In the United Kingdom it has been found that 28% of adults with complex incomes are denied a home loan.¹

Russell Hutchinson asks: What’s missing from the life insurance picture and comes up with a good list.

As we approach a significant debate on whether insurance should be integrated into KiwiSaver, I personally feel we should shift our focus towards a more fundamental and engaging topic: the assessment of financial needs for one's entire life.

Russell Hutchinson looks asks whether artificial intelligence (AI) is a threat or a help to financial advisers.

The Financial Advice Association of Australia (FAAA) addressed a letter to the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) concerning the Life Insurance Data Transformation consultation. What does this have to do with the New Zealand market? A lot, in fact. Australian regulation has been an exemplar, perhaps, of what not to do.

My favourite current quote is about averages. Something I picked up at MDRT recently: in one hand you hold a burning hot coal, straight out of the fireplace. In the other hand you hold a freezing block of ice, from a commercial deep freeze – very cold. On average you are fine!

Russell Hutchinson ponders what is more risky: Giving advice or making products.

This question started when I heard Tony Gribble talk about the value of the Million Dollar Round Table, or MDRT, at an adviser meeting recently.

The whole idea that there is a ‘map’ to life seems more appropriate for a spiritual discussion rather than a column on financial advice, but… we’re planning for the future and the concept seems seductive.

K-mart is an incredible place to shop – or better, try Walmart in the United States.

Southern Cross Health's latest results are a guide to the health of New Zealand’s largest health insurer and provide points to growth in the health market and the expected claims situation for 2023 to 2024.

Many insurers are updating their policy documents and product brochures in an effort to meet a number of conflicting objectives, which could be summarised as: simplicity, accuracy and ease of operation.

In June last year we had one of our data science people, Ed Foster, take a look at life expectancy calculators. Life expectancy calculators can be useful tools for conversations about both life and health risks and investment risks.

In October last year we examined the Insurance Contracts Bill and its possible impacts on the application process for advisers – although it is largely benign for most of you as you tend to offer fully underwritten cover, this quarter we examine how it may affect certain disputes.

Russell Hutchinson identifies four areas in the proposed Insurance Law Contracts bill that may cause problems.

Russell Hutchinson and his team review life expectancy calculators and find there is an opportunity awaiting in this space.