Hello

Big bunch of news this week, with the biggest being a change in leadership at the top of Sovereign.

Talking about things going off, the PIS/Newpark deal is again off and the PAA is off on the idea of naming and shaming advisers.

So while there are lots of things going off I encourage you to read on.

Insurance News

Gut feel ends PIS/Newpark deal
Insurance advisory group Newpark has called off an equity deal with Professional Investment Services (PIS) just months after a previous plan to merge it with the Australian firm's New Zealand operations fell over. More

Clear and formal roadmap for AIG
Further details of the planned listing of AIG Life's parent company have been unveiled. As part of the plan it is expected AIG Life in New Zealand will be rebranded back to AIA. More

PAA puts publicity in perspective
The Professional Advisers Association (PAA) has moved to calm members' fears that it could follow the Institute of Financial Advisers (IFA) down the 'name and shame' disciplinary path. More

Institute defends naming
Meanwhile the IFA defends the naming and shaming of two advisers Institute defends naming More

People

Big changes at Sovereign with Simon Blair's departure. More

Opinion: Russell Hutchinson

Life Brokers have a bob each way in professional associations
The difference this week between a professional organisation and an industry organisation was underlined by the actions of the Institute of Financial Advisers (IFA). More

AXA's View

Trauma insurance - life insurance for the living
Trauma or critical illness cover is one of the life insurance industry's best kept secrets. More

NZ fund managers no dunces So Morningstar has given New Zealand's funds management industry a D- essentially calling us the dunce of the world. Well I think this is unfair. [more]