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

New Crane Cover Highlights the Insurance Gap for High-Risk Trades

24 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

A new specialist insurance product for Australian crane and rigging operators is a timely reminder that not every business fits neatly into a standard policy box. ARTes Specialty, working with wholesale provider Mobius Insurance, has launched an integrated crane and rigging policy for the local market, adding to its earlier Australian offerings for commercial loggers and contractors’ plant and equipment. - read more

NSW Budget Puts Insurance Levy Pressure Back on the Table

24 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The latest NSW Budget has reignited debate over the Emergency Services Levy, with insurance industry concern growing that escalating collection forecasts are strengthening the case for reform. For households and businesses already managing higher premiums, the issue is more than a line item in the state accounts. It goes directly to affordability, underinsurance and whether the cost of funding emergency services is being shared fairly. - read more

NSW Insurance Levy Pressure Adds to Salon Cost Concerns

24 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

The NSW Budget released on 23 June 2026 has put insurance affordability back in the spotlight, with updated forecasts showing emergency services levy collections are expected to be materially higher than previously projected. For beauty salon owners, skin clinics, nail technicians and mobile beauticians in NSW, the issue is not just a government finance story. - read more

Life Insurance Demand Strengthens as Businesses Reassess Protection Needs

24 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori

New market data reported by Plan For Life points to a notable rebound in parts of Australia’s life insurance sector, with individual lump sum insurance new business rising 6.7% across the 2025 calendar year and individual income protection new business increasing 8.3%. While overall risk new business was lower, that decline was attributed largely to group risk sales returning to more normal levels after earlier periods of heightened activity. - read more

Click for more Insurance News