Chatswood serves the life and health insurance sector in New Zealand with market intelligence, data, and bespoke consulting services. Some of these are provided in conjunction with Quality Product Research Limited - a subsidiary that brings you Quotemonster.
We believe that good decisions are more likely to occur when we have good information about the market environment in which we operate. Intuitive leaps and creative decisions are always required, of course, but the more they are based on a firm foundation of observation, the better they tend to be.
Legal and regulatory update for the life and health insurance sector
XRB publish targeted guidance documents on transition planning and seek insput on submission around global public sector climate-related disclosure standard; CoFR Dec quarterly statement released; CASH report for November 2024 released.
16 Dec 2024 - In partnership with the Sustainable Business Council, the XRB has published a targeted guidance documents on transition planning: a short overview about the why and what of transition plan. https://www.xrb.govt.nz/dmsdocument/5340/
16 Dec 2024 - In partnership with the Sustainable Business Council, the XRB has published a targeted guidance documents on transition planning: a guide for executives. https://www.xrb.govt.nz/dmsdocument/5341/
16 Dec 2024 - The XRB is seeking input to a submission to the International Public Sector Accounting Standards Board in response to its exposure draft of a global public sector climate-related disclosure standard. https://www.xrb.govt.nz/consultations/climate/
16 Dec 2024 - Quarterly Statement by the Council of Financial Regulators for December 2024 released. https://www.cofr.govt.nz/news-and-publications/quarterly-statement-by-cofr-december-2024.html
16 Dec 2024 - NZ Police Financial Intelligence Unit release “The CASH Report” for September 2024. https://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/publications/fiu-monthly-report-nov2024.pdf
Legal and regulatory update for the life and health insurance sector
APRA release quarterly private health insurance performance stats; RBNZ issue second amendment to the Interim Solvency Standard 2023; Government announces reforms to strengthen NZ’s capital markets; FSC support allowing KiwiSaver funds to be invested in unlisted assets; APRA release annual private health insurance stats; CoFR release regulatory initiatives calendar for Q4; XRB publish documents on plan to consult on climate standards.
11 Dec 2024 - APRA has released its quarterly private health insurance performance statistical publication for the September 2024 quarter. https://www.apra.gov.au/news-and-publications/apra-releases-quarterly-private-health-insurance-performance-statistics-for
12 Dec 2024 - RBNZ has issued the second amendment to the Interim Solvency Standard 2023, which will take effect for all relevant insurers from 1 March 2025. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/12/second-amendment-to-insurance-interim-solvency-standard-issued
13 Dec 2024 - The FSC has come out in support of the Government’s announcement to allow KiwiSaver funds to be invested in unlisted assets. https://blog.fsc.org.nz/media-statement-13-december-2024
13 Dec 2024 - The Government is progressing a package of reforms to help ensure our capital markets are working to support a productive economy. As a first step, the Government is making it easier for businesses to raise money from the public by making it voluntary to provide forward-looking financial information as part of an Initial Public Offering of shares. This will give businesses more flexibility and bring New Zealand closer in line with other countries like Australia. These changes are expected to be in place by May 2025. The Government has also opened consultation on two specific proposals that will help create more effective capital markets: Enabling KiwiSaver investment in private assets; and potential adjustments to the climate-related disclosures regime. https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/strengthening-new-zealands-capital-markets
13 Dec 2024 - APRA has released its annual private health insurance statistical publication for the 2023-2024 year. https://www.apra.gov.au/news-and-publications/apra-releases-enhanced-annual-private-health-insurance-statistics-for-2023
13 Dec 2024 - The Council of Financial Regulators (CoFR) has published their Regulatory Initiatives Calendar for Q4 2024. https://www.cofr.govt.nz/key-documents/regulatory-initiatives-calendar.html
16 Dec 2024 - The XRB has published a document that provides: information on their plan to consult on Aotearoa New Zealand Climate Standards (NZ CS), focusing on the topic of differential climate-related reporting and context to readers of the MBIE discussion document Adjustments to the climate-related disclosures regime. https://www.xrb.govt.nz/dmsdocument/5355/
Legal and regulatory update for the life and health insurance sector
RBNZ warn Quest Insurance Group Limited; APRA publish findings of climate risk survey; The Contracts of Insurance Bill and the Contracts of Insurance (Repeals and Amendments) Bill were read a third time; XRB announce climate and assurance proposals; APRA publish FAQ’s for insurers; ASIC announce enforcement priorities for 2025; FMA release latest podcast; Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs’ diary released; FMA publish updated calendar of events.
12 Nov 2024 - RBNZ has issued a warning to Quest Insurance Group Limited for failures to comply with the Insurance (Prudential Supervision Act 2010 (IPSA). Quest’s non-compliance included prolonged failures to maintain its minimum non-life solvency margin, and to maintain a statutory fund for its life insurance business. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/11/reserve-bank-issues-warning-to-quest-insurance-group-limited
12 Nov 2024 - RBNZ have updated their research agenda for the 2024-25 year. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/research/our-research-programme
13 Nov 2024 - APRA has published the findings of its second climate risk self-assessment survey. The findings provide deeper insights into how regulated entities identify, manage and disclose the financial risks of climate change and align their practices with the Prudential Practice Guide CPG 229 Climate Change Financial Risks. https://www.apra.gov.au/news-and-publications/apra-releases-survey-results-assessing-management-of-risks-associated-climate
13 Nov 2024 - The Contracts of Insurance Bill and the Contracts of Insurance (Repeals and Amendments) Bill were read a third time. https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/daily-progress-in-the-house/daily-progress-for-wednesday-13-november-2024/
13 Nov 2024 - The External Reporting Board 2024 Climate and Assurance Proposals announced. The External Reporting Board approved three of the four proposals relating to amendments to climate and assurance standards:
A one year extension to the adoption provision for scope 3 GHG emissions disclosures
A one year extension to the adoption provision for anticipated financial impacts disclosures
A new one year adoption provision relating to the assurance of scope 3 GHG emissions
The proposal to delay transition planning by an additional year was not adopted, on the basis of hearing strong user demand for this information.
The amending standards will have an application date of 1 January 2024, meaning they are applicable for accounting periods that begin on or after this date.
https://www.xrb.govt.nz/news/latest-news/
14 Nov 2024 - APRA has published one new frequently asked question (FAQ), updated 19 and deleted 11 FAQs on measurement of capital for Authorised deposit-taking institution (ADI) and insurers. https://www.apra.gov.au/news-and-publications/apra-publishes-new-and-updated-faqs-on-capital-for-adis-and-insurers
14 Nov 2024 - ASIC announced its enforcement priorities for 2025, capturing the key areas where it will direct resources and expertise in the coming year.
Misconduct exploiting superannuation savings
Unscrupulous property investment schemes
Failures by insurers to deal fairly and in good faith with customers
Strengthening investigation and prosecution of insider trading
Business models designed to avoid consumer credit protections
Misconduct impacting small businesses and their creditors
Debt management and collection misconduct
Licensee failures to have adequate cyber-security protections
Greenwashing and misleading conduct involving ESG claims
Member services failures in the superannuation sector
Auditor misconduct
Used car finance sold to vulnerable consumers by finance providers
14 Nov 2024 - The FMA release latest podcast 'Navigating KiwiSaver Episode 2: KiwiSaver Funds'. https://www.fma.govt.nz/library/podcast/navigating-kiwisaver-episode-2/
15 Nov 2024 - Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hon Andrew Bayly October 2024 diary released with the following potential financial services sector related meetings noted:
• 2 Oct 2024 – MEET: Fintech roundtable (invited attendees)
• 14 Oct 2024 – MEET: Kiwisaver group (invited attendees)
• 22 Oct 2024 – SPEAK: Financial Services Federation Conference (conference attendees)
• 23 Oct 2024 – MEET: Commerce Commission (Commerce Commission Officials)
• 24 Oct 2024 – MEET: Banking Ombudsman (Miriam Dean, Nicola Sladden)
15 Nov 2024 - The FMA publish an updated calendar of events. https://www.fma.govt.nz/library/events/calendar-of-events/
Legal and regulatory update for the life and health insurance sector
RBNZ announce key findings from Reverse Stress Test, announce date they will publish annual updated weights for the Trade Weighted Index and say risks to NZ’s financial system remain contained; XRB consult on proposal to amend equity method of accounting; FMA release new podcast series on KiwiSaver; committee stage of the Contracts of Insurance Bill completed and the bill was divided.
4 November 2024 - The RBNZ announced key findings from its 2024 Reverse Stress Test, alongside an assessment of how geopolitical tensions could impact financial stability in New Zealand. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/11/geopolitical-tensions-highlighted-as-risk-to-financial-stability
4 November 2024 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand will publish the annual updated weights for the Trade Weighted Index on 4 December. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/statistics/series/exchange-and-interest-rates/trade-weighted-index-weights-and-trade-volumes
5 November 2024 - Risks to New Zealand’s financial system remain contained, Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby says in releasing the November 2024 Financial Stability Report. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/11/financial-system-remains-resilient-admidst-economic-downturn
6 November 2024 - The External Reporting Board is seeking feedback on the International Accounting Standards Board's Exposure Draft which proposes to amend and clarify the requirements of the equity method of accounting. Consultations closes 20 November 2024. https://www.xrb.govt.nz/assets/Accounting/Consultations/Equity-Method-ED/XRB-summary-of-the-proposals-IASB-ED-Equity-Method.pdf
7 November 2024 - The FMA launch a new podcast series 'Navigating KiwiSaver'. In the first episode 'KiwiSaver 101', Jess talks with Stuart Johnson, Chief Economist at the FMA, about KiwiSaver – how it works, its benefits, and strategies to maximise your investment. https://www.fma.govt.nz/library/podcast/navigating-kiwisaver-episode-1/
7 November 2024 - The committee stage of the Contracts of Insurance Bill was completed. The bill was divided into the following bills:
Contracts of Insurance Bill
Contracts of Insurance (Repeals and Amendments) Bill
Legal and regulatory update for the life and health insurance sector
FMA publish speech by CEO Samantha Barrass; RBNZ publish speech by Assistant Governor Karen Silk; Hon Andrew Bayly’s September diary released; RBNZ publish bulletin on banking funding developments; The Budapest Convention and Related Matters Legislation Amendment Bill had its first reading; FMA publishes guidance; APRA publish Annual Report; The committee stage of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) (Improving Mental Health Outcomes) Amendment Bill was completed; new Privacy complaints guide; RBNZ release voluntary Climate-related Disclosure; ASIC announces new appointments; The Contracts of Insurance Bill was read a second time; Commerce Commission Commissioner reappointed; RBNZ delay November FSR.
15 oct 2024 - The FMA has published the speech by FMA Chief Executive Samantha Barrass at the Institute of Financial Professionals New Zealand Conference 2024. https://www.fma.govt.nz/library/speeches-and-presentations/speech-by-samantha-barrass-at-infinz-20242024/
16 Oct 2024 - RBNZ publish Assistant Governor Karen Silk's speech 'Transmission of monetary policy to financial conditions' from the Citi Australia and New Zealand Investment Conference. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/10/transmission-of-monetary-policy-to-financial-conditions
16 Oct 2024 - Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Hon Andrew Bayly August 2024 diary released with the following potential financial services sector related meetings noted:
4 Sep 2024 – ATTEND: Financial Education Roundtable (invitees)
4 Sep 2024 – SPEAK: Financial Services Council Annual Conference Gala Dinner (conference delegates)
11 Sep 2024 – MEET: NZBA (Roger Beaumont)
13 Sep 2024 – MEET: BNZ CEO (Dan Huggins)
16 Sep 2024 – ATTEND: NZ Banking Association Council Meeting (Council Members)
23 Sep 2024 – ATTEND: Westpac Einvoicing customer event (Invited guests)
23 Sep 2024 – CALL: FMA CEO (Samantha Barrass)
23 Sep 2024 – ATTEND: Financial Service Federation Dinner (Invited guests)
24 Sep 2024 – MEET: Privacy Commissioner (Michael Webster)
24 Sep 2024 – ZOOM: XRB (Michelle Embling, and April Mackenzie)
25 Sep 2024 – MEET: Banking Ombudsman (Nicola Sladden)
26 Sep 2024 – MEET: Commerce Commission (Commerce Commission Officials)
26 Sep 2024 – MEET: NZBA (Roger Beaumont and Miles Erwin)
27 Sep 2024 – CALL: Westpac CEO (Catherine McGrath)
30 Sep 2024 – ZOOM: Commerce Commission (Commerce Commission Officials)
16 Oct 2024 - RBNZ publish a Bulletin which provides an overview of bank funding and mortgage rate pricing developments in recent years. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/10/monetary-policy-pass-through-to-bank-funding-costs-and-mortgage-rates
16 Oct 2024 - The Budapest Convention and Related Matters Legislation Amendment Bill had its first reading and was referred to Select Committee. https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/f2d3b46e-56c2-41cd-0edd-08dcdb5e62cc?Tab=history
16 Oct 2024 - The FMA has published guidance which explains their interpretation of the law, to promote consistent market practices and ensure the requirements of section 212 (Initial steps in winding up of registered scheme) and section 213 (Winding-up report) of the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 (FMC Act) are met. https://www.fma.govt.nz/library/guidance-library/winding-up-requirements-for-registered-schemes/
16 Oct 2024 - The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has published its Annual Report for the 2023-24 financial year. https://www.apra.gov.au/news-and-publications/apra-publishes-2023-24-annual-report
16 Oct 2024 - The committee stage of the Pae Ora (Healthy Futures) (Improving Mental Health Outcomes) Amendment Bill was completed. https://www.parliament.nz/en/pb/daily-progress-in-the-house/daily-progress-for-wednesday-16-october-2024/
16 Oct 2024 - The office of the Privacy Commissioner has published 'Handling privacy complaints: a step-by-step guide'. https://privacy.org.nz/publications/guidance-resources/handling-privacy-complaints-a-step-by-step-guide/
17 Oct 2024 - The RBNZ has released its first voluntary Climate-related Disclosure - Ngā Whakapuaki e Pā ana ki te Āhuarangi for FY2023/24, outlining their progress in understanding, monitoring, and managing climate-related risks. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/publications/reports/2024/climate-related-disclosure/data/climate-related-disclosure-2023-24
17 Oct 2024 - ASIC announce appointments to the ASIC Executive Leadership team: Peter Soros as Executive Director Regulation and Supervision; Chris Savundra to the role of Executive Director Enforcement and Compliance. https://asic.gov.au/about-asic/news-centre/find-a-media-release/2024-releases/24-226mr-appointments-to-the-asic-executive-leadership-team/?altTemplate=betanewsroom
17 Oct 2024 - The Contracts of Insurance Bill was read a second time. https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/019dad64-3f9e-46b8-5cd9-08dc67f794e8?Tab=history
18 Oct 2024 - The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) has confirmed that Dr Derek Johnston has been reappointed for a second term as a Commissioner at the Commerce Commission. https://www.mbie.govt.nz/about/news/dr-derek-johnston-reappointed-to-the-commerce-commission
18 Oct 2024 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand’s November Financial Stability Report (FSR) for 2024 has been moved to 5 November. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/10/financial-stability-report-moved-to-5-november
KiwiSaver determined to be competitive
The latest Melville Jessup Weaver analysis has determined that KiwiSaver is statistically competitive.
The latest Melville Jessup Weaver analysis has determined that KiwiSaver is statistically competitive. Competitiveness, as measured by the Herfindahl-Hirschman Index (HHI), improved slightly year on year. There are 38 schemes and 34 providers available for kiwis to choose from, with the three largest owners (ANZ, ASB and Fisher) accounting for around half of scheme members and assets. There was a slight shift in favour of providers outside the 10 largest, who expanded their market share by 0.5% during the 12 months to March 31.
More news:
FSC to hold member meeting on XRB Consultation
Banking Ombudsman Scheme received 6,054 cases
ANZ announce official partnership with Auckland Football Club
Legal and regulatory update for the life and health insurance sector
FMA addresses feedback on liquidity guide; XRB appoint incoming CE; AA ordered to pay a penalty; RBNZ consulting on a revised access policy as part of review of ESAS; RBNZ publish Annual Report; XRB consults on amendments to Climate and Assurance Standards; FMA file proceedings against ASB for allegedly making false or misleading representations in relation to insurance products and banking services.
6 Oct 2024 - FMA sent a letter to licensed fund managers acknowledging the regulator had received feedback that the liquidity guide, as updated this April, is “preventing or disincentivising investment in private assets” and has been engaging with fund managers on the issue. https://investmentnews.co.nz/investment-news/fma-chief-hoses-down-fund-liquidity-guide-concerns-for-private-assets-cofi-entities-get-licensing-hurry-up/
7 Oct 2024 - The External Reporting Board today announced the appointment of Wendy Venter as its incoming Chief Executive, commencing 15 January 2025. Ms Venter will replace April Mackenzie, who announced in August her intention to step down at the end of a five-year term. https://www.xrb.govt.nz/news/latest-news/
7 Oct 2024 - AA Insurance New Zealand Limited (AAI) has been ordered to pay a penalty of $6.175 million for failing to apply multi-policy and membership discounts, as well as guaranteed no claims bonuses. AAI also misled customers about its multi policy discount offer in marketing material and misrepresented that certain eligible customers would receive its guaranteed no claims bonus for life. The High Court judgment follows proceedings brought by the FMA. https://www.fma.govt.nz/news/all-releases/media-releases/aa-insurance-to-pay-6-175-million-penalty/
7 Oct 2024 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand is consulting on a revised access policy, as part of its ongoing review of the Exchange Settlement Account System (ESAS), a payments and settlement system used by banks. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/10/esas-access-review-is-open-for-second-consultation
8 oct 2024 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has published its Annual Report covering the year from 1 July 2023 to 30 June 2024. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/10/rbnz-releases-annual-report-2024
8 Oct 2024 - The XRB has published a consultation document on proposed 2024 amendments to Climate and Assurance Standards. The XRB is proposing providing relief by amending:
• NZ CS 2 Adoption of Aotearoa New Zealand Climate Standards
• NZ SAE 1 Assurance Engagements over Greenhouse Gas Emissions Disclosures. Consultation closes 30 October 2024.
8 Oct 2024 - The FMA has filed civil proceedings against ASB Bank Limited for allegedly making false or misleading representations in relation to insurance products and banking services.
The FMA’s proceedings have two causes of action. The first relates to the failure to apply multi policy discounts on ASB-branded insurance products. The FMA alleges that the misapplication of the multi policy discount arose through errors in the manual process undertaken by ASB staff at the point of sale for insurance products. A sub-issue involved ASB staff misinforming customers with policies of insurance for caravans and trailers that they were eligible for the multi policy discount, despite those policies being ineligible.
The second cause of action is in respect of ASB’s failure to consistently apply fee exemptions to certain customer accounts with access to ASB’s Fastnet Banking service, specifically: Society Cheque, Education Administration, and Business Focus accounts. As with the multi policy discount issue, the FMA alleges the failures arose through errors in the manual process undertaken by ASB staff. ASB did not have adequate systems in place to check that the fee exemptions were being applied correctly.
Legal and regulatory update for the life and health insurance sector
Upcoming XRB events; FMA appoints new Executive Director Transformation and Operational Delivery; NZFIU release latest CASH report.
3 October 2024 - The External Reporting Board is hosting two events on 8 November: IASB Work Programme for Company Directors and IFRS 18 Insights. https://www.xrb.govt.nz/news/pitopito-korero/
3 October 2024 - FMA appoints Kari Jones as Executive Director Transformation and Operational Delivery. https://www.fma.govt.nz/news/all-releases/media-releases/fma-appoints-kari-jones/
3 October 2024 - NZ Police Financial Intelligence Unit release “The CASH Report” for September 2024. https://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/publications/fiu-monthly-report-sep2024.pdf
Legal and regulatory update for the life and health insurance sector
XRB to publish consultation on climate; FMA report on KiwiSaver; RBNZ submit on banking competition.
24 Sep 2024 - The External Reporting Board (XRB) has announced that within the month they will publish a consultation document exploring options for transitional adjustments to the Aotearoa New Zealand Climate Standards. https://www.xrb.govt.nz/news/latest-news/
24 Sep 2024 - The Financial Markets Authority have published their KiwiSaver Annual Report 2024. https://www.fma.govt.nz/library/reports-and-papers/kiwisaver-report/
26 Sep 2024 - The RBNZ have published their submission to Parliament’s Finance and Expenditure Committee Inquiry into Banking Competition, which outlines the RBNZ’s financial stability mandate, and highlights areas where they can support competition in the banking sector. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2024/09/rbnz-releases-banking-competition-select-committee-submission
Legal and regulatory update for the life and health insurance sector
MBIE seek feedback on Customer and Product Data Bill; COFR release August 2024 quarterly statement; FMA file charges against a former financial adviser; Samantha Barrass' speech from the FSC conference; FMA cancel Integrity Advisers Insurance Limited’s FAP licence for engaging in serious misconduct; XRB publishes exposure draft; RBNZ publish Christian Hawkesby's speech from the FSC Conference.
29 Aug 2024 - MBIE are seeking feedback on how the Customer and Product Data Bill will apply to the banking and electricity sectors. Consultation on their discussion paper 'open banking regulations and standards under the customer and product data bill' is due by 10 October 2024. https://www.mbie.govt.nz/have-your-say/exploring-a-consumer-data-right-for-the-banking-sector
30 Aug 2024 - The Council of Financial Regulators (CoFR) release their Quarterly Statement for August 2024. https://www.cofr.govt.nz/news-and-publications/quarterly-statement-by-cofr-august-2024.html
3 Sep 2024 - The Financial Markets Authority has filed criminal charges against a former financial adviser. The defendant, who has interim name suppression, has pleaded not guilty to two representative charges of theft by a person in a special relationship. The FMA alleges that the defendant procured approximately $1.7 million from two sets of clients on the basis that he would invest the funds procured on their behalf. It is alleged the defendant instead used the funds obtained for personal purposes. The alleged offending occurred between 2016 and 2022. https://www.fma.govt.nz/news/all-releases/media-releases/fma-files-criminal-charges-against-former-financial-adviser/
4 Sep 2024 - The FMA publish Samantha Barrass' speech from the Financial Services Council 2024 Conference. https://www.fma.govt.nz/library/speeches-and-presentations/financial-services-council-conference-2024/
4 Sep 2024 - The Financial Markets Authority has cancelled Integrity Advisers Insurance Limited’s (Integrity) Financial Advice Provider (FAP) licence for engaging in serious misconduct.
Integrity is a Christchurch-based financial service provider that held a full FAP licence, providing financial advice to approximately 500 retail customer.
Following an investigation, the FMA found that Integrity breached its market services licensee obligations by failing to:
• give priority to client’s interests
• comply with the Code of Professional Conduct for Financial Advice Services
• treat customers fairly
• act with integrity.
The breaches relate to Integrity’s treatment of clients who wanted to cancel their respective insurance policy between September 2022 and June 2023 (affected clients).
https://www.fma.govt.nz/news/all-releases/media-releases/fma-cancels-integrity-licence/
5 Sep 2024 - Concerns about inconsistent application and insufficient disclosures of climate-related matters in financial statements has led the International Accounting Standards Board (IASB), in collaboration with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), to develop an Exposure Draft outlining eight illustrative examples. https://www.xrb.govt.nz/consultations/accounting-standards-open-for-consultation/reporting-climate-related-and-other-uncertainties-in-financial-statements/
5 Sep 2024 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand publish Christian Hawkesby's speech at the FSC24 Conference. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/publications/speech/2024/resilience-as-a-pathway-to-prosperity