Sony Life and ClearView Wealth have signed a co-operation agreement that will involve two staff from the Japanese insurer being seconded to the Australian business.

ClearView MD Simon Swanson says the two companies will leverage each other’s knowledge and skills.

“This collaboration will see ClearView benefit from Sony Life’s substantial expertise in product development, distribution and marketing,” he said.

“Both parties have also agreed to share information in relation to best practice in financial advice, technology, internal operations and financial reporting practices.”

Mr Swanson says the agreement will also help ClearView expand in the independent financial adviser market, with more aligned advisers recruited and a push to improve their productivity.

The agreement will remain in place so long as Sony Life holds at least 10% of ClearView’s share capital. It currently holds 14.9%.

“The co-operation agreement demonstrated Sony Life’s commitment to working together in good faith,” Mr Swanson said.

Sony Life GM Business Development Division Satoshi Wakuya has joined the ClearView board. He has more than 10 years’ experience in the life insurance industry in Japan and has held a number of senior management positions at Sony Life’s parent, Sony Corporation.

He has also held roles in the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking.