Brokers Tackle Compliance Surge Amid New Regulations
Brokers Tackle Compliance Surge Amid New Regulations
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 National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has reaffirmed its members’ dedication to adhering to their code of practice commitments in response to a notable surge in reported breaches.
This development follows the committee’s latest call for enhanced compliance and reporting standards.
According to insuranceNEWS.com.au, the association contends that the recent uptick in breaches was expected as a result of numerous new obligations embedded within the revised 2022 code. According to NIBA, this demonstrates an industry adjusting to more rigorous expectations.
Yesterday, the Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee (IBCCC) released its annual data report, highlighting an increase in breaches. Specifically, 63.4% of insurance brokers reported breaches in the preceding year, up from 55.2% in 2022. The total number of breaches escalated by 36% to 4642, impacting 794,000 clients as opposed to 412,081 the prior year.
A particular area of concern flagged by the committee was remuneration disclosure, with 106 breaches reported compared to just 23 cases a year earlier.
"The data in our report should be seen as a wake-up call," said committee chair Oscar Shub. "Brokers must emphasize robust compliance and reporting procedures to enhance service quality and maintain client trust."
On the rising remuneration breaches, Mr. Shub added, "This significant increase signals that brokers must improve their practices."
NIBA has expressed encouragement over the growing trend of brokers reporting their breaches. The body noted a more than 26% increase in the number of subscribers self-reporting since 2020.
"Given the considerable number of new obligations introduced with the revised code, an increase in reported breaches was anticipated," NIBA explained. "The data from the IBCCC shows that the profession is actively considering and adapting to higher standards, aiming to better fulfill client needs."
While NIBA acknowledges ongoing needs for improvement, it plans to collaborate with subscribers and the IBCCC over the coming year to foster greater transparency and enhance compliance reporting habits.
Providing a contrastive perspective, Insurance Advisernet MD Shaun Standfield expressed disappointment in the IBCCC’s critical stance on compliance outcomes. He noted, “The committee should recognize our efforts in promoting breach awareness and reporting. It’s disheartening to receive mixed signals when we've almost tripled reportable breaches over three years."
Mr. Standfield cautioned that such criticism might dissuade brokers from reporting breaches faithfully. "We do not want our advisers to backtrack on reporting for fear of negative commentary from the IBCCC. Despite the surge in reported breaches, brokers work diligently to serve their clients every day," he concluded.
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.
APRA’s latest general insurance data suggests the Australian insurance sector is operating on a steadier footing, with industry results supported by firmer underwriting discipline, investment returns and ongoing attention to capital strength. For consultants, that is broadly positive news: a healthier insurance market can help maintain capacity and give buyers more room to discuss cover options at renewal. - read more
Renewed regulatory and industry attention on falls from height is a timely warning for Australian builders, subcontractors and project managers. While falls are usually discussed as a work health and safety issue first, they also sit squarely inside the insurance conversation because a serious incident can trigger workers compensation claims, public liability exposure, contractual disputes, investigation costs and reputational damage. - read more
Recent general insurance results point to a sector that is in better financial shape than it was during the most intense period of claims inflation, severe weather losses and investment market volatility. Industry reporting on APRA data indicates that premium increases, stronger investment returns and more disciplined underwriting have helped Australian insurers rebuild margins, even as natural hazard risk and repair costs remain persistent pressure points. - read more
Recent fitness sector guidance has again put safe service delivery in the spotlight for personal trainers, particularly as more Australians mix gym-based sessions with outdoor training, small-group classes, online coaching and higher-intensity programmes. The message for exercise professionals is practical rather than alarmist: when client needs are more varied, the systems behind each session matter just as much as the workout itself. - read more
APRA’s operational risk standard, CPS 230, has shifted from a regulatory project into a practical benchmark for banks, insurers and superannuation trustees. For insurance customers, the change is not just about compliance language. It goes to whether an insurer can keep essential services running when technology fails, a supplier breaks down, a cyber incident occurs or a major weather event drives a surge in claims. - read more
Australia’s life insurance advice gap is again drawing attention, with fresh industry discussion pointing to a practical problem for households: many people are expected to make long-term protection decisions without enough tailored guidance. For families juggling mortgages, dependants, cost-of-living pressure and changing work patterns, that can make life cover feel both essential and difficult to assess. - read more
New Zealand's farming community forms the backbone of its thriving agricultural sector, yet many overlook the critical importance of proactive estate planning. With farmland often being held within families for generations, securing its future is not just a financial concern, but a deeply personal one as well. - read more
Farm insurance in New Zealand can combine cover for buildings, machinery, vehicles, livestock, crops, liability, income disruption and other rural risks, depending on the policy and farm operation. - read more
Farm liability insurance can help New Zealand farmers manage claims from people outside the business, such as visitors, neighbours, customers, contractors or road users. This guide explains common liability risks and how this cover fits alongside broader farm insurance. - read more
Those who work the land know that every farm has its own heartbeat - its unique rhythm defined by the crops it yields, the livestock it nurtures, and the natural environment it exists within. Recognizing this individuality is crucial, especially when it comes to safeguarding your agricultural investment with the right insurance policy. - read more
In the heart of New Zealand's pastoral verdure, the significance of preparedness for natural disasters is paramount for the farming industry. The distinct landscape, while providing an idyllic backdrop for agricultural pursuits, is not without its challenges. Farmers are often at the mercy of nature's unpredictability, making disaster preparedness not just prudent but essential for the continuity of their livelihood. - read more
Livestock and crops are among the most important assets on many New Zealand farms. This guide explains how livestock and crop insurance can fit into a broader farm insurance policy, what risks may be considered, and what records farmers may need when reviewing cover. - read more
Need a Quote?
Start your free farm insurance quote comparison here.
Knowledgebase
Insurance Policy Excess: The amount you will have to contribute when you make a claim.
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.