ANZIIF named Asteron top life company based on its "solid submission which highlighted significant results and initiatives, and thoughtful solutions implemented to remedy identified gaps."

It was praised for its Voice of Customer programme "which provides insights into the customer experience, noting both the company's high customer satisfaction scores overall and its honesty shared and swift responses to feedback."

Asteron says its team is committed to providing insurance that is accessible, affordable, and sustainable.

"One of the things the Asteron Life leadership team is most proud of is how our people consistently put customers at the heart of everything they do. Our adviser relationships have gone from strength to strength over the last year, and this is apparent in customer and adviser feedback."

Through independent ratings from advisers the life insurer was ranked number one for claims management and adviser relationships and achieved an average claims acceptance rate of 94% across the 2023 financial year.

ANZIIF noted Asteron's policy wording was accredited with the WriteMark standard ensuring its policy wordings are easy to understand for its customers.

Also noted was its planned growth through an upgrade to tis underwriting rules engine which led to processing improvements, point-of-sale outcomes and claims delivery.

"The judging panel was awed by Asteron's variety of customer and people initiatives." Singled out was its Connected Care programme which is an extension of Best Doctors.

Asteron executive general manager Grant Willis says, the insurer has been listening to customer pain points and are continuously evaluating where they can improve experiences for customers and advisers.

Some of the highlights outlined on the night were the insurers dedication to clarity and transparency, strategic growth initiatives - in particular the upgrade to the underwriting rules engine - and the diverse range of customer and people-focused initiatives, including extension of the Asteron Life Connected Care service, enabling easier and quicker access to a range of healthcare options, including medical, mental health, fitness and nutrition support.

Willis says the insurer wanted to thank their partners including independent financial advisers who they work alongside, helping connect customers with services that offer them the flexibility to protect their financial wellbeing.