Life/risk adviser sentiment improves
There has been an upturn in sentiment among financial advisers involved in the Australian life risk market, according to the latest data released by Zurich.
The Zurich Risk Adviser Sentiment Index, released today, reflects research conducted in December and indicated improving sentiment based on advisers coming to terms with the current regulatory environment and the viability of their practices.
Commenting on the research, Zurich Life general manager, retail Philip Kewin said the index findings likely reflected a number of factors.
"These results show adviser sentiment to be at its highest level since we started the survey, despite challenging economic conditions," he said.
"I think we are seeing evidence that the Future of Financial Advice (FOFA) readiness programs initiated by dealer groups and licensees are hitting the market and that the mindset of advisers has shifted."
Kewin said it was possible that the index was also reflecting the beginning of the recovery in investment markets - something which was helping make advisers feel more positive overall.
The index score for December was calculated at 4.89 out of seven, up from 4.40 in June. It also reflected a 5 per cent improvement in consumer demand for advised life insurance, and an 11 per cent increase in advisers' current sales volumes.
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