A major survey of life risk advisers in the Australian market has ranked Zurich Australia as the top life risk provider.

The WA Taylor Report – an annual study commissioned by life and funds management companies – ranked Zurich as the No 1 provider for its administration, service and ease of doing business, in terms of underwriting decision-making and speed, staff competence and customer focus.

It was ranked No 1 in all operational benchmark categories except for IT services, where it was ranked second.

General Manger of Investment Management and Life Barry Tomkinson says a key plank of Zurich Australia’s strategy for its life risk, general insurance, managed investments and platforms and wrap businesses, is to “focus attention on providing intermediaries with the best possible service”.

Last year Zurich was the fastest-growing insurer of the top 10 Australian life risk providers.