Justin Delaney

Zurich Financial Services Australia Limited (Zurich) has announced the completion of its acquisition of ClearView Wealth Limited (ClearView) via a members’ scheme of arrangement.

ClearView shareholders will receive cash consideration of A$0.60 per share, equating to aggregate cash consideration of approximately A$385 million.

The acquisition follows approvals received from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA), ClearView shareholders and the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

ClearView is an ASX-listed entity and a parent company of ClearView Life Assurance Limited, an Australian life insurer committed to partnering with financial advisers to help Australians and their families achieve peace of mind about their future. As at 31 December 2025, ClearView reported A$436 million in in-force premiums.

Justin Delaney, Chief Executive Officer at Zurich said: “This transaction marks the creation of one of Australia’s largest and fastest-growing life insurers at a time when advice-led protection, prevention and financial security has never been more important.”

“By bringing together Zurich’s leading technology capability and balance sheet strength with ClearView’s established and well-regarded products and market relationships, advisers and customers will benefit from continuity of choice under the efficiency of a single, best-in-class platform,” Mr Delaney said.

Tim Kane, Head of Retail at Zurich said: “This is an exciting moment which combines exceptional team capability and culture across two organisations which have a long history of delivering strong outcomes for Australian customers and advisers.”

“Zurich will retain ClearView’s ClearChoice product, which will remain open to new customers alongside our existing Zurich and OnePath Life offerings.”

“Across all three propositions, we will continue our significant investment in leading technology and people to ensure we are meeting the evolving needs of customers and advisers and delivering the outstanding service we are known for,” Mr Kane said.

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Alexis George

Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) has announced the appointment of Alexis George as Independent Non-Executive Director to its Board.

Ms George has more than 30 years’ experience in financial services, including most recently as Chief Executive Officer of AMP. Prior to this, she held several senior leadership positions at ANZ, including Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Group Executive of Wealth Australia, and Global Managing Director of Insurance for ANZ Wealth.

The appointment follows the resignation of former Independent Non‑Executive Director, John Mulcahy, who has served since 2017 and brought significant industry experience to the role, including previously as Chief Executive Officer at Suncorp.

Geoff Summerhayes, Chair of Zurich said: “I’m delighted to welcome Alexis to Zurich’s Board. She brings exceptional depth and breadth of experience to the role and her insights will be invaluable as the organisation continues to grow and evolve across Australia and New Zealand. On behalf of the Board, I also want to sincerely thank John for his contribution to Zurich for close to a decade.”

Ms George has also previously held executive roles at ING Group, including Regional Head of Operations, Information Technology, Marketing and Product for Asia Pacific, Chief Executive Officer of Insurance & Direct Banking for the Czech and Slovak Republics, and Executive Director for Australia.

Justin Delaney, Chief Executive Officer of Zurich said: “Alexis has led large organisations through significant change. She is purpose-led with a clear focus on improving customer outcomes and strengthening internal culture. Alexis will be an important addition to Zurich’s Board as we continue to scale the business.”

Ms George said: “I am very pleased to be joining Zurich at such an important time. The business is growing rapidly and occupies a unique position as Australia’s only major composite insurer – offering both life and general insurance products. Zurich is making considered investments in a number of core capabilities, including technology, partnerships and its people. I look forward to contributing to that journey.”

Ms George commenced on Zurich’s Board and the Boards of its Life Insurance and General Insurance entities on 10 August 2026. She joins existing Non‑Executive Directors: Geoff Summerhayes; Noel Condon; Matthew Reilly; Nicolette Rubinsztein; and Mary Waldron.

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Shaneen Marshall

Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) has announced, for the third year in a row, it will replace its logo on the front of Melbourne Football Club (MFC) AFL run out t-shirts with the names of individuals impacted by breast cancer.

In collaboration with Breast Cancer Network Australia (BCNA) and in support of ‘Play 4 BCNA’, the names of 45 individuals will be displayed on the t-shirts during the AFL Round 22 Pink Lady Match on 8 August.

Zurich also announced a $20,000 donation to BCNA to assist with funding essential support services, resources and advocacy programs for individuals and families affected by breast cancer.

Cancer was the second most common cause for a life insurance claim at Zurich in 2025*, representing more than one in five claims and resulting in nearly $470 million in claims payments. Breast cancer accounted for approximately one in seven of these cancer claims.

Shaneen Marshall, Head of Consumer Channel & Capability, Zurich said: “For three years running, Zurich has been proud to use its logo space to support BCNA and honour Australians and their families impacted by breast cancer.”

“We know from our own claims data just how many Australians are impacted by breast cancer. This initiative allows us to meaningfully recognise those whose lives have been changed and raise important funds to support essential resources and services,” Ms Marshall said.

Dan Taylor, Chief Executive Officer, MFC said: “Our Pink Lady Match is an opportunity to recognise the thousands of Australians impacted by breast cancer and use the platform of football to raise awareness for a cause that touches so many lives.

“Having our players wear the names of people affected by breast cancer creates a powerful connection between the game and the community, reminding us exactly who we’re playing for. We’re incredibly grateful to Zurich for continuing to support this initiative and helping ensure the stories of those affected remain at the heart of this year’s Pink Lady Match,” Mr Taylor said.

Kirsten Pilatti, Chief Executive Officer, BCNA said: “Breast Cancer Network Australia is, once again, deeply grateful for Zurich’s incredible generosity – both through their financial support and their decision to dedicate their logo space on the MFC warm-up tops to honour all those affected by breast cancer.”

“This powerful gesture provides vital funding for BCNA’s essential support services while serving as a meaningful tribute to all who have faced a diagnosis – including those living with metastatic breast cancer and the loved ones who have passed away,” Ms Pilatti said.

This year, a select number of players will display the names of individuals they personally nominated, including Tom McDonald, who will wear the name of Amber Whalan – a BCNA Community Champion and Pink Lady Match ambassador in both 2019 and 2025, who passed away in October 2025.

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Fifita Ngaue

Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) has announced the appointment of Fifita Ngaue to the role of Senior Head of Retail Life Claims, Australia.

Ms Ngaue joins Zurich from MetLife, where she is currently Head of Claims and responsible for driving performance, claims experience and innovation. Prior to this, she has held several roles across Macquarie, CommInsure and Zurich.

In her new role, Ms Ngaue will lead the transformation of Zurich’s growing life insurance claims team, including delivering ongoing improvements to the claims experience and investing in digital solutions.

Matt Paterson, Chief Claims Officer at Zurich said: “As Zurich continues to grow, it is critical we invest in strong leadership capability across our claims function.”

“Fifita brings a wealth of claims expertise to this role and has a track record for delivering great customer outcomes. We look forward to the energy and experience she will bring to the team,” Mr Paterson said.

Ms Ngaue said: “I’m excited to be returning to Zurich at such a significant time in the business. Claims is at the heart of what we do for customers, and I look forward to working with the team to drive meaningful improvements to the claims experience and accelerate our digital capabilities.”

Ms Ngaue will commence in the role on 10 August 2026.

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Tim Kane

Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) has published new analysis showing that while Australia is among the highest‑ranking nations for health system performance and reduced mortality, it faces rising levels of morbidity due to chronic illnesses.

The Zurich Chronic Care Index quantifies health system effectiveness relative to the mortality and morbidity burden of more than 200 chronic illnesses – such as cardiovascular disease, cancer and neurological disorders – across all 38 countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

Australia ranked eighth overall, characterised by low mortality levels and strong system capacity, outperforming countries such as New Zealand, Japan, Sweden, Canada, the United States and United Kingdom.

While medical advancements are helping Australians live longer, the Index found the nation ranked significantly lower than comparable countries for morbidity, as rising numbers of people are living with long-term illnesses requiring high levels of care.

Tim Kane, Head of Retail at Zurich said: “As one of Australia’s largest life insurers, we see the full spectrum of impacts caused by chronic conditions. People are living longer than ever before, but often with long-term illnesses that significantly impact how they live and work, as well as their financial security.”

“This research provides a valuable benchmark to identify strengths, gaps and potential future strains on Australia’s health system. In turn, insurers and other critical parts of the health ecosystem can develop more meaningful and targeted prevention and early intervention programs focused on improving people’s health, productivity and financial resilience,” Mr Kane said.

The Index identifies Australia’s leading contributors for morbidity as mental disorders (close to one in three people), musculoskeletal conditions (one in five) and neurological disorders (one in ten). In 2025, these three condition categories collectively accounted for close to 60 per cent of claims* at Zurich.

The largest contributor to mortality in Australia was neoplasms (two in five deaths), followed by cardiovascular diseases (around a quarter) and neurological disorders (one in ten).

Read the report.

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Tim Kane

Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) have announced it has upgraded its Adviser Portal with new technology that automates the process of sum insured increases for eligible policies^[1].

Using cloud technology, the Portal can now automatically import all quote and customer details when an adviser requests a sum insured change, removing the need to complete a full new business application.

The enhancement removes the existing need to manually input data, resulting in significant efficiencies for advisers.

Tim Kane, Head of Retail at Zurich said: “Zurich’s Adviser Portal has continually been recognised as a leading solution by advisers. A key reason for this is our ongoing investment in evolving the platform in response to their needs.”

“By removing the manual burden from sum insured changes, which still exists across most other portals industry-wide, advisers can spend less time on admin and more time focusing on their clients’ needs,” Mr Kane said.

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Notes:
[1] Zurich Wealth Protection, Futurewise, Ezicover and Active IP.

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Justin Delaney

Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) has hosted its fourth bi-annual Mental Health Roundtable, attended by key clinical and civil society representatives to discuss trends surrounding mental health diagnosis, treatment and resilience, including the evolving role of life insurance. 

Attendees were presented with new Zurich analysis which quantifies the projected rise and impact of mental health conditions in six countries, including Australia, by 2030.

An in-depth discussion was then facilitated to explore principles and ideas for the reform of disability insurance products, with a view to specifically address current design limitations and unintended consequences for those with mental health conditions.

Justin Delaney, Chief Executive Officer, Zurich said: “After the government, life insurance is the largest financial safety net for Australians with mental health conditions. Our data shows that prevalence is rising, which is putting significant pressure on individuals and their quality of life, informal and formal support networks, and the broader economy.”

“Disability insurance products are an important part of this financial safety net, however, the suitability of these products for people with mental health conditions has become increasingly challenging.”

“As we seek to innovate these products, we recognise the importance of doing so collaboratively. Our recent Roundtable was a great opportunity to collectively explore product re-design possibilities, and understand how any proposed changes could integrate with, or impact, other parts of the mental health ecosystem,” Mr Delaney said. 

Jennifer Keyes, Head of Product Innovation and Mental Fitness Impact, Gotcha4Life said: “Discussions like these are important because they help ensure the needs of people experiencing mental health challenges remain at the centre of any service design or decision-making, and that those decisions are informed by expertise and perspectives from across the mental health ecosystem.”

Michael Marthick, Director of Insurance, Spectrum.Life ANZ said: “Disability insurance has a unique reach into the lives of Australians experiencing mental health conditions. Used well, that’s a platform for genuine support – not just financial protection. Roundtables like this are how we move from good intentions to practical reform.”

Catherine Day, Advisor, It Pays to Care said: “Thank you to Zurich for opening up an important discussion about mental health challenges in Australia through the Roundtable discussion. It provided a valuable opportunity for a diverse group of people to challenge the status quo, share perspectives, and explore new approaches.”

Since its last Mental Health Roundtable in November 2025, Zurich has:

• Introduced a new social support rehab program for claimants who are vulnerable or have a mental health condition;
• Commenced a pilot using a leading mental health telemedicine provider to improve efficiency and specialist access for claimants requiring a psychiatric opinion; and
• Committed to a chronic pain management program pilot which addresses mental health as a pain modifier.

The fourth Zurich Mental Health Roundtable, held in May 2026, was attended by representatives from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Lifeline Australia, SANE Australia, Gotcha4Life, This Way Up, Bupa, Spectrum.Life and It Pays to Care.

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Justin Delaney

Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) has announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire ClearView Wealth Limited (ClearView) via a scheme of arrangement.

The proposed acquisition has received the unanimous recommendation of ClearView Directors[1]. If the transaction is implemented, ClearView shareholders will receive cash consideration of A$0.65 per share[2], representing an equity value for ClearView of approximately A$415 million.

ClearView, an ASX-listed entity, is the parent company of Clearview Life Assurance Limited, an Australian life insurer committed to partnering with financial advisers to help Australians and their families achieve peace of mind about their future. As at 30 June 2025, the ClearView group reported A$413 million of in-force premiums.

Justin Delaney, Chief Executive Officer, Zurich Australia & New Zealand, said: “The proposed transaction brings together Zurich’s strong capital foundation with ClearView’s established in-market product and advice relationships and represents a clear opportunity to develop the customer experience and competitive offering in the Australian life insurance market.”

Geoff Black, Chair of ClearView, said: “We believe Zurich and ClearView are highly complementary brands in life insurance and that, if the scheme is implemented, Zurich will be a great custodian to continue delivering ClearView’s ClearChoice product that protects what is most important to Australians.”

Implementation of the proposed acquisition is subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, including ClearView shareholder and court approvals.

The proposed acquisition is currently expected to be implemented around the third quarter of 2026.

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Justin Delaney

Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) has hosted its third bi-annual Mental Health Roundtable, attended by key academic, clinical and civil society representatives to discuss trends surrounding mental health diagnosis, treatment and resilience.

Attendees discussed new analysis conducted by Zurich which quantifies the health resilience of Australian communities, including specific measures of mental health diagnosis prevalence and access to care.

Representatives from Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW) presented academic research and the results of a recent clinical trial on the use of emotional regulation and mental health tools for the management of chronic pain.

The forum also explored key mental health trends and correlations within Zurich’s claims data, including challenges and opportunities relating to claims management and product design, with a view to improve customer outcomes.

Justin Delaney, Chief Executive Officer, Zurich said: “We are witnessing a profound increase in the diagnosis and severity of mental illness in Australia. At Zurich, mental health makes up almost a third of claims for some life products and almost half of all Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims mention mental health as an associated struggle or secondary issue to the primary claimed condition.”

“Zurich’s Mental Health Roundtables provide an important opportunity for the broader mental health ecosystem to collaborate, exchange views and share data to drive continued progress in addressing some of the significant trends we are seeing.”

“It is also a critical avenue for facilitating the meaningful and ongoing evolution of Zurich’s products and services, ensuring we can continue to protect Australians and play a more active role in prevention and early intervention into the future,” Mr Delaney said

Since its last Mental Health Roundtable in February 2025, Zurich has:

• Piloted three new mental health support programmes for claimants which focus on improving resilience factors such as nutrition and exercise;
• Rolled out new vulnerable customer and empathy training for all claims employees; and
• Added additional mental health specialists to support its claims and underwriting teams.

Chris Gambian, Executive Director, Australians for Mental Health said: “The mental health challenges Australia faces will require us to come together and find solutions in ways we have never done before. I appreciate Zurich’s recognition that openness to new thinking, willingness to listen to diverse perspectives, and creation of spaces for discussion such as this Roundtable, are critical for an effective way forward.”

Nieves Murray, Chief Executive Officer, Suicide Prevention Australia said: “I found the Roundtable provided valuable insights to changes in community behaviour. It was particularly interesting to learn about the increasing prevalence of mental health impacting the ability of people to live a contributing life. As colleagues working in the mental health and suicide prevention sector, the data presented a different and thought-provoking perspective.”

Rheza Tan, Clinical Director, MindSpot said: “Addressing the growing burden of mental ill-health requires genuine collaboration across sectors. Partnerships between insurance, health, and research organisations are essential to driving innovation and delivering meaningful change for Australians.”

Professor Sylvia Gustin, Co-Director, Centre for Pain IMPACT, NeuRA and UNSW said: “Mental health and chronic pain are deeply interconnected and represent a significant global health challenge. In Australia alone, chronic pain affects around 20 to 30 per cent of the population, with many also experiencing co-occurring mental health concerns. Roundtables like this provide an invaluable platform to share diverse scientific, clinical and lived perspectives and to work together towards evidence-based solutions that improve wellbeing and quality of life for those affected.”

Dr Nell Norman-Nott, Clinical Research Fellow, NeuRA and UNSW said: “We appreciated the opportunity to share the successful results of our recent clinical trial on Pain and Emotion Therapy, a new evidence-based approach that focuses on the emotional experience of chronic pain. This Roundtable was an important forum to discuss how this innovative therapy can be translated into clinical practice and made more widely accessible, which we see as the next critical step in improving care for people living with chronic pain.”

The third Zurich Mental Health Roundtable, held in November 2025, was attended by representatives from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, R U OK?, Lifeline Australia, SANE Australia, MindSpot, Suicide Prevention Australia, Australians for Mental Health, Neuroscience Research Australia (NeuRA) and the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

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Justin Delaney

Zurich Financial Services Australia (Zurich) has welcomed the announcement by the Council of Australian Life Insurers (CALI) to formally review the Life Insurance Code of Practice (the Code).

The Code outlines the life insurance industry’s key commitments and obligations to customers on standards of practice, disclosures, and principles of conduct.

Beginning October 2025, the Code review will be conducted by Peter Kell, former Deputy Chair of the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and former Chief Executive Officer of CHOICE.

Justin Delaney, Chief Executive Officer, Zurich said: “The Code plays an important role in holding insurers to a high standard with our customers across the entire process, from how products are designed and sold, through to the claims experience.”

“The decision to review the Code and the industry’s intention that it be registered with the regulator underline’s a commitment to continually improving and achieving positive customer outcomes.”

“Zurich looks forward to working with Mr Kell and the broader industry on this important task and contributing to evolving the critical safeguards the Code provides to customers,” Mr Delaney said.

The Code was first established in 2016 was last revised and updated in July 2023, incorporating several changes across sales, underwriting, premium disclosures, claims, mental health, vulnerable customers, sanctions, clarity on navigating the Code, and the introduction of new enforceable provisions.

Following the review, the new Code is due to be implemented on 1 October 2027.

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