Life Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Call for Greater Transparency in Professional Indemnity Insurance

Call for Greater Transparency in Professional Indemnity Insurance

Call for Greater Transparency in Professional Indemnity Insurance?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) is advocating for enhanced transparency concerning the Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance maintained by member companies, highlighting its current lack of oversight regarding PI insurers.

AFCA has expressed the need to access information that extends beyond the "corporate veil" involved in scenarios of administration or liquidation. The appeal comes amid background discussions with the Senate Economics References Committee, focusing on the surge in complaints it faced following the downfall of Dixon Advisory.

AFCA emphasized that even though financial services licensees are legally obligated to carry PI insurance, this insurance is not structured to function as a consumer compensation tool. AFCA outlined several limitations of current PI insurance, illustrating why it might not fully serve consumers seeking redress:

  • Available funds under the PI insurance might be insufficient to cover awarded compensation.
  • Insurance contracts may exclude coverage for specific actions that led to the compensation award.
  • The compensation amount might fall below the policy excess, leaving consumers uncompensated.
  • Complainants cannot directly file a claim on a firm's PI policy, lacking transparency over claim denials and unable to contest them.
  • Services may be claimed on years later, at which point the firm's insurance could have expired, especially when 'run-off' cover is inaccessible or costly.

The authority stated, "AFCA does not have jurisdiction concerning professional indemnity insurers," adding that once it makes a decision, the implicated financial firm has 30 days to comply with the determination, after which AFCA has limited oversight regarding the firm's actions.

"In general, it is assumed compensation payments come directly from firms' operational accounts, unless a firm manages to hedge against the risk through their insurance which varies widely," AFCA observed.

Furthermore, if a firm fails to heed an AFCA determination, consumers are advised to report this to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), as noted by AFCA.

Notably, AFCA considers that "PII is crucial for ensuring compensation against misconduct is served" and stresses that a solid Professional Indemnity Insurance framework is vital for upholding the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR).

In the current regulatory landscape, AFCA is frequently uninformed about whether an advice licensee maintains a relevant PII policy with applicable clauses that would affect AFCA's evaluation of complaints, such as exclusions for certain advice forms or whether the coverage limit has already been reached.

The original insights were facilitated by article discussions from the Senate Economics References Committee and sourced from an industry report featured on Financial Planning's AFCA section.

Published:Monday, 2nd Dec 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Human Factors Identified as Leading Causes in Major Truck Accidents
Human Factors Identified as Leading Causes in Major Truck Accidents
14 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Recent findings from the National Truck Accident Research Centre's (NTARC) 2025 Major Incident Investigation Report have brought to light the significant role human error plays in major truck accidents across Australia. The report, supported by National Transport Insurance (NTI), indicates that human factors such as inattention, distraction, and inappropriate speed are the predominant causes of these incidents. - read more
AFCA Sides with Freight Company in Dangerous Goods Disclosure Dispute
AFCA Sides with Freight Company in Dangerous Goods Disclosure Dispute
14 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favour of a freight company in a dispute over the disclosure of transporting dangerous goods. This decision provides valuable insights into the obligations of transport companies regarding insurance disclosures. - read more
Navigating Rising Premiums: Challenges for Australian Insurers in 2026
Navigating Rising Premiums: Challenges for Australian Insurers in 2026
14 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
In 2026, Australian insurers are confronting a trio of significant challenges: escalating premium costs, persistent cyber threats, and a tightening labour market. These issues are reshaping the industry's priorities and strategies. - read more
The Future of Insurance: Australia's Insurtech Market Set for Explosive Growth
The Future of Insurance: Australia's Insurtech Market Set for Explosive Growth
14 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia's insurtech sector is on the brink of a significant transformation, with projections indicating a surge from $377 million in 2025 to an impressive $4.2 billion by 2034. This anticipated growth, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 30.68%, reflects the increasing integration of digital technologies within the insurance industry. - read more
Addressing the Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape in the Insurance Industry
Addressing the Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape in the Insurance Industry
14 Mar 2026: Paige Estritori
The upcoming Insurance News conference, scheduled for March 19 in Sydney, is set to tackle the rapidly evolving landscape of cyber risks and the strategies insurers can employ to mitigate them. This timely event will feature a panel of experts, including QBE's Global Head of Cyber Services, Dominic Keller; WTW's Director of Cyber and Technology for the Pacific, Michael Parrant; and MGA's Broking Operations Manager, Trent Woodward. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

Life After You: Planning Ahead With Quality Life Insurance for Your Family
Life After You: Planning Ahead With Quality Life Insurance for Your Family
Life insurance is a fundamental component of a robust financial plan, yet its significance is often underestimated. It serves as a safety net, ensuring that your loved ones are financially secure in the event of your absence. Understanding life insurance is the first step towards safeguarding your family’s future. - read more
The Impact of Parenthood on Your Life Insurance Choices
The Impact of Parenthood on Your Life Insurance Choices
Life insurance, a contract between an insurer and a policyholder, is designed to provide financial protection to loved ones in the event of the policyholder's death. For parents, this protection takes on a new level of significance. The birth of a child heralds a profound shift in priorities, with a focus on safeguarding the future of one's family. Hence, understanding life insurance options becomes a crucial aspect of responsible parenting. - read more
A Millennial's Guide to Life Insurance
A Millennial's Guide to Life Insurance
For many millennials, navigating the complexities of personal finance and future planning can feel like a bewildering journey. Among these financial responsibilities, life insurance emerges as a paramount consideration. More than just a safety net, life insurance can be the cornerstone of a sound financial strategy, providing peace of mind for both the policyholder and their loved ones. - read more
How to Prepare for a Hassle-Free Life Insurance Claim
How to Prepare for a Hassle-Free Life Insurance Claim
Being prepared when it comes to life insurance claims can make a world of difference. Proper preparation helps you prevent delays and denials, ensuring that your loved ones receive the financial support promised by your policy without unnecessary hold-ups. By paying attention to the details, you can streamline the claims process, giving you and your family peace of mind during what is already a stressful time. - read more
How to Review and Update Your Life Insurance Policy as Your Family Grows
How to Review and Update Your Life Insurance Policy as Your Family Grows
Life insurance is an essential safety net for families, providing financial security when it's needed the most. As your family grows, the importance of having a well-structured life insurance policy becomes even more critical. In the busy lives we lead today, it’s easy to overlook this crucial aspect of financial planning. However, ensuring your coverage meets your family's evolving needs is vital. - read more


Start Here !
life insurance
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

Start Here

Life Cover Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided free and without obligation by a Specialist from our National Broker referral panel. See our Privacy Statement for more details.


Knowledgebase
Policyholder:
The individual or entity who owns the insurance policy.