Warning of Structural Change in Life Sector
Advisers across the Tasman have been cautioned that the life and health insurance industry in Australia is facing structural change driven by mounting mental health claims, rising premiums, and ongoing cost-of-living pressures.
AIA Australia CEO...
Ratings Upgrade for Asteron Life
Asteron Life has received a Fitch Ratings upgrade following Nippon Life’s global acquisition of its parent company Resolution Life.
Asteron Life says Fitch Ratings has upgraded its Financial Strength Rating from ‘A’ to ‘A+’, reflecting...
Your Say – Technicians and Trust
A hefty majority of advisers, it appears, disagree that in the new world of AI, advisers who rely on their technical expertise risk becoming irrelevant.
As we go to press 65% of advisers disagreed with...
Adviser Numbers on the Rise
The number of financial advisers in New Zealand grew by 8.4% to reach nearly 9,200 in the year to 30 June 2025, according to the FMA’s November Financial Advisers Update.
The authority says financial adviser...
MDRT 2026 Membership Now Open
MDRT New Zealand has announced that membership for 2026 is now open for advisers either renewing their membership, part of the MDRT Academy community or advisers thinking about joining for the first time.
MDRT New...
Leadership Change at NZFSG
New Zealand Financial Services Group has announced a planned leadership transition as Baden Martin steps down as CEO after two years in the role and Bruce Patten becomes CEO and Managing Director.
The company says...
Fidelity Life Expands Cancer Support
Fidelity Life is to expand its Cancer Companion programme with the launch of its Cancer Caregivers initiative.
Previously available to customers with Fidelity Life Trauma cover, Cancer Companion has been extended to include eligible customers...
Latest Poll – Technicians and Trust
Our latest poll asks you to reflect - not for the first time - on how you and your peers add value to your clients as financial advisers.
This question stems from our report this...
Life Sector Profitability Improved – RBNZ
News from the RBNZ that profitability in the life insurance sector has improved from previously subdued levels, and that the health insurance sector is under strain, attracted strong reader interest this week...
Profitability in the...
Who is Paying Whom for Financial Advice?
GUEST COLUMNIST – TONY VIDLER
Who is paying whom for financial advice will become the biggest question in consumers' minds as the industry stakeholders continually and very publicly debate fees, commissions and conflicts of interest...