Household Insurance Online :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Revamp Needed for Product Distribution, Urges ASIC

Revamp Needed for Product Distribution, Urges ASIC

Revamp Needed for Product Distribution, Urges ASIC?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 Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a stern reminder to issuers of insurance and other financial products, emphasizing the urgency to enhance their distribution practices to avoid violating compliance obligations.

Recent evaluations by the regulator unveiled significant weaknesses, including insufficient due diligence mechanisms for assessing and supervising third-party distributors, subpar consumer questionnaires, and a general lack of monitoring of consumer outcomes and product performance.

“This review offers an insight into how different industries and products are adhering to design and distribution obligations,” stated ASIC commissioner Alan Kirkland. “Where improvements can be made, we expect issuers and distributors to scrutinize the reports and elevate their distribution approaches.”

From October last year up until last month, ASIC's review covered 19 product issuers, including providers of funeral and accident insurance. The examination revealed persistent issues, particularly in funeral and accident insurance, where consumers still received quotes despite being outside the intended target market based on "knockout" question responses. Moreover, consumer questionnaires often only inquired about age, an eligibility criterion, without addressing critical affordability concerns.

Under the design and distribution obligations regime implemented since October 2021, financial product issuers are mandated to ensure their products are designed for and marketed to the correct target audience. This involves creating a target market determination statement for each product, outlining its appropriateness for the intended consumers and ensuring distribution conditions align with this target market.

“ASIC is particularly focused on fostering adherence to the design and distribution obligations,” the regulator mentioned. “We are committed to regulatory actions where necessary and leveraging these obligations to enhance consumer outcomes.”

Mr. Kirkland shared that ASIC has launched five civil proceedings related to these obligations, achieving three victories so far. Additionally, the commission has issued over 80 stop orders and published findings from seven reviews since the obligations came into effect.

Based on an article from Financial Services Online, it's clear that the current state of compliance in distribution need a proactive approach to better cater to the needs and protection of consumers. Taking heed of these regulatory insights will benefit both issuers and consumers in the long run.

Published:Thursday, 19th Sep 2024
Author: Paige Estritori

Please Note: We do not endorse any specific products or companies. Some content is sourced from third parties, including press releases, and may not be independently verified for accuracy or completeness.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

ACCC Flags Potential Competition Issues in RACWA's Sale to IAG
ACCC Flags Potential Competition Issues in RACWA's Sale to IAG
04 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has expressed significant concerns regarding the proposed acquisition of the Royal Automobile Club of Western Australia's (RACWA) insurance operations by Insurance Australia Group (IAG). The watchdog warns that this transaction could substantially lessen competition in Western Australia's insurance market, potentially leading to higher premiums and reduced options for consumers. - read more
NEOS Elevates Income Protection with Increased Medical-Free Limits
NEOS Elevates Income Protection with Increased Medical-Free Limits
03 May 2026: Paige Estritori
NEOS has recently announced significant enhancements to its income protection offerings, effective from 11 March 2026. Responding to adviser feedback, the insurer has increased the maximum coverage available without mandatory medical examinations, aiming to simplify the application process for Australians seeking income protection insurance. - read more
Acenda Life Enhances Income Protection Policies with Increased Coverage Limits
Acenda Life Enhances Income Protection Policies with Increased Coverage Limits
03 May 2026: Paige Estritori
Acenda Life has recently implemented a series of updates to its Retail Life Insurance portfolio, effective from 11 April 2026. These changes are designed to provide greater flexibility and accessibility for Australians seeking income protection insurance, addressing common concerns about policy limitations and entry age restrictions. - read more
AFCA Supports Insurer's Application of Offset Clause in Income Protection Claim
AFCA Supports Insurer's Application of Offset Clause in Income Protection Claim
03 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently ruled in favour of Nippon Life Insurance in a dispute concerning the application of an offset clause in an income protection (IP) claim. This decision underscores the critical importance of policyholders understanding the specific terms and conditions of their insurance policies. - read more
ASMEX 2026: Uniting Australia's Marine Industry on the Gold Coast
ASMEX 2026: Uniting Australia's Marine Industry on the Gold Coast
03 May 2026: Paige Estritori
The Australian Superyacht, Marine Export and Commercial Marine Conference (ASMEX) is set to return to the Gold Coast on 19-20 May 2026, offering a pivotal platform for industry professionals to connect, share insights, and celebrate achievements. Hosted at The Langham Gold Coast, this year's conference introduces a refined format designed to cater to all sectors of the marine industry. - read more
Click for more Insurance News


Household Insurance Articles

Why Australian Households Can't Afford to Skip Insurance
Why Australian Households Can't Afford to Skip Insurance
Household insurance is a critical safety net for many Australian families. It protects against unexpected events such as natural disasters, theft, and accidents, ensuring that your home and belongings can be repaired or replaced if something goes awry. - read more
Household Insurance for Australian Renters: What You Should Consider
Household Insurance for Australian Renters: What You Should Consider
Household insurance is a type of coverage that protects you against financial losses from events such as theft, fire, or natural disasters. It typically includes two main components: building insurance, which covers the structure of the home, and contents insurance, which covers personal belongings within the home. - read more
Why Income Protection Insurance Matters for Every Australian Earner
Why Income Protection Insurance Matters for Every Australian Earner
The unpredictable nature of life can often leave us vulnerable to financial uncertainty, especially when it comes to our ability to earn an income. Whether due to illness, injury, or unexpected job loss, the loss of income can have a devastating impact on our financial stability and quality of life. This is where the importance of insurance in financial planning becomes evident. - read more
Building Your Safety Net: Understanding Total Replacement Cover
Building Your Safety Net: Understanding Total Replacement Cover
For many Australians, their home is their castle, their sanctuary, and most significantly, their largest investment. Safeguarding this asset against unpredictable events is not merely a consideration—it's a necessity. That's where Total Replacement Cover comes into play. But what does this term really mean, and why is it paramount when it comes to choosing a home insurance policy? - read more
The Essential Guide to Comprehensive Household Coverage in Australia
The Essential Guide to Comprehensive Household Coverage in Australia
Comprehensive household coverage, often referred to as home insurance, is a policy designed to protect your home and its contents against a wide array of risks. This type of coverage typically includes protection against natural disasters, theft, vandalism, and various unforeseen events. In simple terms, it's the safety net that ensures peace of mind should the unexpected happen to your property or possessions. - read more

Knowledgebase
Elimination Period:
The time period between an injury and the receipt of benefit payments from an insurer, particularly in disability insurance.

Quick Links: | Home And Contents Insurance Australia | Home Insurance Australia | Contents Insurance Australia | Household Insurance | Home Insurance Quotes | Best Home Insurance Policies | Affordable Home Insurance | Home Insurance Comparison | Home Insurance Coverage | Home Insurance Premiums | Home Insurance Discounts
This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.
IMPORTANT: We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party brokers, insurers, and lenders. We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should independently verify the credentials and licensing of any adviser or provider you engage. Visit the ASIC website for further information.