance with such a requirement; or
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(b)they are assets into which assets which the insurer has given him such written notice have, by any transaction or series of transactions, been transposed by him on the instructions of the insurer.
[11/86]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(4)  No assets held by a person as trustee for a licensed insurer in compliance with a requirement imposed under this section shall, so long as the requirement is in force, be released except with the written consent of the Authority.
[11/86]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(5)  If a mortgage or charge is created by a licensed insurer at a time when there is in force a requirement imposed on the insurer by virtue of this section, being a mortgage or charge conferring a security on any assets which are held by a person as trustee for the insurer in compliance with the requirement, the mortgage or charge shall, to the extent that it confers such a security, be void against the liquidator and any creditor of the insurer.
[11/86]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
23.  [Repealed by Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Regulation of premiums under life policies and long-term accident and health policies
24.—(1)  A direct insurer licensed to carry on life business shall not issue a life policy or a long-term accident and health policy of any description, being a Singapore policy or an offshore policy, if the premium chargeable under the policy is not in accordance with rates fixed with the approval of the actuary appointed under section 31 or, where no rates have been so fixed for policies of that description issued by the insurer, is not a premium approved for the policy by the actuary.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(2)  The Authority may, by notice in writing, require a direct insurer licensed to carry on life business to obtain and furnish it within the time specified in the notice with —
(a)a report by the actuary appointed under section 31 as to the suitability of the rates of premium for the time being chargeable by the insurer for any description of life policy or long-term accident and health policy; and
(b)if the actuary considers that the rates of premium are not suitable or not in accordance with sound insurance principles, a report as to the rates of premium which the actuary approves for that description of policy.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(3)  For the purpose of subsection (1), regard shall be had to any report referred to in subsection (2) to the exclusion of any previous approval or report.
(4)  For each occasion on which an insurer issues a policy in contravention of this section, the insurer shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $25,000.
[23/2003 wef 01/01/2004]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Control of form of proposals, policies and brochures
25.—(1)  The Authority may, by notice in writing, require a Singapore insurer to submit to it —
(a)the forms of proposal and policy for the time being in use by the insurer in Singapore; and
(b)any brochure which is for the time being in use by the insurer for describing the terms or conditions of, or the benefits to be or likely to be derived from, policies.
[11/86]
(2)  Where the whole or part of any such form or brochure required under subsection (1) is not in English, there shall be submitted with it a translation in English.
[11/86]
(3)  Unless it is otherwise provided, a requirement under this section shall apply to all such forms and brochures coming into use after the making of the requirement and before the Authority notifies the insurer that the requirement is withdrawn.
[11/86]
(4)  If it appears to the Authority, after affording the insurer an opportunity to make representations orally or in writing, that any such form or brochure —
(a)contravenes any of the provisions of this Act; or
(b)is in any respect likely to mislead,
the Authority may, by notice in writing, direct the insurer to discontinue the use of the form or brochure in Singapore either immediately or from a date specified in the notice.
[11/86]
(5)  No Singapore insurer shall use, in the course of carrying on insurance business in Singapore, a form of proposal which does not have prominently displayed therein a warning that if a proposer does not fully and faithfully give the facts as he knows them or ought to know them, he may receive nothing from the policy.
[11/86]
(6)  For each occasion on which any insurer uses a copy of a form or brochure in contravention of subsection (4) or (5), the insurer shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $25,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $2,500 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
[11/86; 41/2001]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(7)  In this section, “brochure” includes any leaflet, circular or similar advertising matter, whether printed or not.
26.  [Repealed by Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Application and interpretation of sections 28 to 30
27.—(1)  This section and sections 28 to 30 shall apply to, and in relation to, all individuals, whether resident in Singapore or not and whether citizens of Singapore or not, and to all bodies corporate or unincorporate, whether incorporated, formed, established or carrying on business in Singapore or not.
(2)  For the purposes of sections 28 to 30 —
(a)a reference to the control of a percentage of the voting power in an insurer is a reference to the control, whether direct or indirect, of that percentage of the total number of votes that might be cast in a general meeting of the insurer; and
(b)any reference to “arrangement” includes a reference to any formal or informal scheme, arrangement or understanding, and any trust whether express or implied.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Control of take-overs of licensed insurers incorporated in Singapore
28.—(1)  No person shall, on or after the date of commencement of section 24 of the Insurance (Amendment) Act 2013, obtain effective control of a licensed insurer incorporated in Singapore without the prior written approval of the Authority.
(2)  The Authority may approve an application made by any person under subsection (1) if the Authority is satisfied that —
(a)the person is a fit and proper person; and
(b)having regard to the likely influence of the person, the licensed insurer concerned will or will continue to conduct its business prudently and comply with the provisions of this Act.
(3)  Any approval under this section may be granted to any person subject to such conditions as the Authority may determine, including but not limited to any condition —
(a)restricting the person’s disposal or further acquisition of shares or voting power in the licensed insurer concerned; or
(b)restricting the person’s exercise of voting power in the insurer.
(4)  The Authority may at any time add to, vary or revoke any condition imposed under subsection (3).
(5)  Any condition imposed under subsection (3) or (4) shall have effect notwithstanding any of the provisions of the Companies Act (Cap. 50) or anything contained in the memorandum or articles of association of the licensed insurer concerned.
(6)  Any person who contravenes subsection (1), or fails to comply with any condition imposed under subsection (3) or (4), shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —
(a)in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $125,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $12,500 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction; or
(b)in any other case, to a fine not exceeding $250,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $25,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
(7)  For the purposes of this section —
(a)a person shall, subject to paragraph (b), be regarded as obtaining effective control of a licensed insurer if —
(i)the person, whether alone or together with his associates —
(A)holds 20% or more of the total number of issued shares in the insurer; or
(B)is in a position to control 20% or more of the voting power in the insurer;
(ii)the directors of the insurer are accustomed or under an obligation, whether formal or informal, to act in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes of the person (whether acting alone or together with any other person, and whether with or without holding shares or controlling voting power in the insurer); or
(iii)the person (whether acting alone or together with any other person, and whether with or without holding shares or controlling voting power in the insurer) is in a position to determine the policy of the insurer;
(b)a person shall not be regarded as obtaining effective control of a licensed insurer if —
(i)the person is a director or any other officer of the insurer whose appointment has been approved by the Authority; or
(ii)the directors of the insurer are accustomed to act in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes of the person by reason only that the directors act on advice given by the person in his professional capacity;
(c)a person, A, is an associate of another person, B, if —
(i)A is the spouse, or a parent, remoter lineal ancestor or step-parent, a son, daughter, remoter issue, step-son or step-daughter, or a brother or sister of B;
(ii)A is a corporation whose directors are accustomed or under an obligation, whether formal or informal, to act in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes of B or, where B is a corporation, of the directors of B;
(iii)B is a corporation whose directors are accustomed or under an obligation, whether formal or informal, to act in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes of A or, where A is a corporation, of the directors of A;
(iv)A is a person who is accustomed or under an obligation, whether formal or informal, to act in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes of B;
(v)B is a person who is accustomed or under an obligation, whether formal or informal, to act in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes of A;
(vi)A is a related corporation of B;
(vii)A is a corporation in which B, alone or together with other associates of B as described in sub-paragraphs (ii) to (vi), is in a position to control not less than 20% of the voting power in A;
(viii)B is a corporation in which A, alone or together with other associates of A as described in sub-paragraphs (ii) to (vi), is in a position to control not less than 20% of the voting power in B; or
(ix)A is a person with whom B has an agreement or arrangement, whether oral or in writing and whether express or implied, to act together with respect to the acquisition, holding or disposal of shares or other interests in, or with respect to the exercise of their voting power in relation to, an insurer; and
(d)a person holds a share if —
(i)he is deemed to have an interest in that share under section 7(6) of the Companies Act (Cap. 50); or
(ii)he otherwise has a legal or an equitable interest in that share, except for such interest as is to be disregarded under section 7(7), (8) and (9) of the Companies Act.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Control of substantial shareholdings of licensed insurers incorporated in Singapore
29.—(1)  No person shall, on or after the date of commencement of section 24 of the Insurance (Amendment) Act 2013, become a substantial shareholder of a licensed insurer incorporated in Singapore without the prior written approval of the Authority.
(2)  No person shall, on or after the date of commencement of section 24 of the Insurance (Amendment) Act 2013, enter into any agreement or arrangement, whether oral or in writing and whether express or implied, to act together with any person with respect to the acquisition or holding of, or the exercise of rights in relation to, their interests in voting shares of an aggregate of 5% or more of the total votes attached to all voting shares in a licensed insurer which is incorporated in Singapore, without the prior written approval of the Authority.
(3)  The Authority may approve an application made by any person under subsection (1) or (2) if the Authority is satisfied that —
(a)the person is a fit and proper person; and
(b)having regard to the likely influence of the person, the licensed insurer concerned will or will continue to conduct its business prudently and comply with the provisions of this Act.
(4)  Any approval under this section may be granted to any person subject to such conditions as the Authority may determine, including but not limited to any condition —
(a)restricting the person’s further acquisition of shares or voting power in the licensed insurer concerned; or
(b)restricting the person’s exercise of voting power in the insurer.
(5)  The Authority may at any time add to, vary or revoke any condition imposed under subsection (4).
(6)  Any condition imposed under subsection (4) or (5) shall have effect notwithstanding any of the provisions of the Companies Act (Cap. 50) or anything contained in the memorandum or articles of association of the licensed insurer concerned.
(7)  Any person who contravenes subsection (1) or (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —
(a)in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $125,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $12,500 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction; or
(b)in any other case, to a fine not exceeding $250,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $25,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
(8)  Any person who fails to comply with any condition imposed under subsection (4) or (5) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —
(a)in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $125,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $12,500 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction; or
(b)in any other case, to a fine not exceeding $250,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $25,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
(9)  For the purposes of this section, a person holds, or has an interest in, a share if —
(a)he is deemed to have an interest in that share under section 7 of the Companies Act; or
(b)he otherwise has a legal or an equitable interest in that share except for such interest as is to be disregarded under section 7 of the Companies Act.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Objection to existing control of licensed insurers incorporated in Singapore
29A.—(1)  The Authority may serve a written notice of objection on any person referred to in section 28 or 29 if the Authority is satisfied that —
(a)any condition of approval imposed on the person under section 28(3) or (4) or 29(4) or (5) has not been complied with;
(b)the person has furnished any false or misleading information or document in connection with an application under section 28 or 29;
(c)the Authority would not have granted its approval under section 28 or 29 had it been aware, at that time, of circumstances relevant to the person’s application for such approval;
(d)the person has ceased to be a fit and proper person; or
(e)having regard to the likely influence of the person, the licensed insurer concerned is no longer likely to conduct its business prudently or to comply with the provisions of this Act.
(2)  Before the service of a written notice of objection, the Authority shall, unless the Authority decides that it is not practicable or desirable to do so, cause to be given to the person concerned a notice in writing of the Authority’s intention to serve the written notice of objection, specifying a date by which the person may make written representations with regard to the proposed written notice of objection.
(3)  Upon receipt of any written representations, the Authority shall consider them for the purpose of determining whether to issue a written notice of objection.
(4)  The Authority shall, in any written notice of objection, specify a reasonable period within which the person to be served the written notice of objection shall —
(a)take such steps as are necessary to ensure that the person ceases to be in effective control as defined in section 28, or ceases to be a substantial shareholder or a party to the agreement or arrangement described in section 29(2), as the case may be; or
(b)comply with such direction or directions as the Authority may make under section 29B.
(5)  Any person served with a written notice of objection under this section shall comply with the notice.
(6)  Any person who contravenes subsection (5) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —
(a)in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $125,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $12,500 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction; or
(b)in any other case, to a fine not exceeding $250,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $25,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Power to make directions
29B.—(1)  Without prejudice to section 29A, if the Authority is satisfied that any person has contravened section 28, 29 or 29A(5) or has failed to comply with any condition imposed under section 28(3) or (4) or 29(4) or (5), or if the Authority has served a written notice of objection under section 29A, the Authority may, by notice in writing —
(a)direct the transfer or disposal of all or any of the shares in the licensed insurer concerned held by the person or any of his associates (referred to in this section as the specified shares) within such time or subject to such conditions as the Authority considers appropriate;
(b)restrict the transfer or disposal of the specified shares; or
(c)make such other direction as the Authority considers appropriate.
(2)  Any person to whom a notice is given under subsection (1) shall comply with such direction or directions as may be specified in the notice.
(3)  In the case of any direction made under subsection (1)(a) or (b), until a transfer or disposal is effected in accordance with the direction or until the restriction on the transfer or disposal is removed, as the case may be, notwithstanding any of the provisions of the Companies Act (Cap. 50) or anything contained in the memorandum or articles of association of the licensed insurer concerned —
(a)no voting rights shall be exercisable in respect of the specified shares unless the Authority expressly permits such rights to be exercised;
(b)no shares of the insurer shall be issued or offered (whether by way of rights, bonus or otherwise) in respect of the specified shares unless the Authority expressly permits such issue or offer; and
(c)except in a liquidation of the insurer, no payment shall be made by the insurer of any amount (whether by way of dividends or otherwise) in respect of the specified shares unless the Authority expressly authorises such payment.
(4)  Any person who contravenes subsection (2) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction —
(a)in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $125,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $12,500 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction; or
(b)in any other case, to a fine not exceeding $250,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $25,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Defences
29C.—(1)  Where a person is charged with an offence in respect of a contravention of section 28 or 29, it shall be a defence for the person to prove that —
(a)he was not aware that he had contravened section 28 or 29, as the case may be; and
(b)he has, within 14 days after becoming aware that he had contravened section 28 or 29, as the case may be, notified the Authority of the contravention and, within such time as determined by the Authority, taken such actions in relation to his control of the voting power or his shareholding in the licensed insurer concerned as the Authority may direct.
(2)  Where a person is charged with an offence in respect of a contravention of section 28, it shall also be a defence for the person to prove that, even though he was aware of the contravention —
(a)the contravention occurred as a result of an increase in the shareholding as described in section 28(7)(d) of, or in the voting power controlled by, any of his associates described in section 28(7)(c)(i);
(b)he has no agreement or arrangement, whether oral or in writing and whether express or implied, with that associate with respect to the acquisition, holding or disposal of shares or other interests in, or under which they act together in exercising their voting power in relation to, the licensed insurer concerned; and
(c)he has, within 14 days after the date of the contravention, notified the Authority of the contravention and, within such time as may be determined by the Authority, taken such action in relation to his control of the voting power or his shareholding in the licensed insurer concerned as the Authority may direct.
(3)  Except as provided in subsections (1) and (2), it shall not be a defence for a person charged with an offence in respect of a contravention of section 28 or 29 to prove that he did not intend to or did not knowingly contravene section 28 or 29, as the case may be.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Appeals
29D.  Any person who is aggrieved by a decision of the Authority under section 28, 29, 29A or 29B may, within 30 days after being informed of the decision of the Authority, appeal to the Minister in writing in accordance with Part IIIB.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Power of Authority to obtain information from licensed insurer, shareholder or other relevant persons
30.—(1)  The Authority may, by notice in writing, direct a licensed insurer that is incorporated in Singapore to obtain from any shareholder of the insurer, and to transmit to the Authority, information —
(a)as to whether that shareholder holds any voting shares in the insurer as beneficial owner or as trustee; and
(b)if that shareholder holds those shares as trustee, indicating as far as that shareholder is able to provide the person or persons for whom that shareholder holds those shares (either by name or by other particulars sufficient to enable the person or persons to be identified) and the nature of the interests of the person or persons,
and the insurer shall comply with that direction within such time as is specified in the notice.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(2)  The Authority may, by notice in writing, require any shareholder of a licensed insurer which is incorporated in Singapore, or any person (referred to in this subsection as the relevant person) who appears from information provided to the Authority under subsection (1) or this subsection to have an interest in any share in a licensed insurer which is incorporated in Singapore, to provide to the Authority, within such time as may be specified in the notice or within such extended period of time as the Authority may allow, any information relating to the shareholder or the relevant person, as the case may be, which the Authority may require for the purpose of ascertaining or investigating into the control of shareholding or voting power in the insurer, or exercising any power or function under sections 28 to 29C, including any information —
(a)as to whether the shareholder holds any share, or the relevant person holds that interest, as beneficial owner or as trustee, and if he holds that share or interest as trustee, indicating as far as he can the person for whom he holds that share or interest (either by name or by other particulars sufficient to enable that person to be identified) and the nature of that person’s interest; or
(b)as to whether any share or any voting right attached to the share is the subject of an agreement or arrangement described in section 28(7)(c)(ix) or 29(2), and if so, giving particulars of the agreement or arrangement and the parties to it,
and the shareholder or the relevant person, as the case may be, shall comply with that notice within such time as may be specified therein.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(3)  Any person who —
(a)fails to comply with a notice under this section; or
(b)in purported compliance with the notice, knowingly or recklessly furnishes any information or document that is false or misleading in a material particular,
shall be guilty of an offence.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(4)  Any person convicted of an offence under subsection (3) shall be liable on conviction —
(a)in the case of an individual, to a fine not exceeding $125,000 or to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 3 years or to both and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $12,500 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction; or
(b)in any other case, to a fine not exceeding $250,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $25,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(5)  Where a person claims, before furnishing the Authority with any information or documents that he is required to furnish under subsection (2), that the information or documents might tend to incriminate him, the information or documents shall not be admissible in evidence against him in criminal proceedings other than proceedings under sections 28, 29, 29A and 29B.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Application of sections 27 to 30 to licensed insurer that is co-operative society
30A.  Sections 27 to 30 shall apply, with the necessary modifications, to a licensed insurer that is a co-operative society as if it were a licensed insurer incorporated in Singapore.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Investment in corporations
30B.—(1)  No licensed insurer which is established or incorporated in Singapore shall acquire or hold, directly or indirectly, a major stake in any corporation without the prior approval of the Authority.
(2)  No licensed insurer which is incorporated outside Singapore shall, without the prior approval of the Authority —
(a)acquire, directly or indirectly, a major stake in any corporation using any of the assets of any insurance fund established and maintained by the licensed insurer under this Act; or
(b)hold, directly or indirectly, a major stake in any corporation as assets of any insurance fund established and maintained by the licensed insurer under this Act.
(3)  Notwithstanding subsections (1) and (2) —
(a)a licensed insurer who is a licensed insurer by virtue of section 68 of the Insurance (Amendment) Act 2013 may, during a period of 6 months after the date of commencement of section 25 of that Act or such longer period as the Authority may allow in any particular case, without the prior written approval of the Authority —
(i)if the insurer is one referred to in subsection (1), hold, directly or indirectly, a major stake in any corporation; or
(ii)if the insurer is one referred to in subsection (2), hold, directly or indirectly, a major stake in any corporation using any of the assets, or as assets, as the case may be, of any insurance fund established and maintained by the licensed insurer under this Act,
if the acquisition of the major stake was made before the date of commencement of section 25 of the Insurance (Amendment) Act 2013 and the insurer was not required by a condition of its registration under this Act in force immediately before that date to obtain the Authority’s approval to such acquisition or the holding of the major stake; but
(b)the licensed insurer shall not continue to hold any major stake referred to in paragraph (a) after the period referred to in that paragraph unless it has obtained the approval of the Authority.
(4)  Any approval granted by the Authority under this section for a licensed insurer to acquire or hold, directly or indirectly, a major stake in a corporation may be subject to such conditions as the Authority may determine, including any condition relating to the operations or activities of the corporation.
(5)  The Authority may at any time add to, vary or revoke any condition imposed under subsection (4).
(6)  This section shall not apply to —
(a)any interest held by way of security for the purposes of a transaction entered into in the ordinary course of business of an insurer;
(b)any shareholding or interest acquired or held by an insurer in the course of satisfaction of debts due to it which is disposed of at the earliest suitable opportunity; and
(c)such other interest as may be prescribed.
(7)  The Authority may, by regulations —
(a)exclude the operation of this section in respect of any corporation or class of corporations, subject to such conditions as may be prescribed;
(b)provide for the manner of computation of major stakes; and
(c)provide that any interest or control referred to in the definition of “major stake” in subsection (9) that is acquired or held, directly or indirectly, by a corporation in which a licensed insurer has, directly or indirectly, a major stake, shall be deemed to be acquired or held by the insurer.
(8)  Any licensed insurer which contravenes subsection (1) or (2), or fails to comply with any condition imposed or prescribed under this section, shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $250,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $25,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
(9)  In this section, unless the context otherwise requires —
(a)“major stake” means —
(i)any beneficial interest exceeding 10% of the total number of issued shares or such other measure corresponding to shares in a corporation as may be prescribed;
(ii)control over more than 10% of the voting power or such other measure corresponding to voting power in a corporation as may be prescribed; or
(iii)any interest in a corporation, where the directors of the company are accustomed or under an obligation, whether formal or informal, to act in accordance with the directions, instructions or wishes of the licensed insurer concerned, or where the insurer is in a position to determine the policy of the corporation; and
(b)a reference to voting power in a corporation is a reference to the total number of votes that might be cast in a general meeting of the corporation.
(10)  Any approval to acquire or hold a major stake in a corporation that was granted by the Authority before the date of commencement of section 25 of the Insurance (Amendment) Act 2013 to an insurer pursuant to a condition of the insurer’s registration under this Act in force before that date shall, if such approval remains in force immediately before that date, be deemed to be an approval granted under this section.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Approval or removal of key executive person, chairman or director of licensed insurer
31.—(1)  Subject to this section, a licensed insurer shall have —
(a)a chief executive;
(b)an appointed actuary, if the insurer is a direct insurer licensed to carry on life business;
(c)a certifying actuary, if the insurer is a direct insurer licensed to carry on general business, or a reinsurer licensed to carry on life or general business; and
(d)such other person holding an appointment, or persons holding appointments, in the licensed insurer as may be prescribed.
(2)  Subject to this section, a licensed insurer which is established or incorporated in Singapore shall have a chairman appointed from among its directors.
(3)  Subject to this section, a licensed insurer may appoint a person as its deputy chief executive.
(4)  No licensed insurer shall appoint a person as its key executive person unless —
(a)the insurer has satisfied the Authority that the person is a fit and proper person to be so appointed; and
(b)the insurer has obtained the approval of the Authority to so appoint the person.
(5)  No licensed insurer which is established or incorporated in Singapore shall appoint a person as its chairman or director unless —
(a)the insurer has satisfied the Authority that the person is a fit and proper person to be so appointed; and
(b)the insurer has obtained the approval of the Authority to so appoint the person.
(6)  The Authority may —
(a)grant its approval, with or without conditions —
(i)to a licensed insurer to appoint a key executive person under subsection (4); or
(ii)to a licensed insurer which is established or incorporated in Singapore to appoint a person as its chairman or director, as the case may be, under subsection (5); and
(b)at any time add to, vary or revoke any condition of approval referred to in paragraph (a) or impose any conditions thereto.
(7)  Without prejudice to the generality of section 64, the Authority may prescribe the duties of the key executive persons of a licensed insurer, and the duties of the chairman and directors of a licensed insurer which is established or incorporated in Singapore.
(8)  Where a licensed insurer has obtained the approval of the Authority to appoint a person as its key executive person under subsection (4), the person may be re-appointed in that office or appointment immediately upon the expiry of the earlier term without the approval of the Authority.
(9)  Where a licensed insurer which is established or incorporated in Singapore has obtained the approval of the Authority to appoint a person as its chairman or director under subsection (5), the licensed insurer shall only appoint the person to hold such office or appointment for a term not exceeding such period as may be prescribed.
(10)  If at any time it appears to the Authority that —
(a)a key executive person of a licensed insurer, or the chairman or a director of a licensed insurer which is established or incorporated in Singapore, has failed to perform his functions or is no longer a fit and proper person to be so appointed; and
(b)it is necessary in the public interest or for the protection of policy owners of a licensed insurer,
the Authority may direct the licensed insurer to remove the key executive person, chairman or director, as the case may be, from his office, appointment or employment.
(11)  When determining, for the purpose of determining whether to grant its approval under subsection (4) or (5), or for the purposes of subsection (10)(a), whether a key executive person, chairman or director has failed to perform his functions, the Authority shall, without prejudice to any other matter it may consider relevant, have regard to such criteria as may be prescribed.
(12)  Before directing a licensed insurer to remove a person from his office, appointment or employment under subsection (10), the Authority shall —
(a)give the insurer and the person notice in writing of the Authority’s intention to do so; and
(b)in the notice referred to in paragraph (a), call upon the licensed insurer and the person to show cause within such time as may be specified in the notice why that person should not be removed.
(13)  If the licensed insurer and the person referred to in subsection (12) —
(a)fails to show cause within the time specified under subsection (12)(b) or within such extended period of time as the Authority may allow; or
(b)fails to show sufficient cause,
the Authority shall give notice in writing to the insurer of the date on which the direction to remove the chairman, director or key executive person, as the case may be, is to take effect.
(14)  Any person who is aggrieved by a direction of the Authority under subsection (10) may, within 30 days after receiving the direction, appeal to the Minister in writing in accordance with Part IIIB.
(15)  Notwithstanding the lodging of an appeal under subsection (14), a direction to remove a licensed insurer’s key executive person, chairman or director under subsection (10) shall continue to have effect pending the decision of the Minister.
(16)  Any licensed insurer which contravenes subsection (1), (2), (4), (5) or (9), or fails to comply with any condition imposed by the Authority under subsection (6), shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $100,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $10,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
(17)  Any licensed insurer which fails to comply with any direction of the Authority under subsection (10) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $250,000.
(18)  Nothing in the Co-operative Societies Act (Cap. 62) or section 152 of the Companies Act (Cap. 50) shall prevent the Authority from exercising any power under subsection (10).
(19)  No criminal or civil liability shall be incurred by a licensed insurer, or any person acting on behalf of the insurer, in respect of anything done or omitted to be done with reasonable care and in good faith in the discharge or purported discharge of the obligations of the insurer under this section.
(20)  In this section, unless the context otherwise requires —
“chairman”, in relation to a licensed insurer, means the chairman of the board of directors of the insurer;
“key executive person” means a person holding any appointment referred to in subsection (1)(a) to (d) or (3).
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Disqualification of director or executive officer of licensed insurer
31A.—(1)  Notwithstanding section 31 or the provisions of any other written law —
(a)a licensed insurer shall not, without the prior written consent of the Authority, permit a person to act as its executive officer; and
(b)a licensed insurer which is established or incorporated in Singapore shall not, without the prior written consent of the Authority, permit a person to act as its director,
if the person —
(i)has been convicted, whether in Singapore or elsewhere, of an offence committed before, on or after the date of commencement of section 26 of the Insurance (Amendment) Act 2013, being an offence —
(A)involving fraud or dishonesty;
(B)the conviction for which involved a finding that he had acted fraudulently or dishonestly; or
(C)specified in the Third Schedule to the Registration of Criminals Act (Cap. 268);
(ii)is an undischarged bankrupt, whether in Singapore or elsewhere;
(iii)has had execution against him in respect of a judgment debt returned unsatisfied in whole or in part;
(iv)has, whether in Singapore or elsewhere, entered into a compromise or scheme of arrangement with his creditors, being a compromise or scheme of arrangement that is still in operation;
(v)has had a prohibition order under section 35V, or under section 59 of the Financial Advisers Act (Cap. 110) or section 101A of the Securities and Futures Act (Cap. 289), made against him that remains in force; or
(vi)has been a director of, or directly concerned in the management of, a regulated financial institution, whether in Singapore or elsewhere —
(A)which is being or has been, wound up by a court; or
(B)the licence of which has been revoked by the Authority or, in the case of a regulated financial institution in a foreign country, by the regulatory authority in that foreign country.
(2)  Any licensed insurer which contravenes subsection (1) shall be guilty of an offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding $250,000 and, in the case of a continuing offence, to a further fine not exceeding $25,000 for every day or part thereof during which the offence continues after conviction.
(3)  In this section, unless the context otherwise requires —
“regulated financial institution” means a person who carries on a business, the conduct of which is regulated or authorised by the Authority or, if carried on in Singapore, would be regulated or authorised by the Authority;
“regulatory authority” has the same meaning as in section 49A.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
Restriction on granting of unsecured loans or advances to directors and employees of insurers
32.—(1)  No licensed insurer shall in respect of its business in Singapore grant, directly or indirectly, unsecured loans or advances —
(a)to a director of the insurer which in the aggregate and outstanding at any one time exceed the sum of $5,000; or
(b)to an employee of the insurer which in the aggregate and outstanding at any time exceed one year’s emolument of that employee.
[32/93; 30/99]
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]
(2)  In this section, “director” includes the wife, husband, father, mother, son or daughter of a director.
General obligation to furnish information
33.—(1)  The Authority may, by notice in writing, require any Singapore insurer to furnish it with information about any matter related to any business carried on by the insurer in Singapore or elsewhere if, in the opinion of the Authority, it requires that information for the discharge of its functions under this Act.
(2)  A licensed insurer which is or was a PPF Scheme member as defined in the Deposit Insurance and Policy Owners’ Protection Schemes Act 2011, shall furnish to the PPF Agency, the Public Trustee appointed under the Public Trustee Act (Cap. 260) and any person authorised or appointed by the PPF Agency or the Public Trustee to perform its functions under the Deposit Insurance and Policy Owners’ Protection Schemes Act 2011, upon request, such information, including information relating to its policy owners, as may be required by the PPF Agency, the Public Trustee or such person to carry out the objects and to perform the functions of the PPF Agency or the Public Trustee, as the case may be, under that Act.
(3)  Subsection (2) shall apply notwithstanding the cancellation of the licence of the insurer under section 12, whether wholly or in respect of a class of business.
[Act 11 of 2013 wef 18/04/2013]