Impact and Prospects of Bancassurance in the Socio-Economic Landscape of Bangladesh

Bancassurance, the distribution of insurance products through banking channels, holds considerable promise for improving financial inclusion and promoting socio-economic growth in Bangladesh. This research investigates its current impact and potential using a mixed-methods approach, incorporating quantitative data from major banks and insurance firms along with qualitative insights from interviews with industry experts. The study assesses bancassurance's role in increasing insurance penetration, highlights regulatory and operational challenges, and identifies avenues for growth. Findings show that bancassurance has moderately boosted insurance coverage, with policies sold through banks accounting for 15% of total insurance sales by 2023. However, penetration in rural areas remains limited, hindered by regulatory uncertainties, low consumer awareness, and operational inefficiencies. Nonetheless, growth opportunities exist, particularly through digital platforms and microinsurance products tailored to underserved populations. The research concludes that bancassurance can significantly enhance financial inclusion and strengthen economic resilience, particularly for rural and low-income communities, provided it is supported by regulatory reforms, heightened public awareness, and improved technological integration. Key recommendations include streamlining regulatory frameworks, enhancing capacity within banks and insurance companies, and leveraging mobile and online banking platforms to expand bancassurance’s reach, especially in rural regions. Addressing these challenges could enable bancassurance to play a crucial role in advancing Bangladesh’s financial sector and contributing to its broader socio-economic development.