Revamp Needed for Product Distribution, Urges ASIC
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.
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.
Fresh boating safety messaging from the Australian Maritime Safety Authority is a practical reminder that risk management starts long before a vessel leaves the ramp, marina or mooring. While the safety focus is naturally on protecting lives, the same habits can also make a meaningful difference when Australian boat owners need to rely on their insurance. - read more
Fresh global marine risk reporting has again highlighted a useful contrast for Australian boat owners: major vessel losses may be improving over the long term, but the risks that drive insurance claims are becoming more complex. - read more
Australias general insurance sector is continuing to sharpen its focus on customer protections, with industry attention now turning from consultation to the practical impact of updated code standards. For boat owners, this is more than a technical compliance story. The way an insurer explains cover, handles a claim and communicates during a stressful incident can determine whether a policy feels valuable or disappointing when it matters most. - read more
Fresh marine safety attention on lithium-ion battery fires is a timely warning for Australian boat owners, particularly as more vessels carry rechargeable equipment. From electric tenders and fishing electronics to portable fridges, power tools, e-foils, scooters and camera gear, modern boating increasingly depends on compact batteries that can store a lot of energy in a small space. - read more
Australia’s latest external dispute resolution figures are a timely reminder that insurance value is tested most clearly at claim time. While the data is not written specifically for marine policies, it points to familiar pressure points for boat owners: delayed decisions, disputes about policy wording, disagreements over repair scope and frustration when communication breaks down. - read more
Have you ever imagined cruising the beautiful waters of Australia, feeling the wind in your hair and the sun on your face? While owning a boat offers immense joy and freedom, it also comes with responsibilities, one of which is ensuring your vessel is properly insured. - read more
As a recreational boat owner in Australia, you are responsible for ensuring the safety of your vessel and passengers. This is where boat insurance comes in to play. Boat insurance is a type of insurance policy that can provide financial protection against damage to your boat, theft, and injury to passengers. - read more
For Australians who own a boat, having the right insurance coverage is crucial. Owning a boat is not just a leisure activity but also a significant investment, demanding protection against unforeseen incidents. An appropriate insurance policy helps safeguard your valuable asset, providing peace of mind while you're enjoying the open waters. - read more
Using a boat for income, hire, charter, tours or other business activity can change the type of marine insurance cover you need. Learn how recreational and commercial boat insurance differ in Australia, what insurers may ask, and why disclosure matters. - read more
Boat insurance is generally not compulsory by law for private recreational boat owners in Australia, but registration, licensing, safety equipment and third-party requirements can still apply. This guide explains the difference between legal obligations and practical insurance requirements. - read more
Knowledgebase
Policyholder: The individual or entity who owns the insurance policy.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.