Total inforce life business grew 10.5% to $11.7 billion in the year to September 30, according to research house Dexx&r.

Individual inforce life business increased 8% to $7.7 billion, while group life was up 15% to $4 billion.

AIA and TAL reported inforce premium growth of 20% and 16% respectively, Dexx&r says.

Total individual life new business sales grew 7% to $1.3 billion, with Asteron and Macquarie reporting increases of 41% and 36% respectively.

Sales of disability income protection products held steady at $452 million. Top performers in the sector were Macquarie, up 38%, and Westpac, with 25% growth.

AIA reported a 20% rise in group inforce premiums to $1 billion for the year.

Of the other major players in this market, TAL and MLC recorded inforce business increases of about 20%.