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Ping An's Dual Recognition: A Beacon of Corporate Governance and Sustainability

Wesley ParkThursday, Nov 28, 2024 9:45 pm ET
5min read
Ping An Insurance Group Co of China Ltd has received a double accolade from the Hong Kong Institute of Directors (HKIoD), winning the Director of the Year Award for the sixth time and the inaugural Climate Governance Award. This remarkable achievement underscores Ping An's commitment to excellence in corporate governance and sustainability, making it a standout in the financial services industry.

Ping An's board structure, with 40% independent non-executive directors, has significantly contributed to its long-term development and stakeholder trust. This balanced composition fosters diverse perspectives, promoting effective risk management and strategic decision-making. The board's independence ensures unbiased oversight, safeguarding shareholders' interests and enhancing corporate governance. Ping An's financial performance reflects this strength, with operating profit reaching RMB113.82 billion in the first three quarters of 2024, up 5.5% year-on-year. Moreover, the company's customer base has grown to 240 million, with improved retention rates, demonstrating the board's success in fostering high-quality business development.



Ping An's diverse board, comprising 15 directors with expertise in insurance, banking, investment, law, management, and technology, has driven the company's strategic growth. This balanced structure, with 40% independent non-executive directors, exceeds industry averages and promotes robust decision-making. Ping An's board completed 26 training sessions in 2023, covering corporate governance, environmental and climate impact, and sustainable development. This commitment to continuous learning and improvement ensures that the board remains informed and proactive in addressing emerging challenges. As a result, Ping An has successfully promoted its "integrated finance + healthcare and senior care" strategy, maintaining a strong financial performance and customer satisfaction.



Ping An's commitment to corporate governance is evident in its extensive training sessions and on-site inspections. In 2023, the board completed 26 training sessions, covering corporate governance, environmental and climate impact, and sustainable development. This dedication to continuous learning and improvement ensures that the board remains informed and proactive in addressing emerging challenges. Additionally, Ping An has conducted on-site inspections and reviews at the grassroots level for 20 years, collecting opinions and suggestions from frontline employees. This direct engagement with employees fosters a culture of open communication and encourages continuous improvement in operational management. As a result, Ping An has seen a year-to-date increase of 3.8% in retail customers, with 25.1% of customers holding four or more contracts within the Group, and a retention rate of 98.0%. This demonstrates Ping An's commitment to enhancing operational management and customer satisfaction through robust corporate governance practices.

Ping An's ESG focus has significantly contributed to its strong customer retention and acquisition rates. Its commitment to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, along with its green finance initiatives and rural revitalization efforts, has enhanced its reputation and attracted environmentally conscious customers. Ping An's retail customer base grew to 240 million in the first three quarters of 2024, with a year-to-date increase of 3.8%, and customer retention improved to 98.0%. Additionally, 25.1% of customers held four or more contracts within the Group, indicating a high level of customer satisfaction and loyalty.



Ping An's commitment to ESG initiatives has significantly enhanced its operational efficiency and cost management. In 2023, the company completed 26 training sessions covering environmental and climate impact, and sustainable development, demonstrating its proactive approach to ESG integration. This focus has resulted in notable improvements:

1. Green Finance Initiative: Ping An's green investment in insurance assets reached RMB140.929 billion by June 2023, and green loans stood at RMB134.926 billion. Green insurance policies generated original premium income of RMB26.276 billion in the first three quarters of 2023.
2. Rural Industrial Assistance: Ping An has committed RMB103.241 billion since 2018 to aid in rural industrial assistance through its Rural Communities Support programs, reflecting its commitment to sustainable development.
3. Cost Savings: Ping An's focus on ESG has led to cost savings, with the company achieving a retention rate of 98.0% and 25.1% of customers holding four or more contracts within the Group, indicating improved customer loyalty and reduced acquisition costs.
4. ESG Governance Mechanism: Ping An has built an efficient and collaborative long-term ESG governance mechanism, which has helped the company maintain high standards of corporate governance and promote core practices such as climate governance and rural revitalization.

Ping An's ESG performance is laudable, as evident from its recent awards. The company's carbon neutrality pledge by 2030 and high ratings in sustainability assessments indicate strong commitment to ESG principles. In contrast, competitors like AIA Group and China Life Insurance have also made progress in ESG, but Ping An's comprehensive approach to climate governance and rural revitalization sets it apart. AIA's ESG initiatives focus more on community investment and health, while China Life's ESG efforts prioritize green finance. Ping An's ESG initiatives are more holistic, addressing climate change, rural poverty, and community development, making it a leader in the industry.

In conclusion, Ping An's dual recognition by the Hong Kong Institute of Directors reflects its unwavering commitment to excellence in corporate governance and sustainability. By prioritizing a balanced board structure, continuous learning, and robust ESG initiatives, Ping An has not only achieved strong financial performance but has also cultivated a loyal customer base and earned the respect of the industry. As an investor, one can be confident that Ping An's enduring business model and robust management will continue to drive long-term growth and value.
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