How much can insurance job hoppers in Hong Kong negotiate this year?

Insurers are also targeting professionals in the banking industry.

Hong Kong’s insurance sector can expect an “organic salary increase” of 3% to 4% this year, whilst job seekers looking to switch employers can negotiate up to a 15% pay hike, according to Hays’ 2025 Job Market Outlook and Salary Guide.

Hong Kong’s insurance industry is steady despite a sluggish economy, with hiring activity focused on both replacing existing roles and creating new positions in distribution and operations.  

In the agency distribution sector, companies are actively recruiting middle to senior managers with insurance experience, particularly those familiar with serving Mainland Chinese Visitor (MCV) clients. 

Employers are also seeking junior sales professionals and fresh graduates to strengthen agency teams. 

There is a growing demand for assistant and junior managers in agency training roles, with companies open to hiring candidates who have strong networks in mainland China and a solid understanding of insurance products, even if they lack extensive industry experience.  

Hiring in partnership distribution remains strong, driven by new bancassurance partnerships and ecosystem development. Insurers are looking for talent in project management, digital marketing, and customer relationship management to support these collaborations. 

Insurers are also targeting professionals from private banking and wealth management sectors to attract high-net-worth clients, intensifying competition for top-tier talent.  

Regulatory changes introduced by the Insurance Authority (IA) are reshaping the industry’s hiring landscape. 

New licensing and due diligence requirements are creating governance and compliance roles whilst limiting talent movement between financial institutions and insurers. 

Companies are expected to prioritise hiring professionals with insurance and IA regulatory experience rather than those from other financial sectors.  

The industry is also undergoing digital transformation, particularly in claims and underwriting, though at a slower pace than banking. 

Insurers are increasing their focus on digitisation, artificial intelligence, and automation, driving demand for talent in project management, transformation initiatives, and data analytics.