- No (61%)
- Yes (28%)
- Not sure (11%)
Our latest poll is seeking an update on whether you support the introduction of the new class of adviser.
This question was canvassed during the recent 2025 AIA Australia Round Table, where there was qualified support from all parts of the sector for the new class of adviser – from associations, insurers, dealer groups and advisers (see: Push for New Class of Adviser).
This support was qualified, however, because draft legislation that will pave the way for the introduction of the new class of adviser – to be included in the next tranche of the Delivering Better Financial Outcomes (DBFO) reforms – has yet to be released, meaning the industry is still waiting for the details.
…consumers can contact their general insurer and make alterations to their cover over the phone…
One of the arguments put forward at the Round Table in support of the new class of adviser was from CALI’s GM Corporate Affairs and Strategy, Keely O’Brien, who pointed out that consumers can contact their general insurer and make alterations to their cover over the phone, and they expect to be able to do the same thing with their life insurance – thinking it is a minor administrative task to amend their existing policy.
She added the new class of adviser would be able to handle basic service conversations, such as reducing cover, “But once it moves into comprehensive advice, that’s where the partnerships with professional advisers are critical.”
Ahead of the release of the draft legislation, which will give everyone a better idea of how the Government views the role that the new class of adviser will fill (and whether the NCA might also reside within dealer groups and advice practices), do you think this move will be a positive for the insurers, advisers and consumers? Do you think the NCA will be clearly identified as someone distinct from fully-qualified financial advisers? Will it contribute to lessening the number of under-advised, under-insured Australian consumers?
It’s over to you for your reflections and we’l report back next week…
Any more changes that put risk Advisers at a disadvantage, where they are buried under red tape and compliance restrictions of trade that advances competitors who will do a fraction of the work, is hardly an incentive for Practices to spend even more time and resources to revive the Life Insurance Industry.
The solution has always been in clear sight, has been copiously spoken about, with exceptional articulation and reasoning, yet we still are on the Ferris wheel to no real solution.
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