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.
Chubb Life appoints new CFO
Chubb Life has appointed Jaco Grobbelaar as its chief financial officer.
Chubb Life has appointed Jaco Grobbelaar as its chief financial officer. Grobbelaar has more than 25 years of experience in the insurance and financial services sectors. Grobbelaar was most recently at Partners Life, where he led the finance function team across a range of activities to help strengthen organisational resilience and growth.
Chubb Life chief executive Gail Costa said
"Jaco has a strong track record of optimising financial planning and reporting processes, driving efficiency and successfully leading teams through change. I'm really looking forward to having Jaco on board and have every confidence that his expertise, experience and leadership will further strengthen our senior leadership team."
More news:
mySolutions roadshow 'Persistence: it's your Superpower' in May
Fidelity Life publish February turnaround times
Partners Life webinar 'Quote for Alteration Changes' 3 April
nib delay launch of Ultimate Life & Living Insurance suite
Southern Cross Healthcare looking for a People and Culture Business Partner
The FMA is looking for a Head of Deposit Taking
Monsters in March off to a great start
We’ve kicked off our Monsters in March event series, thanks to the attendees, sponsors and speakers for making it happen.
We’ve kicked off our Monsters in March event series, holding the first session in Remuera on 18 March and the second session in Christchurch on 20 March. Thanks to the 150+ advisers that showed up to hear about personal insurance, business insurance or KiwiSaver advice. And thank you to all of our sponsors and speakers for making it happen.
Here’s a few photos from the events so far.
We’ll be holding a last on the North Shore in Auckland on 25 March – hope to see you there!
More news:
Fidelity Life will host a workshop at FANZ conference
mySolutions Member Benefits day is on 19 March
mySolutions webinar 'Artificial Intelligence: is it for you?' 26 March
Southern Cross Health Insurance appoint Russell Simpson Chief of Healthcare Partnerships
Registrations open for the Million Dollar Round Table’s Annual Meeting in Miami in June
Advisers originate about 70% of Kiwibank’s mortgages by volume
Unimed CEO to step down
UniMed has announced that CEO Louise Zacest will be stepping down at the end of March.
UniMed has announced that CEO Louise Zacest will be stepping down at the end of March. UniMed Chair Peter Tynan said the organisation was deeply grateful for Louise’s leadership over the past four years.
“Under her guidance, UniMed has become New Zealand’s third largest health insurer, expanded into health & safety and mental wellbeing, and significantly strengthened its internal capabilities.”
Lynne Hayman has been appointed as interim CEO, for the period 31 March to 31 October 2025, while a recruitment process for a new CEO is undertaken. Hayman joined UniMed late last year as Interim Chief Operating Officer.
More news:
Fidelity Life's A- (Excellent) financial strength rating affirmed by AM Best
AIA NZ is recruiting for a new head of investments
AIA Group delivered US$6,605 million OPAT in the year ended 31 December 2024.
PPS Mutual is preparing to launch in New Zealand
The FMA contractor budget more than $13 million over the 2023/24 reporting year
Legal and regulatory update for the life and health insurance sector
Assistant Governor Kate Kolich leaving RBNZ; FMA publishes speech by Craig Stobo to the Institute of Directors and New Zealand Initiative; Annual review of PHARMAC published; FSC publish their March 2025 Regulatory Forecast; FIU release latest National Risk Assessment, which RBNZ welcomes; FMA considering a class exemption to provide relief from certain reporting, audit and assurance obligations.
11 Mar 2025 - Assistant Governor/General Manager Information, Data and Analytics Kate Kolich will be leaving RBNZ at the end of March 2025. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2025/03/general-manager-information-data-and-analytics-departs
13 Mar 2025 - The FMA publishes speech by Craig Stobo to the Institute of Directors and New Zealand Initiative. https://www.fma.govt.nz/library/speeches-and-presentations/speech-by-craig-stobo-to-the-institute-of-directors-and-nz-initiative/
13 Mar 2025 - Final report on the 2023/24 Annual review of the Pharmaceutical Management Agency (PHARMAC) was published by the Health Committee. https://selectcommittees.parliament.nz/v/6/c493f47b-6545-4a41-1243-08dd61b37e3c
14 Mar 2025 - The FSC publish their March 2025 Regulatory Forecast, available to FSC members.
17 Mar 2025 - The Police’s Financial Intelligence Unit have released the latest National Risk Assessment for 2024. https://www.police.govt.nz/sites/default/files/publications/fiu-nra-2024.pdf
17 Mar 2025 - The RBNZ has welcomed the release of the latest National Risk Assessment (NRA) from Police’s Financial Intelligence Unit. The report assesses threat and sectoral vulnerability, exploring their impact on money laundering and terrorism financing risk and proliferation financing in New Zealand. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2025/03/reserve-bank-supports-the-release-of-the-new-zealand-national-risk-assessment
17 Mar 2025 - The FMA are considering a class exemption to provide relief from certain reporting, audit and assurance obligations under the Financial Markets Conduct Act 2013 and the Financial Markets Conduct Regulations 2014 for registered Managed Investment Schemes that are in wind-up. Consultation closes 12 May 2025. https://www.fma.govt.nz/business/focus-areas/consultation/consultation-proposed-reporting-audit-and-assurance-exemptions-for-schemes-in-wind-up/
FSC release latest research report ‘Women and Finance in New Zealand’
The Financial Services Council (FSC) have released their ‘Insights and Trends: Women and finance in New Zealand’ 2025 report. With International Women’s Day being celebrated this month, the report aims to better understand how women and finances interact.
The Financial Services Council (FSC) have released their ‘Insights and Trends: Women and finance in New Zealand’ 2025 report. With International Women’s Day being celebrated this month, the report aims to better understand how women and finances interact. Some of the key findings include:
FSC research from December 2021 found that over 80% of female respondents considered their financial wellbeing as moderate to very low, with just under 64% of respondents reporting they worried about money at least monthly. By 2024, 70% of women were reporting worrying about money on a daily or weekly (in comparison, 51% of men reported worrying about money on a daily or weekly basis in 2024).
Despite reported underconfidence, FSC research has found that women are more financially literate than men overall, with 66% of women answering at least 75% of financial trivia questions correct, compared to 57% of men.
Women (61%) are more likely to be in debt than men (43%).
Women are more likely to be working part-time, have full-time home duties or be unemployed (43%) than the equivalent for men (14%).
58% of women say they are not particularly financially prepared or not financially prepared at all for retirement.
Last Year, Te Ara Ahunga Ora Retirement Commission found that the retirement gap between men and women has not improved, remaining fixed at a 25% difference since 2023. FSC CEO Kirk Hope said
"The current KiwiSaver settings disadvantages those who take career breaks, disproportionately affecting women who pause their earnings to care for or start their families.
It’s encouraging to see the Government make steps to start to address this, with those receiving paid parental leave from July 2024 being able to choose to make KiwiSaver contributions, and Inland Revenue making employer contributions of 3%.”
More news:
nib release their top 5 health claims for January 2025
nib announce nib Balance – a new health tool integrated into the my nib app
Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has acquired RMA General Limited
Shaw Financial Insurance & Investments is merging with Apex Advice
AMP are looking for a Product Lead to join their Retail team
Legal and regulatory update for the life and health insurance sector
Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor Adrian Orr has resigned; FMA release episode 2 of Jess Learns to Invest podcast; The Customer and Product Data Bill was read a second time; 2023/24 Annual reviews of the Financial Markets Authority, the Takeovers Panel and the External Reporting Board were published; RBNZ welcomes the release of Te Ōhanga Māori 2023 report.
5 Mar 2025 - Reserve Bank of New Zealand Governor Adrian Orr has resigned and will finish in the role on 31 March. Deputy Governor Christian Hawkesby will be Acting Governor until 31 March. From 1 April the Minister of Finance, on recommendation from the RBNZ Board, will appoint a temporary Governor for a period of up to six months. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2025/03/rbnz-governor-adrian-orr-resigns
5 Mar 2025 - The FMA release Women who Invest with Frances Cook | Jess Learns to Invest Podcast Episode 2. https://www.fma.govt.nz/library/podcast/jess-learns-to-invest-episode-2/#:~:text=Join%20Jess%2C%20a%2027-year-old%20newbie%20in%20the%20world,will%20share%20invaluable%20insights%20and%20tips%20about%20investing.
6 Mar 2025 - The Customer and Product Data Bill was read a second time. https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/770a5f4e-2185-4f1f-1395-08dc75512299?Tab=history
6 Mar 2025 - 2023/24 Annual reviews of the Financial Markets Authority and the Takeovers Panel were published. https://selectcommittees.parliament.nz/v/6/6e50c091-a305-4df6-4d5b-08dd5d059012
6 Mar 2025 - 2023/24 Annual review of the the External Reporting Board was published. https://selectcommittees.parliament.nz/v/6/4d1f9c2c-fc27-4249-4d5f-08dd5d059012
10 Mar 2025 - The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has welcomed the release of Te Ōhanga Māori 2023 report from the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment and Business and Economic Research Limited. Te Ōhanga Māori 2023 report builds on a series of reports that deepen our collective understanding of the Māori economy, and will inform and shape ongoing RBNZ initiatives, including Māori access to capital research and dashboard, facilitating lending on whenua Māori, the Māori data pilot, Te Waka Hourua, RBNZ's Te Ao Māori strategy, and related financial inclusion workstreams. https://www.rbnz.govt.nz/hub/news/2025/03/reserve-bank-of-new-zealand-welcomes-release-of-te-ohanga-maori-2023-report
Chubb Life New Zealand appoints new Chief Executive Officer
Paula ter Brake has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Chubb Life New Zealand, effective 5 May, subject to regulatory approvals.
Paula ter Brake has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Chubb Life New Zealand, effective 5 May, subject to regulatory approvals. Paula has 30 years of experience and the retail banking and insurance industries and was most recently Executive General Manager, Consumer Brands for IAG New Zealand.
Paul Brock, Board Chair at Chubb Life, said
“Paula’s proven track record in driving growth along with transforming large businesses will bring real value to our customers, partners and our people. She is recognised for her dynamic leadership style and success in driving strategic initiatives and will play a key role as we continue the growth and success of our business.”
More news:
Russell Hutchinson's outlook on the life and health market for 2025
mySolutions webinar 'Case Study - Client engagement and fact-finding process ' 12 March
Sophie Sargent joins Apex Advice as Operations Manager
The FMA is looking for a Senior Adviser, Media Relations
Paul Brownsey says there should be more downward pressure on KiwiSaver fees
Amy Florian says advisers’ relationships skills are more important than money management skills
MAS announce appointment of new Board member
MAS have announced that Melissa Macfarlane has been appointed to the MAS Board as a director, effective 1 February 2025.
MAS have announced that Melissa Macfarlane has been appointed to the MAS Board as a director, effective 1 February 2025.
Currently, Macfarlane serves as the New Zealand Country Head for Constantinople, a fully managed software and operations platform for banks to enhance customer experiences. Macfarlane has held a variety of prominent roles in the financial services industry, including Chief Digital Officer, Head of Corporate Strategy, and COO of Wealth and Insurance at Westpac Bank.
Brett Sutton, MAS Board Chair, said
“I’m delighted to have Melissa join us on the Board, as she brings a diverse set of skills in the financial services sector that will be valuable to the governance of MAS. In recent years, MAS’s regulators at the Financial Markets Authority and Reserve Bank of New Zealand have set robust expectations for the governance of financial services boards, so it is critical for the MAS Board to ensure we has the right balance of skills and experience to appropriately discharge our duties.”
More news:
FSC Life Insurance Special Interest Group Networking Event 25 March
Legal and regulatory update for the life and health insurance sector
FMA hold roundtable; The Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment (Duty to Provide Financial Services) Amendment Bill introduced to Parliament; FSC publish Life Insurance Industry Spotlight December 2024; Andrew Bayly resigns as Minister.
20 Feb 2025 - The FMA is holding a FMA Chief Executive and Insurance industry roundtable on 26 March at 8:30am.
20 Feb 2025 - The Financial Markets (Conduct of Institutions) Amendment (Duty to Provide Financial Services) Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament. https://bills.parliament.nz/v/6/8aad04b7-1df0-480a-531a-08dd514abaa2?Tab=history
21 Feb 2025 - The FSC publish the Life Insurance Industry Spotlight December 2024. https://7422267.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/7422267/FSC%20Corporate/Documents/Industry%20Statistics/FSC%20SPOTLIGHT%20Life%20DEC%202024.pdf
24 Feb 2025 - Andrew Bayly has resigned as Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs and Minister of ACC. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/waikato-news/news/andrew-bayly-stands-down-as-minister-after-putting-hand-on-staffer/ZV6UKMR5SNBQXAYVZXG4J3UYYI/
Key changes to Asteron Life team
Asteron Life have made a number of personnel changes following the recent acquisition by Resolution Life Australasia.
Asteron Life have made a number of personnel changes following the recent acquisition by Resolution Life Australasia. There have been three appointments to the Leadership Team - Kristy Redfern as Chief Risk Officer, Stefan Azzopardi as Chief Financial Officer and Catherine Henshall as interim Appointed Actuary.
Redfern joined in February 2025 and was previously General Counsel and Company Secretary for AIA Australia. Azzopardi will join in March 2025 and was most recently CEO of Donaldson Brown Insurance Brokers. An external search continues for the permanent Appointed Actuary position.
In addition, Scott Jenson has been appointed as Acting Executive Manager, Claims and Customer Solutions while the recruitment process for the permanent role is active.
Grant Willis, Chief Executive Officer Asteron Life New Zealand, said
“Kristy, Stefan and Catherine bring a wealth of experience that will bolster the strength and expertise of our existing leadership team, and it is great to see Scott step up to the acting role. I am very much looking forward to their input as we continue to grow our incredible business and transition into one of New Zealand’s largest life insurance businesses.”
More news:
Register for Quotemonster 'New research and tools' events in March in Auckland and Christchurch