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Prudential, Manulife Forge AI Alliances with Alibaba Cloud, Ant Health Amid China Tax Changes

economy-finance · 2026-09-09

Prudential and Manulife, two insurance companies based in Hong Kong, have formed technology partnerships with Alibaba Cloud and Ant Health, respectively, in response to stricter tax regulations from Beijing. Prudential's alliance with Alibaba Cloud focuses on integrating AI underwriting, allowing financial consultants to quickly assess client needs and provide initial results in minutes, as noted by Lawrence Lam from Prudential Hong Kong. Meanwhile, Ethan Yuan Zhiming, vice-president of international business at Alibaba Cloud, highlighted that this collaboration merges Prudential's insurance knowledge with Alibaba's AI technology for improved service. In June, Manulife Hong Kong also partnered with Alibaba Cloud to create AI solutions aimed at enhancing customer experience. Additionally, BOC Life has teamed up with Deloitte. Lam pointed out that insurers leveraging AI effectively will emerge as leaders in the industry. Alibaba Cloud is a division of Alibaba, which also owns the South China Morning Post.

Key facts

  • Prudential partners with Alibaba Cloud.
  • Manulife works with Ant Health.
  • BOC Life joins hands with Deloitte.
  • AI underwriting allows financial consultants to deliver preliminary results within minutes instead of days.
  • Ethan Yuan Zhiming is vice-president of international business and regional general manager of Hong Kong and Macau at Alibaba Cloud.
  • Alibaba Cloud signed a strategic partnership with Manulife Hong Kong in June.
  • Lawrence Lam is associated with Prudential Hong Kong.
  • Beijing has tightened tax rules.

Entities

Institutions

  • Prudential
  • Manulife
  • Alibaba Cloud
  • Ant Health
  • BOC Life
  • Deloitte
  • Alibaba
  • South China Morning Post

Locations

  • Hong Kong
  • Macau
  • China

Sources