AIA is moving to a new commission structure it says will be more straightforward.

It is not changing the total amount of commission paid to advisers but is altering how it is paid.

“We’ve taken a view that volume and persistency related commission bonuses can be unnecessarily complex and so we are offering a flat initial commission rate and the choice of either a standard option or a pendulum option,” spokesman Craig Glover said.

“Our new AIA Living commission structure payable to advisers does not include any production or other volume related bonuses. We have existing contractual arrangements in place with some advice groups, which include volume related payments in some cases. These existing contractual arrangements will remain in place whilst we work through future changes with our partners.”

Asteron Life is also removing its production bonus.

It will increase the initial commission paid to advisers.

"Our FlexiRate options are also being expanded to offer more options for advisers, including the 150% upfront and 20% servicing commission which became a permanent option earlier this year. This rate has been available on and off since 2017, but we are now making it permanent because we see it as a really viable option for advisers to develop sustainability in their business," said Graham Hill, executive manager life distribution.

"We want to make sure we are working with advisers to deliver great customer outcomes, while still remunerating advisers fairly for the work they do. Advisers working with us are able to reduce their commission to offer customers discounts, but this has only ever been possible on the initial commission and not the production bonus. Advisers will be able to receive the same remuneration for new policies, but will also have greater flexibility in providing customers premium discounts on their life products if they choose to."

Volume-based sales incentives have been scrutinised by the Financial Markets Authority and Reserve Bank, which are worried that they drive poor outcomes for customers.

That was reiterated in a recent consultation paper on the conduct of financial institutions, which said remuneration tied to sales targets, either by volume or value, was “particularly problematic” because, as the target was approached, it created a strong incentive to sell a particular product.

But many dealer groups have historically operated on the strength of volume commissions paid on their members’ production.

Darren Gannon, founder of Newpark, said he expected all insurers to make similar changes.

He said dealer groups had not yet been told if or how their payments would be structured.

"I'm guessing – and nothing has been officially sent to us yet – that it's going to be paid on services provided to members."

He said a lot of advisers were part of groups and got value from that. "They are needed and valued in the marketplace. Fingers crossed no one does anything stupid."

He said a new payment structure for groups could more accurately reflect the work done to service clients rather than just place new business.

Insurance commentator David Whyte said AIA’s move was likely to give some dealer groups pause.

“What’s the value that can be attributed to the dealer group if they have to find other sources of income like charging fees for membership?”

Peter Cave, managing director of Lifetime, said it would be an issue for some dealer groups.

It would have less impact on Lifetime than other groups that relied more heavily on overrides, he said.

He said Lifetime was trying to negotiate a standard agency agreement with one remuneration structure for all providers.

Kepa and Share were approached for comment.