Articles tagged with 'Sovereign'
[Obituary] Insurance industry trailblazer Chris Coon dies
14 March 2022 - Chris Coon, the actuary credited with changing the landscape of the insurance industry in New Zealand, has died after a long illness.
[The Wrap] Hurrah! Big banks exit life insurance
11 July 2021 - All the big banks have now exited the life insurance space - and that is probably a good thing.
Harking back to the old days
9 July 2020 - Cigna has taken on a well-known insurance industry identity to strengthen its adviser offering.
AIA appoints leader for IFA channel
26 August 2019 - AIA New Zealand is expanding its business development team with the appointment of Anna Schubert as Head of IFA and Group Insurance Distribution.
Rate cut bonanza begins
8 August 2019 - A landmark day for interest rates yesterday after the Reserve Bank slashed the Official Cash Rate by 50 basis points to just 1%. ASB moved first...
Banks slash rates after historic OCR cut
8 August 2019 - Lenders have taken action on fixed and floating rates after the Reserve Bank cut the Official Cash Rate to a record low of 1%. Here's a roundup of the cuts as of Thursday morning:
Coon brothers insurance start-up gets big funding boost
26 July 2019 - The sons of Sovereign founder Chris Coon have completed a $2 million financing round for their insurance start-up.
AIA and Sovereign close online product
24 April 2019 - Sovereign's guaranteed acceptance insurance product Simple Life is being closed to new business.
de Marigny to leave AIA/Sovereign
20 March 2019 - AIA/Sovereign recruits from Hong Kong to fill Chief Partnership Insurance Officer following the resignation of a long-standing staffer
Sovereign rating reaffirmed
18 February 2019 - Sovereign has had its financial strength rating reaffirmed by AM Best.
AIA helps foster kids
9 December 2018 - A charity that provides practical support to foster children to assist their transition to new homes has another 150-plus new toys to provide this Christmas, thanks to the generosity of the staff at AIA and Sovereign.
$50k in sports grants awarded
29 November 2018 - Former All Black Cory Jane has helped give out some of $50,000 in sports grants awarded to schools to mark the end of the six-week New Zealand’s Healthiest Schools Challenge, supported by AIA and Sovereign.
It's goodbye to Sovereign
27 November 2018 - AIA has announced that its combined New Zealand business will operate under the AIA brand.
AIA/Sovereign confirms trips axed
22 November 2018 - AIA/Sovereign has confirmed it will stop offering overseas "recognition trips" to advisers.
AIA and Sovereign: One brand in 2019
28 September 2018 - AIA and Sovereign will have one brand in the New Zealand market next year, chief marketing officer David Savidan says.
AIA congratulates Gattung
25 September 2018 - AIA New Zealand and Sovereign are congratulating Theresa Gattung on the Lifetime Achievement award she received at the Women of Influence Awards. Gattung...
Sovereign gets equality nod
6 September 2018 - Sovereign’s commitment to the professional development of women in the workplace has been recognised at the 2018 White Camellia Awards.
Sovereign top brass take charge at AIA
24 July 2018 - AIA has named its executive team and the roles have largely been filled with former Sovereign staff.
AIA completes Sovereign deal
2 July 2018 - AIA International Limited has successfully completed its acquisition of Sovereign - but both brands will operate in the market for now.
Sovereign makes product changes
19 April 2018 - Sovereign has announced enhancements to its income protection and mortgage and income protection products that are designed to provide customers with more options and flexibility.
Sovereign appoints tech boss
26 January 2018 - New face at insurer has digital and tech background.
FSC suffers financial blow but integration on cards
7 December 2017 - Insurers giving up their memberships have hit the Financial Services Council in the pocket.
Adviser explores what it will take to engage consumers
27 November 2017 - A New Zealand insurance adviser is working on research to determine how much of a discount insurers will have to offer to make customers think it’s worthwhile sharing their activity tracker data.
New board at FSC
17 November 2017 - The Financial Services Council has elected a new board at its recent annual meeting. Chief executive Richard Klipin said the FSC is in good shape financially...
Sovereign boost commissions; nib offers a new model
7 November 2017 - nib moves to spread commission offer as Sovereign boosts its advisers' pay cheques.
Commerce Commission: No issues for Sovereign
26 October 2017 - The Commerce Commission has signalled it sees no problems with AIA’s move to buy Sovereign in New Zealand.
Getting to Know: Jon-Paul Hale
20 October 2017 - Insurance adviser Jon-Paul Hale wants to see the industry working together much better.
Chief executive tipped to lead
29 September 2017 - Big changes lie ahead for Sovereign and AIA in New Zealand, but it is rumoured that one key position will remain constant.
Transparency, simplicity 'key for insurance growth'
28 September 2017 - More needs to be done to ensure that insurance products and advice are transparent and easy to understand, industry commentators say.
ASB keeps ownership of Sovereign Home Loans
25 September 2017 - Although Commonwealth Bank has sold Sovereign to AIA, the insurer’s $7 billion home loan book isn’t part of the deal.
Advisers welcome Sovereign sale news
22 September 2017 - Advisers are optimistic about the future for Sovereign, which will be bought by AIA.
Sovereign sold
21 September 2017 - The Commonwealth Bank of Australia has confirmed it has sold its insurance business in Australia and New Zealand for A$3.8 billion - the sale include Sovereign.
Zurich, AIA make play for Sovereign
18 September 2017 - [UPDATED] AIA Group and Zurich have both made a play for Commonwealth Bank's life insurance business, including Sovereign in New Zealand.
Online offer 'more than quote and compare'
14 September 2017 - A new insurance advice firm is promising consumers a more in-depth online service.
Sovereign launches ACC add-on
6 September 2017 - Sovereign has launched new accidental injury cover, which is designed to give customers financial protection if they suffer an accidental injury.
Sovereign for sale but who will buy?
10 August 2017 - A sale of Sovereign could be good news for customers and advisers, one industry commentator says.
CBA eyes Sovereign, CommInsure divestment
9 August 2017 - Commonwealth Bank of Australia has signaled the possible divestment of its life insurance businesses in New Zealand and Australia, but Sovereign CEO, Nick Stanhope says it's "business as usual".
PAA hands out gongs, but not to lenders
4 August 2017 - The PAA handed out its excellence awards, designed to recognise the passion, pride, professionalism and general excellence in the mortgage advice industry.
Insurers could do better: FSC
3 July 2017 - Insurers have work to do to better comply with their disclosure requirements, the Financial Services Council says.
Adviser diversity important: Stanhope
2 May 2017 - Sovereign chief executive Nick Stanhope says the insurer is focused on building an adviser network that looks a bit more like the clients it serves.
Sovereign exec takes over running F&P Finance
19 April 2017 - Flexi Cards, formerly known as Fisher and Paykel Finance has appointed Chris Lamers as its new chief executive in New Zealand. Lamers has been Sovereign’s...
Sovereign: Don't wait for law to change
16 February 2017 - Sovereign’s new distribution boss says the upcoming Financial Advisers Act review is likely to simply make clearer obligations that already exist for insurance brokers.
Sovereign appoints distribution boss
9 February 2017 - A newly-created role will be charged with helping to grow adviser businesses.
New general manager for Aegis
16 January 2017 - ASB has named a new general manager of its investment platform Aegis.
Aegis boss moves to Sovereign role
16 January 2017 - Sovereign has appointed Angela Busby as chief officer People and Culture. In this role she oversees the development and implementation of strategic and...
Rating company gives its view on Sovereign
3 January 2017 - Ratings agency AM Best explains why it has left Sovereign's financial strength rating unchanged as well as outlining its views on the company's financial position and its distribution strategy.
Sovereign's medical changes welcomed
16 December 2016 - Sovereign’s changes to its legacy medical insurance products breaks ground. Strategy Financial director Graeme Lindsay says.
Sovereign makes changes to health cover
15 December 2016 - Sovereign has announced a number of key enhancements to its health cover for both new and existing customers. These changes have been welcomed by advisers.
Sovereign appoints head of claims
11 November 2016 - New claims boss for Sovereign will be a familiar face to advisers.
Sovereign appoints new distribution boss
9 November 2016 - Sovereign has appointed Patrice de Marigny as chief distribution officer.
Advice may be missing as schemes wound up
2 November 2016 - There are concerns some members of superannuation plans that are being wound up ahead of the introduction of the Financial Markets Conduct Act are not getting enough advice on what to do with the resulting windfalls.
Sovereign loses distribution boss
2 September 2016 - The changes continue at Sovereign with one of the executive leadership team leaving.
Sovereign leadership shake-up
26 August 2016 - Sovereign is overhauling its leadership team - and sources say up to five of its most senior staff may go.
Banks already introducing tougher rules for property investors
20 July 2016 - [UPDATED - ANZ position added] Three banks, and Sovereign, have introduced tougher new LVR rules for property investors.
Insurers welcome FAA changes
14 July 2016 - A decision not to pursue explicit commission restrictions has been welcomed by New Zealand insurers.
Support for simple products
11 July 2016 - Insurers say there has been strong demand for products that require no underwriting.
Some advisers earning more than $750k per year
13 May 2016 - Insurance premiums would fall by up to 6% if advisers’ commissions were cut by a quarter, a new report says.
Sovereign changes underwriting process
4 May 2016 - Advisers are being told a new underwriting process at Sovereign will give them a more streamlined service.
Sovereign launches rewards for healthy living
22 April 2016 - Sovereign is launching a new loyalty programme that will tap into New Zealanders’ fitness trackers and reward customers who exercise, eat well and have regular dentist and GP check-ups.
Sovereign adviser re-engagement gets off to good start
24 March 2016 - Sovereign, says it attracted record numbers of advisers to its recent roadshow with more than 500 delegates attending five events held across Auckland,...
Court battle costs broker everything
22 March 2016 - A Napier-based insurance adviser says his reputation is in tatters after being dragged through a court case.
[Updated] JMIS gets most of the Sovereign money
17 March 2016 - JMIS has managed to retain 95% of the money in Select Wealth Management, which it bought from Sovereign, however a significant number of advisers choose not to take part in the transition.
'Simple' product for online sales
11 March 2016 - Sovereign is launching Simple Life, a new type of insurance product designed to meet the needs of younger customers purchasing online.
Sovereign reassurance amid CBA claims
9 March 2016 - Sovereign is distancing itself from allegations that its Australian parent, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, has been avoiding paying claims.
Sovereign's new boss revealed
2 March 2016 - Sovereign recruits new boss from its parent ASB.
Sovereign urges action
1 March 2016 - Sovereign is launching a new advertising campaign that it hopes will adddress low levels of insurance in the New Zealand millennial market.
SBW returns to Australia
29 January 2016 - Former Sovereign chief executive Symon Bewis-Weston finished up with the company and has returned to Australia. In the meantime an interim CEO has been appointed.
Sovereign boss quits
24 November 2015 - Symon Brewis-Weston is standing down as chief executive of Sovereign.
All change for products and pricing
2 November 2015 - Over the past few weeks there has been so much product and pricing activity it has been hard to keep track of it all. In strict alphabetical order the companies that have made changes include: AIA, Accuro, AMP, Asteron Life, BNZ Life, CIGNA, and Sovereign.
Sovereign's new distribution boss
27 October 2015 - Sovereign has appointed a new chief distribution officer, who used to head one of Australia's adviser associations.
Life is good for retirees, report shows
28 September 2015 - Retirees have the highest level of wellbeing in New Zealand but young Kiwis are not on track to achieve the same results, researchers say.
New head of brand for Sovereign
16 September 2015 - Sovereign has appointed James Perrin as its head of brand.
Sovereign looking for new head of distribution
4 September 2015 - The long-serving head of distribution at Sovereign is stepping down from the position to take up a new role within the company.
Sovereign confirms Select sale
7 July 2015 - Sovereign has finally confirmed its intention to sell its Select Wealth Management service to JMIS, as first reported by Good Returns.
Churn debate: Sovereign has nothing to add
27 June 2015 - In the latest in our series of interviews with life insurance industry leaders on the vexed of churn and the FMA's investigation, we speak, briefly, to Sovereign CEO Symon Brewis-Weston. Here's what he had to say.
Kiwis can't see need for insurance: Research
22 June 2015 - An “it won’t happen to me” mentality is a barrier to New Zealanders even considering life insurance, says Sovereign’s chief officer of strategy and planning, Darrin Bull.
Sovereign courts farming community
10 June 2015 - Sovereign is making a play for the rural market, sponsoring this year’s Rural Bachelor of the Year competition at agricultural expo Fieldays.
Sovereign offers free insurance on Facebook
8 June 2015 - Sovereign is giving away free insurance to its Facebook followers, in a campaign it says it designed to address the issue of underinsurance.
Sovereign sells wealth platform
15 May 2015 - Sovereign has sold Select Wealth Management to one of the platform's service providers.
Sovereign breaks with ASB on one-year rates
15 May 2015 - Sovereign has rolled out a one-year fixed rate special of 5.10%, however it hasn't been matched by ASB. The Sovereign offer is for a limited time and has...
Insurers should be promoting wellbeing: Sovereign
29 April 2015 - Insurers have a role to play in encouraging New Zealanders to be proactive about their physical and mental health, Sovereign’s chief officer of brand, innovation and marketing, Chris Lamers, says.
Sovereign: More support for advisers
18 March 2015 - Sovereign needs to look for ways it can support its advisers better as the industry evolves, its chief officer of customer management and product says.
New boss for Sovereign
2 March 2015 - Sovereign has appointed Nick Stanhope to the role of chief executive.
Sovereign finally confirms intention to sell Select
30 November -0001 - Sovereign has finally officially confirmed that it is planning to sell its Select Investment Services business to JMIS.
