The company recorded a 26% increase in the value of new business globally to US$2.2 billion ($3.31b), with annualised premiums of US$b, up 14% for the year ended November 30, 2015.

The group said its New Zealand operation had seen a 27% increase in average case size and more than 40% increase in new policies issued compared with 2014. It said that was driven by changes in the service model for the adviser channel.

A spokesman said 10 new positions had been appointed in the adviser service team: three new account managers, two new relationship manager positions, an additional business development manager in Palmerston North and four new underwriters.

The appointments followed the creation of a new strategic role – business development manager corporate solutions – announced late last year and a reorganisation of the business designed to prime AIA for growth during 2016.

Chief executive Natalie Cameron said the changes to the business were already delivering benefits, as reflected in the financial results, and she is anticipating further market gains as a result of the strengthened AIA service model.

“The strong growth has been driven by the success of our REAL Product launch, our new bundling strategy, better working relationships with advisers, and the improvement in service levels,” Cameron said.