Samsung Life Insurance, Korea's largest insurer, is set to be listed as a publicly-traded company as early as the first half of next year. The company says the IPO will enhance corporate value and brand recognition.

It has also been reported that the move is part of the insurer's preparations to deal with tougher regulations governing capital soundness, as well as a move to introduce international accounting standards.

Once the listing is completed Samsung Life will be able to lay the groundwork to become a global insurer.