Data portrays static life sector
Financial planners may have embraced life/risk as a valuable revenue stream in recent times but that was not necessarily reflected in the life/risk sector's underlying statistics.
The latest data released by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) for the 12 months to 30 June, 2012, has revealed an industry not noticeably changed from the prior reporting period, with net premiums almost static at $43.4 billion and net policy payments largely unchanged at $41.7 billion.
However the APRA data noted that industry revenue was $15.9 billion, down from $16.7 billion; and that net profit after tax was $2.5 billion, down from $2.8 billion.
Recommended for you
Compared to four years ago when the divide between boutique and large licensees were largely equal, adviser movements have seen this trend shift in light of new licensees commencing.
As ongoing market uncertainty sees advisers look beyond traditional equity exposure, Fidante has found adviser interest in small caps and emerging markets for portfolio returns has almost doubled since April.
CoreData has shared the top areas of demand for cryptocurrency advice but finds investors are seeking advisers who actively invest in the asset themselves.
With regulators ‘raising the bar’ on retirement planning, Lonsec Research and Ratings has urged advisers to place greater focus on sequencing and longevity risk as they navigate clients through the shifting landscape.

