Software provider Ebix Australia performed well last year, CEO Leon d’Apice told insuranceNEWS.com.au after the release of the parent company’s annual profit.

He says he remains keen to develop the interface between Ebix’s broker systems and Steadfast Virtual Underwriter, arguing it will add value to brokers.

An invitation for Ebix to attend the Steadfast convention in Melbourne earlier this month was withdrawn following the breakdown of negotiations over commercial terms to build and maintain the interface.

“The ball is in their court,” Mr d’Apice said.

Overall, US-based Ebix recorded a 16% fall in profit to $US59.27 million ($65.58 million) last year, as the stronger US dollar ate into foreign revenues.

The company says lower local currency contributions from Australia and Brazil in the final quarter hit exchange revenues, which nevertheless grew 3% to $US163.93 million ($181.4 million) for the year.

Total revenue grew 3% to $US204.71 million ($226.52 million).

Chairman, President and CEO Robin Raina says the year “was a good test of the inherent fundamental strength of Ebix’s strong network of clients, products and client relationships. We did extremely well on all these fronts.”

He says he is “cautiously optimistic” about the future as the business grows.