Pru Life UK has received the Philippines’ first Takaful (Islamic insurance) license from the Insurance Commission, marking a significant milestone in the country’s Islamic insurance industry. This move fills the gap for Shari’ah-compliant insurance, aiming to improve financial inclusion for over seven million Muslim Filipinos and support the government’s efforts to promote Islamic finance. Takaful, a joint guarantee, aligns with mutuality and solidarity principles and is available for all, including Muslims and non-Muslims. Pru Life UK has established Takaful operations in Malaysia and Indonesia, supported by a Shari’ah Committee and best practices from its affiliates abroad. The move is expected to broaden insurance options for both Muslims and non-Muslims in the Philippines.
Today’s announcement was made at a launch event at the Manila Hotel attended by distinguished guests from the government, foreign embassies, industry, academe, and Muslim Filipino communities.
“Our Takaful launch will be a defining milestone not just for Pru Life UK but for the entire Philippine insurance sector,” said Sanjay Chakrabarty, President and CEO of Pru Life UK. “We are honoured to be at the forefront of this significant development to bring Shari’ah compliant financial protection solutions for the first time. With Prudential’s regional expertise and our commitment to inclusivity, we aim to set new standards for financial protection that resonate with every Filipino, regardless of their faith.”
Pru Life UK’s pioneering approach to Takaful emphasises a holistic journey, including stakeholder collaboration, thought leadership, community investment, specialised training for agents, and public awareness educational initiatives.
By working closely with the Muslim Filipino communities and their leaders, Pru Life UK will ensure that its Takaful journey remains culturally relevant and tailored to the unique needs of the Muslim community.
Central to this initiative will be efforts to promote financial literacy and economic empowerment in areas like Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and the Zamboanga Peninsula, where financial inclusion challenges are most acute.
Pru Life UK has developed comprehensive training programs for its selected agents, equipping them with in-depth knowledge of Takaful principles, and will launch public awareness campaigns to educate communities on the benefits of Takaful.
With close to 7 million Muslims residing in the Philippines,1 primarily in regions such as BARMM and the Zamboanga Peninsula, where many remain without bank accounts or uninsured, this initiative has the potential to transform the landscape of financial services in these communities.
Pru Life UK’s introduction of Takaful will aim to close the gap in insurance coverage, offering solutions that are not only culturally respectful but also directly responsive to the needs of these underserved populations.
