How Does Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company Work?

The company's operational processes are multifaceted, encompassing product development, underwriting, claims processing, and extensive sales and distribution networks. For instance, in April 2024, Dai-ichi Life established the Tokyo Workplace Service Department to expand and revitalize workplace sales, primarily targeting uninsured and younger to middle-aged generations.

Asset management operations are crucial, with a strategic focus on achieving stable long-term returns from its investment portfolio, which includes bonds, loans, stocks, and foreign securities. As of April 2024, Dai-ichi Life Holdings manages a ¥33.9 trillion ($219 billion) portfolio.

The company is strategically diversifying into alternative investments such as private credit, private equity, infrastructure, and real estate to enhance returns and manage risk. Dai-ichi Life also strengthens its capabilities through strategic partnerships.

This multi-pronged approach, encompassing diverse product offerings, robust sales channels, and sophisticated asset management, allows Dai-ichi Life to differentiate itself through comprehensive financial protection and wealth management solutions.

A significant move was the March 2024 agreement to acquire Benefit One, a Japanese employee benefits provider, for $2 billion. This acquisition signals a strong commitment to expanding its non-insurance business segments.

The company plans to allocate ¥300 billion over the next three years for strategic acquisitions. The focus is on expanding its international presence and bolstering domestic non-insurance businesses, with insurers and asset managers being key targets for overseas investment.

To navigate a low interest rate environment and currency risks, Dai-ichi Life is diversifying its substantial ¥33.9 trillion investment portfolio. This includes increasing allocations to alternative investments such as private credit, private equity, infrastructure, and real estate.

Dai-ichi Life's competitive edge is built on its strong brand reputation, expansive domestic and international networks, and a customer-centric operational approach. The company is also embracing digital transformation, as seen with its global capability center in India established with Capgemini.

As of July 2025, Dai-ichi Life Holdings is a significant global entity with a market capitalization of €24.94 billion, making it the 761st largest company globally. It operates in eight international markets for its life insurance business and manages assets worldwide via Asset Management One Co. Ltd. The company's ambition is to be the number one Japanese insurer in customer and employee satisfaction, innovation, and corporate value by FY2030.

The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company faces several risks, including market volatility affecting investment income due to fluctuations in interest rates, stock prices, and foreign exchange rates. Operational risks such as cyberattacks, system failures, and potential financial fraud can also impact its social credibility and business continuity.

The company's Medium-Term Management Plan (FY2024-2026) focuses on enhancing resilience, customer engagement, and connected services. Dai-ichi Life aims for a Group adjusted profit of ¥400 billion and to double its market capitalization to ¥3 trillion by FY2026.

Expansion into non-insurance sectors, particularly asset management, is a key strategy, targeting 10% of Group adjusted profit by FY2030. Strategic collaborations, such as the planned partnership with Prudential Financial for product distribution and asset management, and with Marubeni in real estate, are central to its growth and profitability objectives.