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
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
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 financial hardship withdrawals continue to rise
KiwiSaver hardship withdrawals are up significantly from this time last year. We take a look at the limited set of circumstances under which members can make hardship withdrawals.
There is a limited set of circumstances under which members can make hardship withdrawals: if you cannot pay your minimum living expenses; if you can’t keep up with your mortgage or rent; if you need to modify your home to meet special needs; if you need to pay for medical treatment or funeral expenses; or if you’re suffering from a serious illness. The withdrawal function is intended to be a last resort when you have no other options available.
The Financial Services Council has a set of guidelines illustrating how applications will be covered. The intent is to limit withdrawals to meet the basic necessities of everyday living. For example, accommodation expenses can include rates, insurance and basic maintenance but if someone was living in excessively luxurious accommodation and could move to more modest accommodation their excess accommodation costs aren’t regarded as a ‘minimum living expense’. Members are generally unable to claim for things like paying off fines, hire-purchase debt for non-essential expenses or travel to see a sick relative.
So how do members file for a financial hardship withdrawal? Members need to fill out the application, which can include a lot of paperwork – you may need to provide bank statements, proof of identity, pay slips, proof of address, quotes, information about your partners income, assets and expenses and so on. If a member is applying as they cannot meet their minimum living expenses, KiwiSaver Managers and Supervisors will use a weekly budget spreadsheet to analyse the members income, expenses, assets and liabilities to determine if there is a deficit. The budget will take into account basic food and grocery items, accommodation and associated costs such as rates, basic clothing, utilities, transport (up to two vehicles per household and public transport as applicable), general and medical insurances, medical and dental costs (excluding non-essential medical costs such as cosmetic dental treatment), school attendance costs, purchase and maintenance of normal and basic household items, reasonable costs for dependants with special needs.
The member may also need to show they had tried to find other ways of getting by, like accessing government assistance schemes or arranging different repayment arrangements from the bank. Reasonable alternative sources of funding need to have been explored and exhausted – If you have other liquid savings or investments, you will most likely need to have used those up first before withdrawing from KiwiSaver is an option.
After a holistic assessment of the member’s circumstances, if the member establishes they are unlikely to be able to meet minimum living expenses, then the withdrawal is permissible.
If you have a serious illness, you can withdraw up to the full value of your accumulation; however, if you are withdrawing due to an inability to meet minimum living expenses then you will generally be approved for living cost payments in 13 week allocations.
More news:
FMA chief to speak at Financial Services Federation conference
BNZ, Westpac and ASB offer assistance to customers affected by severe weather
Winners at the 2024 FSC Awards announced
Congratulations to all the winners, finalists and nominees at the 2024 Financial Services Council (FSC) Awards.
Congratulations to all the winners, finalists and nominees at the 2024 Financial Services Council (FSC) Awards. We’re lucky to work in an industry with so many dedicated, innovative people who have a passion for what they do; the awards recognise some of the best and brightest among us.
FSC Acting CEO Haydee Stroud said
“…it was a privilege to be able to see such a diverse range and high calibre of merit. Entrants contributions to the financial services sector and to the wider New Zealand community have all played a part in growing the financial confidence and wellbeing of all New Zealanders.”
Contribution to Community Award – Toi Ora - nib and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
Emerging Trailblazer Award – Leigh Bennett, Fidelity Life
Excellence in Governance Award – The Compliance Company
Workplace Savings Award – Bruce Kerr, Professional Trustee
Excellence in Sustainability Practices Award – AIA New Zealand
Excellence in Wellbeing & Inclusion Award – Southern Cross Health Insurance
Team of the Year Award – Operations Team, Sharesies
Chair’s Award for Services to the Industry – Ana-Marie Lockyer: Chief Executive Officer, Pie Funds
More news:
Steve Wright questions why we index life insurance but not health insurance
Financial Services Federation welcome CCCFA reforms
FAMNZ to launch the Adviser Elevate series on 2 October
The FMA plans to review the mortgage advice sector
Report estimates additional value advisers add
ASB wins Excellence in Social Purpose Driven Marketing Strategy at the New Zealand Marketing Awards
ASB sponsor the Climate Change & Business Conference 2024
Simon Papa on what the Commerce Commission’s Banking report could mean for advisers
Simon Papa has written an excellent analysis of what the Commerce Commission’s final report on competition in the personal banking services sector could mean for mortgage advisers on Good Returns.
Simon summarises the recommendations likely to impact mortgage advisers, cautions that some of the recommendations may look different once implemented and acknowledges the Commission’s engagement with the advice sector after they released their March 2024 draft report. Simon posits that the recommendation that advisers make more applications to multiple banks is likely to result in more work for advisers, though this may be offset by banks improving application systems and making offers more comparable (and we’d love to hear what you think will end up happening!). Simon also discusses what a best interests duty could mean for advisers. It's a great read and we suggest you check it out.
We reached out to Simon around what advisers could do in light of these recommendations and he advised,
“Changes to law are required to implement most of the Commission’s recommendations. So advisers will have an opportunity to make submissions on the law changes. They can also try to engage with MPs and officials. Professional bodies will also get involved, so advisers can talk to them about adviser concerns.”
More news:
TSB to pay $2.47m penalty for CCCFA breaches
BNZ has implemented the Payments NZ Account Information API v2.1 standards
Relationship Charter Survey finds strong relationships between RBNZ and firms
FSF Conference 2024 is on 22 October
Two KiwiSaver schemes – Sharesies and Koura Wealth report larger losses but make revenue gains
Michael Weston talks about how he wants to take Partners Life forward
In an interview on Good Returns TV, Michael Weston, new CEO at Partners Life, talks about how he wants to move Partners Life forward.
Good Returns TV has an interview with Michael Weston, Partners Life CEO. Weston says in the four months he’s been in the role, he’s been spending a lot of time with our advisers, getting to know the regulators and key business partners.
Weston talks about how he’s working to continue the values and the culture of the brand and as he goes forward he’s concentrating on what the next stage of growth for the company will look like, looking to spot unserved needs and ensure Partners Life has the right capabilities in place. He wants to keep focusing on innovation and in terms of the business environment currently, looking at making their solutions simpler and more accessible to a wider range of New Zealanders.
More news:
mySolutions webinar 'New mySolutions Member Benefit - myGrowth Platform' 31 July
Fidelity Life roll out enhanced GP lookup feature for their new E-App
Last week for Fidelity Life's customer engagement initiative
nib offer customers 3 months free on Easy Health, Ultimate Health or Ultimate Health Max policies
Partners Life partner with Banqer for annual Money Month Challenge
David Carney talks about the role of AI in financial advice
The Financial Services Federation signs up mortgage advisers as affiliate members
Kiwibank creates content series focusing on first homeownership
Commerce Commission says mortgage advisers at risk of being ‘unduly influenced’ by commissions
Controversy has arisen based on the back of some comments John Small, Commerce Commission chair has made around the mortgage advice sector, on the back of the Commerce Commission releasing a draft report from the market study on the banking sector that has recently been released.
Controversy has arisen based on the back of some comments John Small, Commerce Commission chair has made around the mortgage advice sector, on the back of the Commerce Commission releasing a draft report from the market study on the banking sector that has recently been released.
Small told journalists that he’s ‘not sure if you went to a mortgage broker that they would tell you’ about how they only work with certain banks and the different commissions advisers can receive, stating,
“From the broker's point of view, they will get different amounts of money from different banks. I'm not sure when you go to a mortgage broker that they would declare that to you.”
There has been a lot of feedback from mortgage advisers on the article posted on Good Returns, qualifying that they both state which banks they work with and the fees they receive from each bank in their disclosure statements all clients receive.
We study disclosure documents and note that they are all good at disclosing the range of lenders that the mortgage adviser offers to clients. The information is in the public disclosure document and is clear. The range that most mortgage advisers have access to through their aggregator is usually extensive as well - they are subject to commercial pressures and operate under strong incentives to ensure that they have relationships with at least the main lenders. Most have longer lists. Although we cannot access robust statistical information on disclosure on specific fees and commissions once a preferred lender is established, we note that there is clear guidance on how to make effective commission disclosure. So it would be interesting to hear more details on the experiences are leading the Commerce Commission to this viewpoint. On the other hand, the comments about AML/CFT limiting access to even basic banking services ring true to many of us in the sector.
More daily news:
Financial Advice NZ central branch meeting 26 March, Palmerston North
nib release their 2023 State of the Nation Parenting Survey
nib have released their 2023 State of the Nation Parenting Survey, which has found parental concern for children’s mental health has skyrocketed and shows just how severely the current cost of living crisis is affecting families. The survey canvassed the views of 1,206 parents, step-parents and guardians across NZ in June 2023.
Some of the key findings include:
46% of all parents say their biggest worry for their children is the future state of their mental health (up from 40% in 2022).
57% say they are worried about their children’s current mental health.
49% of parents say they are concerned about their child’s physical health (which increases to 59% of Māori parents).
Parents reported the top three physical health concerns impacting their children as sleeping problems (34%), behavioural issues like tantrums, problematic eating and bullying (28%) and diet and exercise (25%).
46% of parents have health insurance (up from 44% in 2022), with 64% having made a claim. Key reasons for taking up private health insurance were peace of mind (52%), quicker access to health services (48%) and confidence they can access health services (48%).
31% of parents are unable to access the support they need to address their child's health concerns.
The survey found that almost all kiwi parents were facing financial stress (93% of households).
49% of parents said financial uncertainty is the main source of household stress (up from 41% in 2022 and 35% in 2021).
66% of parents’ top concern for their kids’ future is cost of living.
19% of parents have gone without essentials such as petrol, heating or skipping meals over the last year.
Food choices are being impacted by increasing financial pressures, with 52% of parents saying they are eating less or differently; 23% keeping grocery spend the same but eating less; 51% eating less fresh vegetables; and 40% eating more processed foods.
Parents have said that increasing costs are negatively affecting their relationships and social lives with 31% reporting a negative impact on their relationship with their partner, 42% having their social lives and connection to friends negatively affected and 25% experiencing a negative impact on the amount of time spent with their children.
14% of families are choosing to delay having more children.
13% of families’ main caregiver is needing to return to work.
Nathan Wallis, nib’s resident parenting expert and neuroscience educator has some tips for families doing it tough right now.
“Parents are under increasing financial pressure and many feel like they don’t have the time, energy or resources to care for their kids and look after themselves but it’s really important that parents find ways to look after their own wellbeing”.
“It’s really important that parents look after their own mental and physical health so that they can show up for their kids. Proactively looking after your own health and wellbeing also has the added benefit of role modelling good behaviours to your kids. When parents role model healthy eating habits and exercise their kids tend to follow”.
“It might be as simple as coming together for a family meal or taking the kids for a walk or kick a ball around at the park. These healthy habits are great ways to bond with your kids and set them up for success”.
More daily news:
Southern Cross Health Insurance launch Wayfinder Awards
Southern Cross Health Society is recruiting for a Communications Executive
Fidelity Life has two finalists in the NZ Women in Security Awards
AIA, ANZ, BNZ, Westpac have finalists at the NZ Law Awards
Financial Services Federation director wants to salvage something from CoFI preparations
Suncorp New Zealand made an after-tax profit of $115m for the year to 30 June
Suncorp New Zealand made an after-tax profit of $115m for the year ended 30 June 2023. This was down 30% compared to the previous year.
Asteron Life performed well, making a profit of $50m, up $35m from the previous year. Asteron Life saw a 25% increase in new business and in-force premium growth of 6.7%.
Asteron Life’s Executive General Manager, Grant Willis, points to the support and engagement from independent financial advisers as one of the key factors in new business growth.
“We value our relationship with advisers and the partnership they have with us in supporting customers through every part of their life Insurance journey, from new business through to claims.
We were independently rated number 1 this year for adviser relationships and claims management, with our adviser net promotor score (NPS) rising from 44% to 66%. This has contributed to a new business market share increase from 10.5 % -11.3% (March figures).”
More daily news:
Katrina Shanks and Lyn McMorran claim finance sector fatigued in light of another CCCFA review