China's National Financial Regulatory Administration issued a notice launching a pilot programme for insurance funds to invest in gold, effective from the date of publication, as part of efforts to broaden investment channels, optimise insurers’ asset allocation and strengthen asset-liability management. The notice sets requirements across three areas. It defines the scope and permitted investment methods for pilot gold investments and identifies 10 pilot insurance companies. It also standardises ex ante and ongoing management arrangements for participating insurers’ gold investments, and establishes periodic and ad hoc reporting mechanisms alongside related supervisory requirements. The authority will monitor pilot progress, step up supervision and advance implementation of the notice.