Starting in 2026, policyholders will be able to receive death benefits from whole life insurance policies in the form of monthly annuity payments during their lifetime to support retirement, while residents in areas without bank branches will be able to access banking services through post offices, the Financial Services Commission (FSC) said Tuesday. The measures are part of a package of financial system changes set to take effect at the start of the year. The country’s top financial regulator said its policy will focus on four priorities — channeling funds toward productive sectors; enhancing fairness and transparency in capital markets; reducing financial burdens on households while strengthening consumer protection; and expanding financial services that support everyday life. Under the new guidance, all 19 life insurers will introduce products beginning Jan. 2 that allow policyholders to unlock part of their death benefit from whole life insurance policies. Through the death benefit liquidity program, customers can receive a portion of the payout in advance, either as an annuit