DBS Logo
This Search function on our website will help you to find the information that you need easilyThis Search function on our website will help you to find the information that you need easilyThis Search function on our website will help you to find the information that you need easily
This Search function on our website will help you to find the information that you need easilyThis Search function on our website will help you to find the information that you need easilyThis Search function on our website will help you to find the information that you need easily
Strengthen Your Portfolio for Life
27 Jan 2026

Strengthen Your Portfolio for Life

Your portfolio should be as resilient as your goals.

Protected. Prepared. Positioned for growth. Insurance is more than a safety net. It’s a strategic tool that helps you build wealth and stay ahead in an unpredictable world.

Why Insurance Deserves a Place in Your Portfolio

Diversification is more than mixing stocks and bonds. It’s about creating a financial plan that can withstand life’s surprises. Market swings, health issues, or sudden expenses can derail even the best strategies. Insurance acts as a stabiliser, keeping your plan intact when life gets unpredictable.

Think of it as adding a layer of certainty to your portfolio:

  • Guaranteed income: Some plans provide lifelong payouts, helping you manage longevity risk.
  • Liquidity: Access cash through premium financing and policy loans if needed.
  • Legacy: Ensure wealth transfer without complications.

Assorted musical instruments arranged together, illustrating diversification and balance across asset classes.

Insurance’s Diversification Advantage

Traditional assets (e.g. stocks, bonds, property) are essential for diversification, but they all share one trait: exposure to market volatility.

Insurance offers something different:

  • Relatively stable returns: A mix of guaranteed and non-guaranteed income.
  • Liquidity on demand: You can surrender or borrow against policies.
  • Risk mitigation: Smooths out portfolio volatility and cushions against downturns.

This makes insurance a unique asset class that complements your growth-oriented investments while reducing overall risk.

How Insurance Complements Other Asset Classes

Cash is liquid but offers no growth. Property can generate rental income but is illiquid and subject to market swings. Stocks and bonds provide upside but come with volatility. Insurance combines stability with flexibility, offering income streams, liquidity, and relatively predictable performance.

Asset Class

Income Stream

Impact from market volatility

Ease of liquidity

Cash

None

Minimal

(Subject to FX risk)

Highly liquid

Property


(Rental)

Unlimited upside & downside potential

(Depends on customer demand and regulations)

Highly Illiquid

(Depends on customer demand. Liquidity process is usually longer than other financial assets.)

Bonds


(Coupons)

Limited upside & unlimited downside potential

(Depends on market conditions & issuer)

Relatively liquid

(Depends on type of bond and market demand)

Stocks


(Dividends)

Unlimited upside & downside potential

(Depends on market conditions & type of stocks)

Liquid

(High volume of buyer/seller on stock exchanges)

Insurance


(Income stream)

Relatively stable

(Made up of guaranteed and non-guaranteed income)

Liquid

(Access to cash value via regular income payout from policy)


Saxophone being played, symbolising depth and longevity, planning for a financial future that lasts.

Addressing Longevity Risk

Life expectancy is rising. Living into your 90s is no longer rare, and that means your savings need to last long.

Market downturns during retirement can shrink your portfolio faster than expected. Insurance plans that provide lifelong income streams offer peace of mind and financial stability, so you can enjoy retirement without worrying about outliving your wealth.

Consider this: if you retire at 60 and live to 95, that’s 35 years of income you’ll need. Insurance helps bridge that gap, ensuring your lifestyle and cash flow remains secure even if markets fluctuate.

Close-up of electric guitar strings and fretboard, representing innovation and modern solutions like Indexed Universal Life insurance.

Growth Potential with Modern Insurance

Insurance isn’t just about protection anymore. Modern solutions like Indexed Universal Life (IUL) insurance allow you to participate in market gains while limiting downside risk. For example, allocating part of your portfolio to IUL can hedge against inflation and create opportunities for wealth accumulation, without exposing your capital to full market volatility.

This appeals to investors who want growth but value stability. And it’s a balance that’s hard to achieve with traditional assets alone.

Drummer keeping rhythm with bandmate in background, symbolising stability and teamwork, and insurance as the steady beat in your portfolio.

Behavioural Advantage: Confidence in Uncertain Times

Market volatility often triggers emotional decisions, i.e. selling low, buying high. Insurance provides a steady foundation, reducing the pressure to react impulsively. When you know part of your portfolio is protected and generating income, you can stay focused on long-term goals instead of short-term noise.

Bringing It All Together

Adding insurance to your portfolio isn’t about replacing traditional investments. It’s about creating balance.

Doing so offers protection, liquidity, and growth potential in one package. For ambitious investors, it’s a way to stay prepared for life’s uncertainties while positioning for long-term success.

Ready to explore smarter diversification?

Discover strategies that combine protection, flexibility and growth. Tailored for your goals.

Get in touch

This advertisement has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore.

 

Disclaimers and Important Notice

This article is for information only and should not be relied upon as financial advice. Any views, opinions or recommendation expressed in this article does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any particular person. Before making any decision to buy, sell or hold any investment or insurance product, you should seek advice from a financial adviser regarding its suitability. This article is not intended for distribution to, or use by, any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to law or regulation.