Coalition Pledges to Cut Insurance Capital and Compliance Costs

1

The ICA has expressed approval, acknowledging the importance of regulation in protecting consumers and building trust in the industry. However, it highlighted the strain that rapid regulatory reforms over the last ten years have placed on resources, which in turn increases costs for customers. The proposed adjustments to capital liquidity rules could enhance productivity and cut consumer expenses, which insurers have long advocated for.

According to Angus Taylor, the financial services sector faces compliance costs exceeding $1 billion, with Australians remaining underinsured and underadvised. Taylor emphasised the need for a balance in APRA's (Australian Prudential Regulation Authority) capital rules to ensure stability while improving access to finance for households and businesses. The goal is to reflect risk more accurately in insurer portfolios, reducing consumer costs and unlocking capital for investment, all while maintaining financial stability.

Expert insights from Scott Duncan, a Taylor Fry actuary, highlight challenges such as natural disaster impacts and building material cost inflation on home insurance. Duncan suggests that while capital requirements are essential, they become secondary to these factors. Current prudential standards ensure insurers hold sufficient capital against rare catastrophic events, allowing for potential higher-risk investments.

As regulatory frameworks assess the alignment of assets and liabilities, the asset risk charge mechanism remains vital. The experience of recent catastrophic events underscores the rapid changes in liabilities and the significant impact they can have, reinforcing the need for adaptable regulatory approaches.

Published:Wednesday, 26th Feb 2025
Source: Paige Estritori

Share this news item:

Insurance News

Exploring the Future of Insurance at the Outlook 2025 Conference 01 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori The Insurance News Outlook 2025 Conference, scheduled for March 12 in Sydney, is set to delve deeply into the insurance industry's future. With a focus on emerging risks, advancements in technology, and the evolving landscape of broking, the event promises insightful discussions led by industry experts. - read more

Proposed Reforms Could Save Australians $4 Billion on Insurance 01 Mar 2025: Paige Estritori The Australian Greens have proposed a comprehensive policy initiative aimed at reducing the cost of insurance by $4 billion. As natural disasters become more frequent and severe, insurance premiums have been escalating. The Greens' strategy emphasizes a multi-faceted approach, including the abolishment of insurance stamp duties, an expansion of the Cyclone Reinsurance Pool to cover all natural disasters, and imposing financial contributions on fossil fuel companies to offset their impact on climate change. - read more

Coalition Pledges to Cut Insurance Capital and Compliance Costs 26 Feb 2025: Paige Estritori The Coalition has proposed significant changes to the insurance sector's capital requirements and regulatory compliance, a move supported by the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA). This pledge comes in the lead-up to the federal election, with shadow treasurer Angus Taylor detailing the plans that aim to alleviate the industry's financial pressures. - read more

Call for Stricter Regulations in NSW Claims Farming Ban 26 Feb 2025: Paige Estritori An evaluation of the NSW government's proposed legislation to ban claims farming has been met with calls for more stringent measures from the Insurance Council of Australia (ICA). In its submission, the ICA argues the draft law's 'limited scope' fails to adequately cover key areas such as compulsory third party (CTP) insurance and workers' compensation, potentially undermining its intended impact. - read more

Call for a $30 Billion Commitment to Combat Flood Risks in Australia 26 Feb 2025: Paige Estritori The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has made a compelling proposal for the creation of a $30.15 billion flood defence fund to address Australia's most costly natural disaster—flooding. This initiative is part of a strategic policy framework aimed at guiding the next federal government on how to make home insurance more affordable amidst growing concerns. - read more