CUSTOMERS LEFT VULNERABLE AS A SIGNIFICANT

NUMBER OF FINANCIAL ADVISERS EXIT

THE INDUSTRY
More and more financial advisers are leaving the Australian market, which means the
cost of quality advice is going up. Consequently, this situation exposes lower-value
customers, leaving them without necessary guidance.

For customers seeking affordable life insurance advice, the available options have
significantly diminished. They must now rely on sources such as online information,
their superannuation fund, their bank, or attempt a do-it-yourself approach, which can
prove challenging. With the diminishing number of advisers, prices continue to rise,
putting customers at a disadvantageous position.

WHY ARE FINANCIAL ADVISERS LEAVING THE INSURANCE INDUSTRY?

After the Hayne Royal Commission made its recommendations in 2019, the financial
adviser industry has been greatly impacted. Many businesses have faced challenges to
their sustainability. Complex compliance requirements and excessive bureaucracy have
raised the fundamental costs of operating. Moreover, there has been a notable rise in
overall financial planning regulations in recent years.

Another significant factor contributing to this issue is the stress surrounding

educational requirements. All financial advisers were required to pass the Financial

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 Adviser Examination (FASEA exams) by December 31, 2021. However, the Financial
Review reported that two out of five advisers had yet to take the exam, and
approximately 2000 advisers had no intention of doing so.

REASONS FOR THE RISING COSTS IN THE FINANCIAL ADVICE

INDUSTRY

According to a report by the Financial Services Council published in April 2021,

consumers are now facing an average advice fee of approximately $3,240. This
represents an unsustainable increase of 28 percent in just two years.

The continuous rise in compliance costs due to increased regulations has created
significant financial challenges for the industry's viability. To cope with these costs and
stay competitive, the industry has transferred them to the consumers. As a result of
these pressures, the average fees charged by advisers have increased

Another contributing factor is the expected outcome of advisers removing unprofitable

clients from their portfolios in order to maintain sustainable businesses. This has
subsequently led to a greater demand for reliable advice, further driving up prices.

WHAT DO BROKERS OFFER?

It can be quite overwhelming when considering all the different options available when
you look for the right insurance policy to keep your family secure. Brokers specialising in
life insurance can provide a valuable service to customers. These include:

Providing general information about life insurance policies and services

Assist you in comparing different policies and insurers
Assisting in setting up a policy based on your requirements
Provide ongoing assistance with your policy and cover needs as your requirements
change
Assistance when you need to make a claim on your policy.

WHAT IS AN INSURANCE BROKER?

An insurance broker acts as an intermediary, selling or bargaining insurance policies on

behalf of clients and receiving compensation for their services, usually in the form of a
"brokerage fee."

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 WHAT ARE THE AVERAGE FEES OF AN INSURANCE BROKER?

Insurance brokers do not have standardised fees. However, typically, insurance brokers
receive a commission calculated based on the insurance premium you pay. Additionally,
they may charge a separate fee for their services, which can vary depending on the type
of insurance and the level of effort required to ensure you are adequately protected.

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 ABOUT US

We are Australia’s leading risk management and consulting business, working in partnership with
Mortgage Brokers in every State and Territory, to protect our local communities whether it be families
or their businesses.

Read about our values that drive us everyday

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