Big US-based insurer Metlife is looking to diversify its presence in Australia into what it describes as the "retirement segment".
Addressing an international media symposium in New York, Metlife chief financial officer James Hon reinforced the company's intention to maintain and grow its Australian presence.
He said that while the company was happy with its performance in Australia, it also tended to a pan-regional view.
Hon said Australia had many reciprocal arrangements which made it advantageous with respect to South-East Asia.
The international symposium was also told Metlife's acquisition of Alico had represented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, making Metlife the biggest life insurer in the world.
Australia’s superannuation sector is being held back by overlapping and outdated regulation, ASFA says, with compliance costs almost doubling in seven years – a drain on member returns and the economy alike.
Two of Australia’s largest industry super funds have thrown their support behind an ASIC review into how stamp duty is disclosed in investment fee reporting, saying it could unlock more capital for housing projects.
The corporate watchdog is preparing to publish a progress report on private credit this September, following a comprehensive review of the rapidly expanding market.
The fund has appointed Fotine Kotsilas as its new chief risk officer, continuing a series of executive changes aimed at driving growth, but NGS Super’s CEO has assured the fund won’t pursue growth for growth’s sake.