Revamp Needed for Product Distribution, Urges ASIC

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.

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

Clear

Why Rebuild Cost Pressure Matters for Strata Insurance

26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Fresh attention on Australia's construction cost environment is a useful reminder for strata communities that insurance adequacy is not just about the premium charged at renewal. For owners corporations and body corporates, the more important question is whether the insured value of the building would still be enough to rebuild, reinstate common property and meet associated professional costs after a major loss. - read more

Why Clearer Insurance Communication Matters for Employers

26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

ASIC’s latest scrutiny of insurance in superannuation communications is a timely reminder that life cover is only valuable when people understand when it applies, what it pays, and where the gaps may sit. For employers, CFOs and HR leaders, this is not just a superannuation fund issue. It goes directly to workforce wellbeing, benefit design and the way organisations explain financial protection to their people. - read more

What Stronger Insurer Results Mean for Tradies at Renewal Time

26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

APRA’s latest general insurance statistics point to a sector that is in a stronger financial position than it was during the worst of recent inflation, repair-cost and catastrophe pressures. For Australian tradies, that sounds positive at first glance: a well-capitalised insurance market is better placed to pay claims, support recovery after major loss events and keep products available across higher-risk occupations and regions. - read more

What Simpler Advice Rules May Mean for Life Insurance

26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

The latest stage of Australia’s financial advice reform debate has direct implications for life insurance, particularly for people who hold cover through superannuation or have avoided seeking advice because of cost and complexity. The policy direction is aimed at making limited, practical guidance easier to access, including through super funds and financial institutions, while still maintaining consumer protections. - read more

Genetic Testing Reform Could Shift the Way Business Owners Approach Life Cover

26 Aug 2026: Paige Estritori

Australia’s move to restrict the adverse use of genetic test results in life insurance underwriting is more than a consumer health issue. For business owners, directors and partners, it may influence how confidently they approach cover that protects debt, ownership succession and the financial impact of losing a critical person. - read more

Click for more Insurance News