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.

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
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Allianz Australia Penalised for Misleading Travel Insurance Information

15 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of New South Wales has imposed fines totaling $16.8 million on Allianz Australia Insurance and its subsidiary, AWP Australia, for disseminating misleading information about their travel insurance products between 2016 and 2018. This decision underscores the critical importance of transparency and accuracy in the insurance sector. - read more

Surge in Medical Claims Among Australian Travellers Highlights Importance of Comprehensive Insurance

15 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In 2024, medical incidents emerged as the leading cause of travel insurance claims among Australian travellers, accounting for more than 40% of all claims handled by nib Travel. This trend underscores the critical importance of securing comprehensive travel insurance to mitigate the financial risks associated with medical emergencies abroad. - read more

Seafood Business Wins Insurance Dispute Over Storm-Induced Power Outage

15 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

A recent ruling by the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has significant implications for businesses seeking insurance compensation for losses due to power outages caused by natural disasters. In this case, a seafood distribution company experienced substantial stock losses when a storm-induced power outage left its refrigeration systems inoperable for a week. The insurer initially denied the claim, citing a flood exclusion clause. - read more

Insurance Council Advocates for Liability Law Overhaul to Curb Rising Premiums

15 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has called for urgent reforms to civil liability laws to address the escalating costs of liability insurance premiums affecting businesses nationwide. In a recently released white paper, the ICA highlights the need to review state-based civil liability laws that have remained unchanged for nearly 25 years. The report identifies key areas requiring attention, including psychological injuries, worker-to-worker claims, and leisure and recreational risks. - read more

Australian Insurers See Profit Surge in Q3 2025

14 Jan 2026: Paige Estritori

In the third quarter of 2025, Australian general insurers reported a significant after-tax profit of nearly AUD 2.3 billion, marking an increase from approximately AUD 2.1 billion in the same period of 2024. This uptick reflects a combination of rising premium revenues and a reduction in claims, contributing to the industry's robust financial performance. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Health Insurance Articles

Understanding Health Insurance: A Starter's Guide for Young Australians

Embarking on the journey of understanding health insurance is a pivotal stride for young Australians. It's a proactive step that embodies responsibility for one's well-being and financial foresight. Health insurance can often seem like a complex affair reserved for a future self, but grappling with its intricacies early can be both economically savvy and health-conscious. - read more

Smart Strategies to Lower Your Health Insurance Premiums

In today's rapidly changing health insurance landscape in Australia, keeping track of costs and coverage can be daunting. Many Australians find themselves grappling with high premiums that seem to increase year after year. - read more

Unlocking Affordable Health Insurance: Tips to Reduce Your Premiums

The current health insurance landscape in Australia can be quite confusing for many people. With numerous options available, it’s not always clear which to choose to balance your budget with your needs. Premiums are on the rise, and Australians are becoming increasingly concerned about the costs of maintaining adequate coverage. - read more

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Selecting Family Health Insurance

Choosing the right family health insurance can feel like navigating a maze. With so many options and factors to consider, it's no wonder many Australians find the process overwhelming. The stakes are high, as the wrong choice could not only impact your family's access to healthcare but also strain your finances. - read more

Insider Secrets to Finding Cost-Efficient Health Insurance

Health insurance in Australia is a crucial aspect of ensuring you and your family receive the medical care needed without facing exorbitant costs. The healthcare system, consisting of both public and private sectors, offers various options to suit different needs and budgets. While the public sector (Medicare) provides essential services, private health insurance offers additional benefits such as faster access to services, choice of doctor, and coverage for services not included in Medicare. - read more

Knowledgebase

Trauma Insurance:
An insurance that pays a lump-sum amount on the diagnosis of one of several critical illnesses or events

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 do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. 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 always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.