We are pleased to announce that Treena Jordan has been appointed General Manager of the team at Quality Product Research Limited. Treena has an extensive background in product development and is extremely adviser focused. Over the last 20+ years Treena has worked for AIA, Sovereign, and Cigna as well as life insurers in both Australia and New Zealand.

Due to the increasing scrutiny with the new regime ahead we believe it is essential to grow our resources. Having Treena on board now means that we will have two full time product experts in the team. Treena has substantial experience working with advisers and is a very industry-focused person. Her involvement working with advisers around business insurance will be extremely valuable. Those of you that have worked with Treena in the design of business insurance products will be aware of her passion for good insurance cover.

As part of the change in team you can expect to hear more from Doreen and Treena  as they are keen to hear from you about your experiences with our product providers and how you use Quotemonster, Research Reports, and Advicemonster.

An adviser business has put up for sale a lead generation website. A lead generation website is offered for sale as the adviser running the site wishes to focus on their own region, not on serving clients nationally or running a referral business. This is a great opportunity for a national business with the skills to serve the self-employed market. Twenty leads a week are typical from the site. Handover support is offered so you can continue to get the best out of the opportunity. Contact me or my team for further information. 

Susan Edmunds, reporting at Stuff.co.nz, tells us of a client that was surprised by the extent of the fee a mortgage broker charged when they refinanced their loan early. They complained about it to FSCL, here is the essence of their decision: 

FSCL said the adviser was entitled to a fee but the terms of engagement were too vague to be enforceable. “The clause did not set out how much the clawback fee could be, or how the fee would be calculated. It simply said that, if the client fully repaid their loan within 24 months, the adviser would be entitled to charge an early repayment fee. For all [the client] knew, it could be a $25 fee, as opposed to $2500.” 

Faced with that, the adviser agreed to waive the fee. That's the problem with a vague disclosure - a few examples could have made this really clear. Glen McLeod makes a robust defence of the right to charge such a fee - which I broadly agree with - I just think it should be really clear to a client what the fee will amount to. In the absence of good disclosure, the dispute resolution bodies will rule in the client's favour. I quite like the approach outlined by Bruce Patten, of LoanMarket, in the article. I believe that would stand up to a test such as this complaint. 

It was announced that Kepa’s mortgage business will merge with NZFSG. The takeover will see Kepa members being integrated into the NZFSG-Loan Market dealer network. Members offering general insurance advice will remain in Kepa. Kepa advisers will have the option of moving to NZFSG's MyCRM system and Kepa employees will be transferring.

“The nation's biggest broker group, NZFSG has effectively completed a takeover deal. Kepa's mortgage business will become part of its larger rival, marking the latest phase in industry consolidation.

The two groups have been in talks for several months, TMM Online understands.

Kepa’s members will be integrated within the NZFSG-Loan Market dealer network. Kepa advisers will be given the option to move onto NZFSG's MyCRM system, while Kepa’s staff will transfer to the merged business.

Both Kepa and NZFSG have said the merge will assist in better navigating the new regime and would create a national dealer group with over 1,600 members.

“Both parties believe the additional scale will help under the new financial advisers' regulatory regime, which will place greater demands on groups acting as Financial Advice Providers for their members. 

In a statement, the two groups said the deal would create a national dealer business with more than 1,600 members, settling more than $17 billion of mortgages and issuing $30 million of life insurance premiums each year.”

Congratulations to NZFSG-Loan Market and Kepa, on the successful conclusion of this deal. These take an enormous amount of work sustained over a considerable period of time. We wish them all the best in working through the coming year - which is shaping up to be a very busy one for everyone involved in the provision of financial advice due to the implementation of the new regime. 

Click here to read more

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TikTok controversy ushers in new age of cyber threats

“AMP said there was a risk that the disclosure would end up being repetitive and not address the issue of long, impenetrable disclosures not currently being valued by consumers.

 

“For benefits to be delivered to New Zealand consumers it is essential for disclosures to be simple, meaningful, very brief and unobtrusive. We do not consider that these aims would be met with the regulations as drafted.”

 

Under the new rules, advisers are required to disclose any commissions or incentives they receive that a reasonable client might think might materially influence their advice.”

While Financial Advice said that a reasonable person wouldn’t have a good grasp of identifying conflicts of interest within the industry and that the regulation could be strengthened by having higher standards in place. Financial Advice highlighted that there are many references to ‘incentives’ so including a definition and reference to ‘disincentives’ would be valuable. 

“But Financial Advice NZ said a reasonable client would not expect to have a good grasp of identifying conflicts of interest in the sector.

 

“The regulation could be strengthened by having a higher standard, such as – ‘any interest of A, P, or any other person connected with the giving of the advice that has the potential to influence the advice given by A’.

 

“There are various references to ‘incentives’. We recommend including in the regulation a definition and reference to ‘disincentives’ as well. For example, a reduction of commission rates for low volumes could escape the disclosure regime. Disincentives is an area that is often overlooked and should be drawn attention to, so FAPs and advisers cannot avoid their disclosure obligations by saying ‘this disincentive is not technically an incentive’.”” 

AIA stated that there should be further clarification on was is “practicable” for advisers to include and highlighted that this would cause significant issues for financial advice providers. Although AIA doesn’t see this as an issue as they are prepared to invest in the appropriate systems to aid advisers. 

“AIA said there should be more detail on when it was considered “practicable” for advisers to include in their disclosure the amount of fees payable by a client connected to the advice recommendation.

 

“This is a significant issue for financial advice providers. For AIA NZ, significant system investments will be required to provide estimates. While AIA NZ anticipates making this investment, we are concerned that other providers may choose not to do so, and instead elect not to provide estimates on the basis that it is not practicable to do so. This is an undesirable outcome for consumers which we consider could be avoided by better articulating the circumstances when providers may elect not to provide estimates.” Click here to read more

In other news

FSC: Generations Conference will no longer take place

Kepa: Kepa Compliance Officer’s Course was held in partnership with Rosewill Consulting  

Fidelity Life: Fidelity Life were announced as finalists in Best ICT Team Culture category in the 2020 CIO Awards

Fidelity Life: new applications are encouraged to be done through e-App

Fidelity Life: options for alteration requests are:

·       emailing signed alteration requests to admin.services@fidelitylife.co.nz

·       email from the individual policy owner’s email address

·       Mailing to Customer Care, Fidelity Life, PO Box 37-275, Parnell, Auckland 1151

The XY Adviser network (https://www.xyadviser.com/) is a popular place for financial advisers to trade news, talk about events, and get help and support. I know several New Zealand-based advisers that love the forum and have learned many useful new ideas from their peers through it. Other groupings, collegiate groups ranging from informal breakfast clubs, through service networks, to LinkedIn groups abound. But the shift to digital broadens the reach of networks considerably. Network effects mean that the bigger the network, the more valuable it is. Hence, the profound impact digital is having on adviser businesses. Two trends are moving in parallel - from installed software to web-based systems, alongside formal knowledge sharing in person to digital knowledge sharing in an informal context. Those changes in digital are having real-world effects: adviser businesses are able to access software solutions from around the world with more confidence due to the reference expertise that these social networks provide. One kind of growth creates another: XY is in the process of raising capital, such are the demands on their services. 

If the world of adviser technology interests you, do join me, with David Greenslade of Strategi on the FSC Get In Shape series hosted by Mark Banicevich. We're talking about all things adviser technology tomorrow at 10am. Here is a link to the events page on the FSC website: https://www.fsc.org.nz/Events.html if you would like to register for the webinar. 

With the regulatory changes set to be implemented in early 2021, Karty Mayne from Rosewill Consulting is warning advisers to take precautions with advertising as this is an area that causes issues with compliance. Karty has suggested that advisers pay attention to their online activity. David Greenslade, executive director of Strategi has echoed Karty’s point by saying that although advisers have room to be creative they must carefully review the material.

“Karty Mayne, compliance consultant at Rosewill Consulting says that marketing and adverts are the areas where advisers can often trip up when it comes to compliance, and so they should be taking extra care to review their online activity.

David Greenslade, executive director of Strategi Group says the new disclosure regime will allow advisers to get more “innovative” with how they convey information - but it will also mean that every piece of marketing material will need to be looked at, and potentially revised.”

Karty has suggested advisers can improve current practices by updating their websites and reviewing how social media platforms are used. Additionally, Karty has suggested advisers create a compliance procedure that is simple to follow. Chatswood offers a Digital Advice Strategy service as well as an Advice Process Management service that helps advisers achieve what Karty is suggesting. If you wish to find out more email your interest to Jerusalem.Hibru@chatswood.co.nz or Russell.Hutchinson@chatswood.co.nz

““It’s also a really good opportunity to have a look at modernising your website and how you communicate on social media, because the FMA will look at all of that,” she explained.

Karty Mayne says the easiest way to stay on top of compliance is to create a series of policies, and document their implementation as simply as possible. She noted that if not for COVID-19, we would all be operating within the new regime right now - and so she urges advisers to use this extra breathing space ‘wisely’ and not get left behind.” Click here to read more

In other news

BNZ: Darrin Bull has been appointed as Head of Product and Distribution at BNZ

Cigna: Cigna appoints chief risk officer

Quarters two and three will see clients at their “most demanding”

Climate change may soon render some beach houses uninsurable

With regulatory changes finalising, the industry is working to adjust. This has resulted in a number of changes being contemplated as well as being implemented. Dealer groups have had to reconsider may aspects of their business to ensure that they are prepared for the upcoming changes. One potential change is the acquisition of a group by another.

“In the past week rumours started swirling around the market that one of the bigger groups was about to takeover/merge/acquire one of the mid-size groups.”

The impending changes to the current law has meant changes to Newpark have had to be made. Newpark is expected to announce changes to their model towards the end of next month.

“Meanwhile, Newpark is regrouping its army, but how big it will be after Partners Life new FAPO model where override commission is paid to FAPs is unknown.

Good Returns understands that Newpark will be announcing its new model around August 23. If Covid-19 hadn't rolled its dice and pushed licensing back a year it's questionable if the group would still be on the board.”

Alongside making changes to align with new regulatory standards dealer group must work to ensure that they offer advisers attractive membership services.

“For advisers there is a growing imperative to ensure they find a group that fits with their own beliefs and business practices.

For dealer groups the pressure is coming on to deliver appropriate services to their members at the right price points.”  Click here to read more

In other news:

FSCL: Dispute service sees complaints rise by 40%

Southern Cross: Insurance companies among finalists for awards championing diversity

FANZ: Trusted Adviser mark attracts “strong and supportive” feedback

Commerce Commission: Commerce Commission release advising the Court of Appeal issued a ruling in the case regarding Harmoney’s lending model. In a judgment issued on 8 July the Court said that: Harmoney Limited is a creditor, its contracts are consumer credit contracts which are subject to the requirements of the CCCF Act, its platform fee is therefore a credit fee that is required by the CCCF Act to be reasonable. 

After spending the past 18 months reviewing the sale proposal, the Reserve Bank announced that they have approved the sale of AMP Life to Resolution Life. Customers with existing policies with AMP Life will be unaffected by the transaction.

“The Reserve Bank has approved the proposed sale of AMP Life to Resolution Life, in a revised arrangement that is subject to a number of conditions imposed to protect policyholders.

The Reserve Bank has been reviewing the proposed transaction and consulting with the parties involved over the past 18 months to ensure the deal met our requirements, Deputy Governor and General Manager for Financial Stability Geoff Bascand says.”

For the sale to go ahead a Trust was established. This is to ensure objectives are met, industry dynamics are positive and that there is insolvency protection. Additionally, the Trust is set to ensure localisation. Capital and assets will be held in New Zealand and Resolution Life New Zealand (RLNZ) will be established.

“A bespoke trust model has been established that ensures supervisory objectives are better met, future industry dynamics are generally more positive, and there is additional protection in the event of insolvency - one of the key risk considerations that we have been seeking to mitigate,” Mr Bascand says.

The Trust is required to hold capital and assets in New Zealand that help provide long-term security for policyholder benefits or investments, where relevant. The Trust will be under the management and scrutiny of relevant officers in New Zealand, who have appropriate influence and authority in respect of the New Zealand operations, for the purpose of securing equity across all policyholders.

In addition, the model will see the establishment of a new, locally incorporated insurer Resolution Life New Zealand (RLNZ). The RLNZ board will have a majority of New Zealand resident, independent directors. RLNZ will act as Trustee to the Trust and will effectively manage the assets held in the Trust.”

In other news:

Kepa: Four Adviser Resource Centre Services were available to Kepa Members for free July – September

FSC Connect webinar - Customers, complaints and claims - what have we learnt from COVID-19?

FSC webinar: Compliance with Financial Advisers Act between now and March 31 2020

FSC webinar: Preparing contracts with authorised bodies, advisers, contractors and other staff or suppliers

Melanie Purdey shared what she thought advisers should be asking to ensure that they make the right decision in regard to joining a FAP.  Melanie covered culture, controls, communication, capability, and conflict.

Advisers need to consider the culture of the FAP. To ensure that there is synergy between them and the FAP. Melanie suggests advisers look into the FAP’s leadership, integrity and commitment to customers.

“Does this FAP have the leadership and legacy of looking out for clients’ best interests and putting them in priority?

Have they modelled a culture committed to attracting advisers with integrity or have numbers been the main driver for recruitment? Have they demonstrated leadership in dealing with renegade advisers who have committed breaches in the past?”

Click here to read more

In other news:

Asteron Life: Underwriting and New Business teams moved into a regional-based structure

Fidelity Life: Premium increases for some Income Protection and Key Person Cover customers effective 1 August 2020

Fidelity Life: Premium increases for some new level trauma covers, including Trauma Multi effective 1 August 2020. The underlying rates for some personal IP covers will increase for benefit periods to age 65 to age 70.  For new business for level Trauma and IP the to age 65 term will become to age 70. This was first reported incorrectly by Chatswood as a change to ages of eligibility, our apologies for the confusion. 

Fidelity Life: Planned changes or removal for some sales discounts including Key Person Cover