Income Insurance Australia

... helping Australians to secure a prosperous future

Income Insurance Australia :: News

Share this news item!

Regulator Enforces Capital Boost on Insurer Over Compliance Issues

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has compelled Pacific International Insurance to elevate its capital reserves by $10 million due to apparent inadequacies in the oversight of its intermediary arrangements.

APRA highlights that such arrangements, often referred to as binder holder agreements, enable third-party intermediaries to facilitate insurance policy issuances on behalf of the principal insurer.

This enforcement represents a pivotal regulatory move since Suzanne Smith, an influential figure within APRA, signaled the sector's forthcoming intensified focus on the administration of outsourced functions to intermediaries like underwriting agencies and brokers.

Detailed evaluations unearthed critical lapse in governance and risk management associated with the insurer's binder operations. The scrutiny brought to light several concerns, including deficiencies in accountability and the sufficiency of its resource allocation strategies.

According to Ms. Smith, even when the underwriting processes are entrusted to external entities, the onus of accountability centers unmistakably on the insurers themselves. She asserted, “Outsourcing can help with solutions for hard-to-place risks or reduce operational costs for insurers, but it is crucial to understand that the overall risk stays with the insurer, as insurance risk and accountability are the reason why insurers hold licences in the first place.”

Further, Ms. Smith reiterates the regulatory body's stance on enforcing compliance, stating that APRA will persist in taking measures deemed necessary when insurers fall short of the expected standards.

Following this regulatory directive, Pacific International has recognized the assessment's conclusions and is underway with a plan outlining corrective measures. Despite this initiative, the regulator affirms that more endeavors are required to cement these changes within the company’s operational practices and to assure APRA of effective rectification.

Originating from the briefings by insuranceNEWS.com.au, Pacific International’s outreach for commentary remains pending.

The statistics indicate that Pacific International had secured a prescribed capital amounting to $29 million by June 30 of the preceding year. The period also saw the firm observing a gross earned premium of $229 million and gross incurred claims valued at $85 million, culminating in an underwriting profit of $24 million.

Renowned on an international scale, Pacific International affiliates itself with South Africa's Badger International-a conglomerate with extensive interests in the insurance domain.

Published:Friday, 8th Nov 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Insurance News

IAG Projects Significant Premium Growth and Profit Increase for FY26

24 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced an optimistic forecast for the financial year 2026, anticipating a 10% increase in gross written premium (GWP) and an insurance profit ranging between $1.55 billion and $1.75 billion. This projection follows a robust performance in FY25, where IAG reported a 4.3% rise in GWP to $17.1 billion and a net profit after tax of $1.36 billion. - read more

Australian General Insurers Report Record 19% Return on Equity in FY25

24 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Australia's general insurance industry has reported a 19% return on equity (ROE) for the financial year 2025, marking the highest level in a decade. This significant achievement is detailed in the latest Optima Report by actuarial consultancy Finity, which attributes the strong performance to a combination of favorable factors. - read more

Australian Home Insurance Premiums Expected to Rise After $1.8 Billion in Claims

24 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

Australian homeowners are bracing for increases in insurance premiums following a series of extreme weather events in early 2025 that led to $1.8 billion in claims. The Insurance Council of Australia (ICA) has highlighted that the growing frequency and intensity of such events are significantly impacting insurance costs nationwide. - read more

Beauty Therapist Successfully Challenges Insurer Over Flood Damage Claim

23 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

In a significant ruling, a beauty therapist has achieved partial coverage for damages after contesting her insurer's application of a flood exclusion clause. This case underscores the complexities beauticians face when navigating insurance claims related to water damage. - read more

ASIC Intensifies Oversight on Insurance Pricing and Claims Handling

23 Nov 2025: Paige Estritori

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has unveiled new enforcement priorities for the upcoming year, placing a spotlight on insurance pricing, claims handling, and complaints processes. This move aims to enhance consumer protection and ensure fair practices within the insurance industry. - read more

Click for more Insurance News

Life Insurance Articles

The Essential Role of Income Insurance in Your Financial Plan

An income insurance policy, often referred to as income protection insurance, is a financial safety net designed to provide you with a steady income stream if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. It ensures that you can still support yourself and your family, even when unforeseen medical conditions prevent you from earning a salary. This policy typically covers a percentage of your pre-tax income, helping to alleviate the financial burden during recovery periods. - read more

Illness and Your Finances: Strategies for Continuous Income Flow

When illness strikes, the impact on your finances can be as significant as on your health. Maintaining continuous income flow during such times is crucial for financial stability. - read more

Common Pitfalls in Income Insurance Claims and How to Avoid Them

Income insurance is a critical component of financial planning, offering a safety net when life's uncertainties impact your income stream. It ensures that you can continue meeting your financial obligations even if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. This peace of mind is invaluable, especially in an unpredictable job market. - read more

Understanding the Process: A Beginner's Guide to Income Insurance Claims

Income insurance, an often-overlooked component of financial security, is gaining traction among Australia's burgeoning self-employed population. In an economy where traditional employment is no longer the sole path to success, this form of insurance has become a cornerstone for proactive financial planning. Touted as a safety net, it ensures that personal livelihoods and business operations remain secure in the face of adversity. - read more

The Role of Rehabilitation Benefits in Income Protection Insurance

When the unexpected strikes, such as an illness or injury hindering our ability to earn a living, the financial repercussions can be devastating. This is where income protection insurance becomes a pivotal part of our financial safety net, ensuring a stream of income during challenging times. - read more

Start Here !

Apply now for your free Insurance assessment and price comparisons!

This website is owned and operated by Clark Family Pty Ltd (ACN 010 281 008) as Trustee for the Clark Family Trust (ABN 35 957 893 714), 43 Larch Street Tallebudgera QLD 4228. Clark Family Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative (AR 1298860) of Unique Group Broker Services Pty Ltd (AFSL 509434) for financial product referrals and an Authorised Credit Representative (ACR 401491) of Saccasan Pty Ltd (ACL 386297). Check our licensing details on the ASIC registers: Clark Family Pty Ltd ACR, Clark Family Pty Ltd AR, Saccasan Pty Ltd, Unique Group Broker Services.

IMPORTANT: We do not provide financial product advice or credit assistance. We act solely as an introducer and refer enquiries to licensed third-party intermediaries, insurers, and lenders - with whom you can then deal directly. We may receive a fee or commission from these third parties in consideration for the referral. Before any action is taken to obtain a product or service referred to by this website, advice should be obtained (from either the third party to whom we refer you or from another qualified intermediary) as to the appropriateness of obtaining those products having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. Whilst we have our own process for validating the legitimacy of our referral partners, you should always verify the credentials of your financial adviser before proceeding with recommendations that they may present. Visit the ASIC website for further information.