Life Insurance Australia :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Life insurance industry hit hard by $6.6 billion investment losses

Life insurance industry hit hard by $6.6 billion investment losses

Life insurance industry hit hard by $6.6 billion investment losses?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 Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has released its latest industry update, revealing a significant slump in net profit after tax for the life industry in Australia.
The industry suffered a 59.3% decrease in net profit after tax to $500 million for the year ending December, primarily due to investment losses of approximately $6.6 billion.

APRA notes that the losses were caused by both realised and unrealised losses on interest-bearing assets, impacting investment returns during the year. By comparison, the industry reported investment revenue of about $3.8 billion in the previous year.

Despite this setback, risk products, including individual disability income insurance (DII), performed strongly during the same period. APRA reports that net profit from risk products increased to $1.14 billion from $745.6 million in the previous year, with the improved profit largely driven by the $1.1 billion profit recorded by individual DII.

The regulator attributes this increase to movements in bond yields, repricing activities, and the release of Covid-19 reserves throughout the year.

Group lump sum and group DII business also reported profits of $33.7 million and $352 million, respectively, in contrast to a $165.9 million loss and $6.6 million profit the previous year. APRA explains that the improved results were due to lower net policy expenses for group lump sum business and reserve releases for group DII.

However, individual lump sum was the only risk product in the red, reporting a $329.2 million loss, primarily due to an increase in net policy expenses, according to APRA.

While the life industry's investment losses have stung the sector significantly, the strength of its risk products provides some optimism for the future. Industry players will need to remain vigilant and strategic in their investments to navigate the unpredictable financial landscape ahead.

Published:Friday, 10th Mar 2023
Source: Paige Estritori

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

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth in Truck Insurance Policies
Insuregroup's Remarkable Growth in Truck Insurance Policies
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
Insuregroup, a specialist insurance brokerage serving Australia's transport and logistics sector, has recently announced a significant milestone: processing over 10,000 insurance policies since its inception, with a 25% increase in policy volume over the past year. This growth underscores the escalating demand for comprehensive truck insurance solutions tailored to the unique needs of Australian freight operators. - read more
ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs
ICA's Strategic Plan to Combat Escalating Motor Insurance Costs
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has unveiled a comprehensive report titled 'Motor Insurance Policy Paper - A Roadmap for Reducing Rising Premiums,' addressing the significant 42% increase in comprehensive motor insurance premiums since 2019. This surge has brought the average annual premium to $1,052 in 2024, prompting the need for coordinated action to alleviate the financial burden on consumers. - read more
Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season: Insurers Issue Warnings
Heightened Road Risks During Holiday Season: Insurers Issue Warnings
21 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
As the Australian summer school holidays coincide with peak freight activity, insurers and transport specialists are raising concerns about heightened road risks. The surge in freight traffic, coupled with increased holiday travel, amplifies the potential for road incidents, particularly involving heavy vehicles. - read more
AustralianSuper Announces Reduction in Default Income Protection Cover
AustralianSuper Announces Reduction in Default Income Protection Cover
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
AustralianSuper, one of Australia's largest superannuation funds, has announced a significant change to its default income protection insurance. Effective from 28 February 2026, the fund will reduce the default income protection cover to $1,000 per month. This adjustment aims to align insurance coverage with members' actual income levels and prevent over-insurance, which can erode retirement savings. - read more
APRA Postpones Changes to Individual Disability Income Insurance Policy Terms
APRA Postpones Changes to Individual Disability Income Insurance Policy Terms
20 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has announced a suspension of the planned changes to individual disability income insurance (IDII) policy contract terms. Originally set to take effect from 1 October 2022, the implementation has been deferred for at least two years, providing insurers and policyholders additional time to adapt to the forthcoming regulations. - read more


Life Insurance Articles

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
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
Understanding Life Insurance: How to Get the Best Online Quotes
Understanding Life Insurance: How to Get the Best Online Quotes
The digital age has fundamentally transformed how we approach almost every aspect of our lives, including the way we shop for life insurance in Australia. Gone are the days when one had to schedule meetings with insurance agents or flip through pamphlets to understand life insurance policies. Today, obtaining life insurance quotes online has become the norm, offering a hassle-free and incredibly accessible platform for individuals to safeguard their financial future. - 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
Trauma Cover: Calculating Adequate Protection for Life's Unexpected Moments
Trauma Cover: Calculating Adequate Protection for Life's Unexpected Moments
The financial fabric of our lives consists of both planning and safeguarding against the unforeseen. Trauma cover, a lesser-known but crucial aspect of personal insurance, provides this protection by offering a lump sum payment upon diagnosis of specific serious illnesses or injuries. In the tapestry of financial planning, it acts as a vital safety net, ensuring that unexpected health crises do not lead to monetary distress. - 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
Liability Insurance:
Insurance that provides protection from claims arising from injuries or damage to other people or property