Understand in-country insurance requirements and risk considerations to support a smooth and compliant expansion into Asia-Pacific markets.
Expanding into Asia offers major growth opportunities for Australian tech companies, but insurance structuring missteps can expose organisations to regulatory, contractual and operational risk.
This guide highlights what you need to know and do to secure compliant, commercial insurance solutions across key APAC geographies and markets.
Key report focus areas
What compulsory insurances are required of international organisations seeking to do business in the respective countries?
Is non-admitted (non-local)insurance legal?
Is Workers' Compensation/Employers Liability a government run scheme?
Can you utilise your Australian Broker to assist, or is a local (in-country) broker/advisor required?
Regional focus
The focus of this report has been countries within the Asia Pacific region where the expansion from Australian technology firms has been most prevalent, highlighted over.
Key takeaways for decision makers
Regulatory complexity
Insurance regulation is highly fragmented across Asia. Each country applies different rules for compulsory covers, allowance for non-admitted insurance, and use of foreign brokers. Failure to comply can lead to fines, trading bans, or lost tenders.
Workers' compensation is always local. Every country requires some form of locally compliant workers' compensation insurance for employees, regardless of group cover held in Australia.
Non-admitted insurance. Some APAC markets (e.g., Singapore, Hong Kong) generally allow non-admitted insurance for most lines; others (e.g., Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines) restrict or prohibit it, necessitating “fronted” local placements.
Insurance as a business enabler. The right insurance structuring enables market entry, supports contract negotiations, and underpins competitive bids – particularly where government or enterprise procurement requirements are strict.
Action required
Assess in-country requirements before contract signing, leverage broker expertise, and implement a compliant, flexible insurance program that can scale with your business.
Get your copy
For the full insights, receive a copy of our Going Global: Insurance guide for Australian Tech in Asia Pacific by sending your contact information to lockton.au@lockton.com (opens a new window)
The contents of this publication are provided for general information only. Lockton arranges the insurance and is not the insurer. While the content contributors have taken reasonable care in compiling the information presented, we do not warrant that the information is correct. The contents of this publication are not intended as a legal commentary or advice and should not be relied on in that way. It is not intended to be interpreted as advice on which you should rely and may not necessarily be suitable for you. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action based on the content in this publication.
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