Informal insurance : a regulator’s perspective

Date

2009

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Centre for Financial Regulation and Inclusion (CENFRI), Cape Town, ZA

Abstract

Evidence from a range of countries shows that much of microinsurance is provided in an informal and unregulated way. Issues for consideration in designing a regulatory response to informality are outlined in this ‘focus note’ document. Informal markets can play an important role in providing service to people ignored by the formal sector, but they also pose risks for consumers. Analysis shows that the informal market is not necessarily illegal. Informal activities may simply be unregulated. However, whether or not it is technically illegal, informality is likely to pose challenges for both the market and regulators.

Description

These focus notes and other material related to the project can be downloaded at www.cenfri.org
French version available in IDRC Digital Library: Assurance informelle : le point de vue du régulateur
Portuguese version available in IDRC Digital Library: Seguro informal : perspective de um regulador

Keywords

INSURANCE, MICROINSURANCE, MICROFINANCE, POVERTY ALLEVIATION, LEGAL ASPECTS, INFORMAL SECTOR, REGULATION, STANDARDS, GLOBAL SOUTH, FINANCIAL INCLUSION, MARKET

Citation

DOI