Adviser Shortage and Policy Shifts Impact Life/Risk Market
Adviser Shortage and Policy Shifts Impact Life/Risk Market
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 decline of life/risk advisers paired with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's (APRA's) intervention in the Individual Disability Income (IDII) insurance sector imposes fresh challenges on the market, hinting at recovery only intermittently.
Recent insights from Dexx&r, a specialist research organization, depict a significant effect of governmental policies on Australia’s life/risk market, shaking even the traditionally sturdy group insurance subset.
Dexx&r's latest analysis shows a mere 0.4% rise in total risk in-force premiums for the year concluding in December 2023, reaching $16.5 billion.
Interestingly, new individual risk lump sum businesses declined by 5.4%, revealing the broader implications of the prevailing market conditions.
This market turbulence is further highlighted by the increase in individual lump sum discontinues, which escalated to 10.1% by December.
In a stark contrast, new disability income business saw a 7.3% rise during the same year, hitting $451 million, up from $420 million in the prior year.
The attrition rate for Disability Income business is on an upward trajectory, climbing from 9% in December 2020-just before APRA introduced new disability income products-to higher levels following the product releases in 2021.
Significantly, Dexx&r highlighted a 1% decrease in in-force group business for the year ending December 2023. This contraction points to the impact on premium receipts connected to default covers for superannuation funds.
“The introduction of the Protecting Your Super measures led to a reduction in members with default cover; nonetheless, overall premium receipts surged due to re-pricing of existing benefits,” Dexx&r stated.
Total In-force Group Risk Premium witnessed a small dip of 1%, lowering from $7.1 billion in December 2022 to $7.0 billion by December 2023.
TAL maintains its lead with a 32% market share, followed by AIA Australia, Zurich, and MLC Life.
The Australian life insurance sector has reported a substantial underwriting gain of $279 million for the December quarter of 2025, a significant improvement from the $36 million recorded in the same period the previous year. This data, released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), highlights a notable turnaround in the industry's financial performance. - read more
Australia's general insurance industry has reported an unprecedented after-tax profit of $6.1 billion for the year 2024, marking a significant milestone in the sector's financial performance. This figure is three times higher than the five-year average of $2 billion, according to KPMG's General Insurance Insights report. - read more
Insurance Australia Group (IAG), the country's largest insurer, has reported a 33% increase in its full-year insurance profit, reaching A$606 million for the 12 months ending June 2025. This significant growth is attributed to a combination of reduced claims expenses and strategic premium adjustments. - read more
Adore Beauty, a prominent name in Australia's online beauty retail sector, has significantly expanded its physical presence by opening nine new stores across the country. This strategic move marks a substantial shift from its digital-only model, aiming to provide customers with a more immersive shopping experience. - read more
In a groundbreaking move, Botched Babes has unveiled 'Bad Beauty Experience Insurance,' a novel product designed to compensate clients for unsatisfactory beauty services. This initiative addresses a longstanding gap in the market, offering financial recourse to individuals dissatisfied with their beauty treatments. - read more
Life insurance can seem complex at first, but understanding the basics can help demystify this important financial product. At its core, life insurance is a contract between you and an insurer, where the insurer promises to pay a designated beneficiary a sum of money upon your passing, in exchange for premium payments. - read more
Life insurance is a cornerstone of financial planning for Aussie families, offering protection and peace of mind. But what happens when the bustling flow of life brings changes? This is where a life insurance review comes into play. A life insurance review is a thorough analysis of your existing policy to ensure it aligns with your current life circumstances and financial goals. - read more
When you’re young, life is all about new experiences and making plans for a promising future. While factors like travel, career, and relationships often take centre stage, one aspect often overlooked is life insurance. It might seem like something to consider later in life, but starting a policy while you're young can be a savvy financial move. - read more
Choosing the right life insurance policy is one of the most important decisions for Australians, especially for those who are middle-aged or older. Life insurance provides financial security for your loved ones in the event of your passing, ensuring that they are not burdened with financial hardships. - read more
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
Start Here !
Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!
Knowledgebase
Insurance Claim: Notification to an insurance company requesting payment of an amount due under the terms of the policy.