{
  "id": 13814188,
  "title": "Why investment-linked policy sales have surged even as complaints rise",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/why-investment-linked-policy-sales-have-surged-even-as-complaints-rise-13814188",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-10-11T22:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "CNA - Singapore",
    "slug": "cna-singapore",
    "url": "https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/ilp-investment-linked-policies-demand-complaint-6446421"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Sales of investment-linked policies (ILPs) in Singapore have surged over the past three years, even as complaints related to misrepresentation, inadequate disclosure, and other issues continue to rise. The Life Insurance Association (LIA) reported weighted new business premiums for ILPs grew from S$1.31 billion in 2022 to S$2.88 billion in 2025, a 120% increase. This growth is attributed to simpler sign-ups and welcome bonuses, as well as two design changes that made ILPs more attractive.\n\nHowever, the increase in sales has not been without controversy. Claims related to ILPs at the Financial Industry Disputes Resolution Centre (FIDReC) have risen from 42 in 2022 to 164 in 2025, with a significant spike in 2024. Many of these claims involve allegations of misrepresentation, inadequate disclosure, or inappropriate financial advice. The complainants are increasingly older, with those aged 61 and above constituting 35% of claims in the first half of 2026, compared to 7% in 2022.\n\nExperts suggest that the growth in ILP sales can be attributed to two design changes: a reduction in death cover and the inclusion of welcome bonuses, which are additional units given to customers upon initial purchase. However, these bonuses often come with higher early charges and a minimum investment period. Additionally, many customers lack a proper understanding of ILPs, assuming they are similar to traditional insurance or that returns and capital are guaranteed.",
  "summary": "Simpler sign-ups and welcome bonuses may be driving demand for investment-linked policies in Singapore, industry experts say.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Why investment-linked policy sales have surged even as complaints rise",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/11/why-investment-linked-policy-sales-have-surged-even-as-complaints-rise",
        "published": "2026-10-11T22:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}