Local

• Suncorp ‘explored every other option’ before quitting tobacco retailers
• Insurer ad budgets blow out as consumers shop around
• NZ catastrophe scheme secures record reinsurance
• Ombudsman issues hail damage complaints guide

Corporate

• Consortium cold feet unlikely after Steadfast bid: analysts
• Regis picks up Sphere ARs
• Forensic accountancy C Lewis lands in Australia
• Consultancy adds tech unit run by former IAG exec

Regulatory & Government

• Watchdog trains sights on ‘soft commissions’
• State MPs back defects insurance bill
• Early climate reports show ‘analytical rigour’ but lack of detail
• ASIC calls for ‘special care’ in online advertising

Life Insurance

• ‘No excuse’: ASIC slams trustees over death claims
• Treasury seeks feedback on genetic test regulations
• Dispute body eyes rule changes to ‘keep pace’ with gene test ban
• Industry flags downsides to lead generation crackdown

The Professional

• Industry workers averagely ambitious on pay rises
• Zurich brings in AR group leader
• Register now for free claims automation webinar
• Trucking industry recognises NTI executive

Insurtech

• Rules, training lag as workers’ AI use grows
• IAG to roll out wellness app among customers
• Peak body brings UK training program to Sydney
• Instanda builds AI underwriting workbench

International

• Quake models missing ‘sonic booms’ impacts, experts warn
• Aon names global broking centre chief
• Invest in resilience or lose green power assets, Zurich says
• Willis Re hires specialty chief

Analysis

• What if complaints were a service, not a problem to manage?
• Breach breakdown: key findings from code report
• Three key innovation trends, according to ASIC
• Budget’s big misses: is anyone listening on critical issues?