Skip to content
Information Center > Speeches / Articles > IA Files: Unveiling the IA’s enforcement work and tips for policy holders

IA Files: Unveiling the IA’s enforcement work and tips for policy holders

27 September 2025

Promoting the public’s understanding of insurance products and the insurance industry, and encouraging licensed intermediaries to uphold proper standards of conduct form part of the principal statutory function of the Insurance Authority (IA) to regulate and supervise the insurance industry for the protection of potential and existing policy holders.

Recognising the power of storytelling to educate the public, the IA has teamed up with Radio Television Hong Kong to produce IA Files (“保監有道”), a four-episode drama series based on real-life enforcement cases. The TV drama series is presented in a relatable and easy-to-understand manner that offers practical insights and “lessons” to both the public and licensed intermediaries on common insurance scenarios that may result in potential conduct issues.

Each episode focuses on a specific conduct issue, highlighting how the IA deals with the issue through enforcement actions. The series also educates policy holders on how to protect themselves from becoming potential victims and licensed intermediaries on how to uphold the standard of conduct and professionalism in the insurance industry. Here are some of the key takeaways:

  • An insurance policy is an important contract and policy holders should ensure they fully understand the terms of the policy and assess the suitability of the insurance product before they purchase it. Licensed intermediaries, on the other hand, should understand the client’s circumstances and insurance needs before recommending any insurance product. The licensed intermediary should also clearly explain the terms and conditions of the policy to help the client make an informed decision.
  • Replacement of a long term insurance policy (such as a life insurance policy) should not be done with haste. Long term insurance policies are designed and intended to be in force over multiple years. Early surrender of the policy may incur charges. Policy holders should carefully consider the terms and coverage of the existing and new policies before deciding whether the replacement truly meets their interests and insurance needs. The IA has issued a guideline on policy replacement which requires licensed intermediaries to assess whether the purchase of a new long term insurance policy is in the client’s best interests and to provide client with appropriate advice.
  • Carrying on of unlicensed regulated activities is an offence under the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41). Such activities can place policy holders in jeopardy because unlicensed individuals do not have the requisite insurance qualifications and are not bound by the conduct requirements to act in the best interest of policy holders. The public should always check whether the person they are dealing with is licenced via the Register of Licensed Insurance Intermediaries at IA’s website.
  • Policy holders should pay their premiums directly to the insurer through its official channels and check any letter or SMS message issued by the insurer for updates on the status of the policy. Policy holders should avoid paying premiums in cash to their licensed intermediary or transferring funds to the personal bank account of their licensed intermediary in fear the funds may be misappropriated, causing the policy to lapse due to non-payment. Misappropriation of premium is a serious misconduct which is not tolerated under any circumstances.

The IA strives to empower the public to become smarter policy holders and deter licensed intermediaries from stepping out of line by failing to act in the best interest of policy holders. We strongly believe that continuous public education would not only help to keep the public informed of relevant insurance matters but also strengthen the public’s trust and confidence in the insurance industry which plays an important role in the community.

A trailer of IA Files (“保監有道”) can be viewed here with the first episode to be aired tonight at 7pm on RTHK TV31.


Maria Tsui
Head of Enforcement, Insurance Authority
27 September 2025