Challenger feels advisers’ pain
Challenger Limited has acknowledged that the negative perceptions of financial planners generated by the Royal Commission and other events are having an impact on its annuities business.
In commentary attaching to the release of its half-year results, Challenger said its Life business relied on financial advisers, both independent and part of major hubs, to distribute its products.
“Following hearings on financial advice in the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking and Financial Services Industry there has been reduced customer confidence in retail financial advice and significant disruption across the adviser market,” it said.
“This includes increased adviser churn and reduced acquisition of new clients by financial advisers.”
“While there is a relatively less direct impact form the Royal Commission final report on Challenger, and Life’s customers are not questioning the quality of its products or services, the disrupted industry environment is impacting Life’s sales,” the commentary said.
“Life has a strong reputation with adviser trust in the quality of its products and services and is broadening its distribution reach by making its annuities available on platforms targeting the individual financial advisers market,” it said.
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.
