Life insurance commissions to be slashed

The life insurance sector is heading for a shake-up that will cut commissions and the policy costs but Industry Super Australia says more needs to be done.

Money is taken out of a purse

The life insurance sector is heading for a shake-up that will cut commissions and the policy costs. (AAP)

The industry superannuation sector does not believe proposals to shake up the framework of life insurance go far enough.

Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has taken on board recommendations made by the financial services industry to improve life insurance, a sector the corporate supervisor believes is dogged by bad advice and high commissions.

Mr Frydenberg believes the commissions charged for life insurance policies have not been in the best interests of consumers.

The proposals, which include limits to both upfront and continuing commissions, will be considered in the context of the government's response to the financial system inquiry chaired by former bank chief David Murray.

Treasurer Joe Hockey recently said a response to that inquiry was still a few months away.

An industry-commissioned review by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission recommended several measures designed to improve consumer outcomes, including a significant modification to upfront commissions.

But Industry Super Australia does not believe the proposals adequately tackle the serious problems exposed by ASIC.

Its director of public affairs, Matthew Linden, says they fail to address superannuation savings being drained by "extraordinarily costly" personal life polices that attract commissions.

Under the plan, the cost of life insurance policies will be cut and upfront commission rates reduced from 120 per cent of premiums to 60 per cent by 2018.

Consumer Action boss Gerard Brody said a proposed three-year review should be seen as an opportunity for further change - "not mission accomplished".

Financial Services Council head Sally Loane said the package included a new remuneration model, development of a code of conduct, more product choice and a review of statements of advice.

NAB Wealth group executive Andrew Hagger praised the leadership of Mr Frydenberg in what he described as a complex process.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world