Hello

Another big week of news for the Insurance sector and it's all the As; AXA, AMP and Asteron. One of the big stories is a further update on the Inland Revenue Department and its crackdown on risk advisers. (Some don't think it is a crackdown, but it is looking more and more like that).

Also we have an update on AXA's Standard and Poor's rating. Both AXA and AMP reported their results to the stock exchange this week and we have included coverage of their performance on Good Returns.

The other key piece is about life insurance statistics.

Insurance News

IRD sets tight schedule for GST registration
The Inland Revenue Department (IRD) has given risk advisers a deadline of May 31 to register for GST for income earned on non-life products or face possible penalties. More

AXA reports tough times
AXA New Zealand's operating earnings drop 28% to $42.8 million in calendar 2008 as funds under management and new business fell. More

Asteron shuts retail super scheme as KiwiSaver kicks in
Asteron will close its flagship $300 million superannuation fund to new members on March 15, citing the rise of KiwiSaver as a major contributor to the decision. More

AXA's rating improves
AXA's rating has been raised to AA from AA- by credit rating agency Standard & Poor's, due to its ability to pay under its insurance policies and contracts. More

Opinion: by Russell Hutchinson

Life by numbers
Do you know how much life insurance business was sold last year? What about the amount paid in claims? How about how many people died? Then what they died of... More