FWD CONSIDERS IPO IN HONG KONG

Chinese insurance group FWD Group is considering a possible initial public offering (IPO) in Hong Kong, according to media reports. FWD Group, which is owned by Hong Kong billionaire Richard Li, has be created through acquisitions over the past five years, including the purchase of ING Groep NV’s Asian insurance and pension units in 2013 and American International Group’s Japanese life insurance business last year. The company, which is also backed by Swiss Re, has held preliminary discussions with investment banks about a possible IPO, according to Bloomberg news. The company is considering listing within the next couple years, it said.