| Sea-Doo Dominates Australian Marine Brand Searches in Q4 2025 Sun, 15 Feb: As the Australian summer approaches, the marine industry has witnessed a significant shift in consumer interest, with Sea-Doo emerging as the most-searched marine brand in the fourth quarter of 2025. According to Retain Media's Q4 2025 Marine Market Brand Consideration Report, Sea-Doo captured 11.2% of search queries, marking a substantial 51.4% increase from the previous quarter's 7.4%. - read more
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| Starboard Maritime Intelligence Raises $20 Million to Advance AI Maritime Security Sun, 15 Feb: In a significant development for maritime security, Starboard Maritime Intelligence, a New Zealand-based company specializing in artificial intelligence solutions for ocean protection, has successfully closed a NZ$23 million (approximately AU$20.6 million) Series A funding round. This oversubscribed round attracted substantial interest from Australian venture capital firms, underscoring the growing importance of advanced technologies in safeguarding maritime interests. - read more
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| Cyan Renewables Acquires MMA Offshore in AU$1.1 Billion Deal Sun, 15 Feb: In a landmark transaction within the marine industry, Singapore-based Cyan Renewables has acquired Australian offshore marine services provider MMA Offshore for AU$1.1 billion (approximately US$702 million). This acquisition represents the region's largest take-private deal in the offshore wind energy services sector, significantly enhancing Cyan's presence in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region. - read more
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| AFCA Issues Warning to SMEs on Unregulated Lenders Sun, 15 Feb: The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) has recently raised concerns regarding the risks small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face when engaging with unregulated lenders. This caution comes in response to a notable increase in complaints that AFCA cannot address due to the lenders' non-membership status. - read more
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| Australian Tech Startups Secure $4 Billion Amid Traditional Lending Decline Sun, 15 Feb: In 2024, Australian technology startups achieved a significant milestone by raising $4 billion across 414 deals, marking an 11% increase from the previous year and the third-highest annual total on record. This surge underscores the robust investor confidence in the tech sector, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, health technology, and climate technology. - read more
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| SME Lending Boom Presents New Revenue Opportunities for Brokers Sun, 15 Feb: Australia is witnessing a significant surge in small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) lending, creating lucrative opportunities for brokers to expand their revenue streams. This growth is driven by SMEs' increasing appetite for expansion, including hiring staff, upgrading equipment, and scaling operations after strong trading periods. - read more
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| Strata Communities Endorse Call for Enhanced Resilience Reforms Sun, 15 Feb: Strata communities are at the forefront of Australia's resilience battle, facing escalating costs, declining coverage, and prolonged recovery periods following disasters. Strata Community Association Australasia (SCA) has expressed strong support for the Insurance Council of Australia's (ICA) recent call for coordinated, long-term resilience reforms to protect communities from these challenges. - read more
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| Artificial Intelligence Revolutionises Australian Insurance Sector Sun, 15 Feb: The Australian insurance industry is undergoing a significant transformation, with companies increasingly integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into their operations. This shift aims to enhance efficiency, improve customer service, and strengthen risk management practices in a rapidly evolving market. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Confront Financial Risks Amid Climate Change Sun, 15 Feb: Climate change is increasingly impacting the Australian insurance industry, presenting significant financial risks as the frequency and severity of natural disasters escalate. Insurers are grappling with the challenge of adapting to this new reality while maintaining financial stability and providing affordable coverage to consumers. - read more
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| Budget Direct Triumphs as 2026 Insurer of the Year Sun, 15 Feb: Budget Direct has been honoured with the inaugural 'Insurer of the Year' title at the 2026 Finder Provider of the Year Awards, marking a significant achievement in the Australian insurance sector. This accolade underscores the company's commitment to delivering exceptional value and service to its customers. - read more
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| Australian Insurers Face Growing AI and Cybersecurity Challenges Sun, 15 Feb: Recent findings from the PwC Insurance Banana Skins Survey reveal a concerning trend: Australian insurers are increasingly falling behind their global counterparts in preparedness for emerging risks, particularly those associated with artificial intelligence (AI) and cyber threats. The survey indicates that local insurers are now 6.6% less prepared than their international peers, marking the widest gap observed in recent years. - read more
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| Australian General Insurers Report Record Financial Performance Sun, 15 Feb: The Australian general insurance industry has reported a remarkable financial performance for the 2025 financial year (FY25), achieving a 19% return on equity (ROE)—the highest in a decade. This significant milestone reflects the sector's resilience and strategic adaptability in a dynamic economic environment. - read more
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| IAG's Strategic Reinsurance Deals Aim to Bolster Financial Stability Sun, 15 Feb: Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has recently announced the establishment of two significant reinsurance agreements designed to enhance the company's financial stability by reducing earnings volatility. These strategic moves involve partnerships with global reinsurers Berkshire Hathaway and Canada Life Reinsurance, focusing on long-term natural perils protection, and an Adverse Development Cover with Enstar to address long-tail risks. - read more
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| IAG Implements Executive Leadership Changes to Drive Strategic Objectives Sun, 15 Feb: Insurance Australia Group (IAG) has announced significant changes to its executive leadership team as part of its ongoing efforts to align with strategic objectives and enhance operational efficiency. The company has confirmed the retirement of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Michelle McPherson by the end of 2023 and the departure of Chief Insurance & Strategy Officer Tim Plant on 30 June 2023. - read more
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| ANZ's Australia Commercial Division Sees 11% Profit Growth Sat, 14 Feb: ANZ Banking Group has reported an 11% increase in profit for its Australia Commercial division over the past year. This growth is attributed to robust lending activities, particularly in the agribusiness and health sectors. - read more
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| AMA Advocates for Regulatory Reforms to Curb Health Insurers' Market Power Sat, 14 Feb: The Australian Medical Association (AMA) has recently highlighted concerns regarding the substantial market power wielded by private health insurers and its potential adverse effects on patient care and healthcare costs. In a position statement released on 4 February 2026, the AMA emphasised the need for regulatory reforms to prevent insurers from exploiting their dominant positions in the healthcare sector. - read more
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| Declining Value in Private Health Insurance: AMA Calls for Urgent Reforms Sat, 14 Feb: Recent findings from the Australian Medical Association (AMA) reveal a concerning trend in the private health insurance sector: Australians are facing higher premiums while experiencing diminishing returns on their policies. The AMA's latest Private Health Insurance Report Card, released on 5 December 2025, highlights the urgent need for reforms to address these issues. - read more
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| Private Health Insurers Under Fire for Premium Increases Despite Government Warnings Sat, 14 Feb: Private health insurers in Australia are facing mounting criticism for implementing significant premium increases, despite explicit warnings from the Health Minister. This development has sparked concerns about the affordability of healthcare and the practices employed by insurers to maximise profits. - read more
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| AIA Australia's Commitment to Mental Health: City2Surf Partnership Sat, 14 Feb: In August 2025, AIA Australia, a leading life, health, and wellbeing insurer, took a significant step in addressing the nation's mental health crisis by partnering with the City2Surf event in Sydney. This collaboration aimed to raise both funds and awareness for mental health, a pressing issue that has seen a notable increase in related insurance claims over recent years. - read more
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| AUSactive and Private Healthcare Australia: Pioneering Health Insurance Reforms Sat, 14 Feb: In July 2025, AUSactive, Australia's peak body for the exercise and active health sector, announced a strategic partnership with Private Healthcare Australia (PHA) aimed at reforming private health insurance to include evidence-based preventive health services. This collaboration follows recent legislative changes that permit private health insurers to offer rebates for select natural therapies, marking a significant shift in the integration of preventive health into the insurance framework. - read more
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| AIA Australia's New Member Insurance Portal: Revolutionising Claims Processing Sat, 14 Feb: In July 2024, AIA Australia, a prominent life, health, and wellbeing insurer, unveiled its cutting-edge Member Insurance Portal, designed to streamline the insurance experience for group insurance customers. This digital innovation focuses on optimising the claims process, providing members with the ability to track their claims throughout the entire lifecycle, thereby ensuring transparency and simplicity during potentially challenging times. - read more
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| Government Criticises Insurers Amid Rising Premiums Sat, 14 Feb: In March 2025, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese publicly criticised Australian insurance companies, accusing them of 'ripping off' consumers through escalating premiums. This statement came in response to widespread concerns about the affordability of insurance, particularly following natural disasters like ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred. - read more
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| Upcoming Regulations Pose New Challenges for Australian Insurers Sat, 14 Feb: The Australian insurance industry is on the cusp of significant regulatory changes with the impending implementation of the Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) and CPS230 Operational Resilience. These regulations, set to take effect in March and July 2025 respectively, will require insurers to make strategic adjustments to ensure compliance and maintain operational resilience. - read more
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| Declining Construction Insurance Premiums in Australia: A 2025 Overview Sat, 14 Feb: In 2025, Australia's construction insurance market experienced a notable shift, with premiums decreasing across various lines. This trend marks a departure from the upward trajectory observed in previous years, offering a more favourable environment for construction businesses seeking coverage. - read more
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| The Impact of Escalating Construction Costs on Insurance Claims in Australia Sat, 14 Feb: Australia's construction sector is currently grappling with significant cost escalations, which are having a direct impact on insurance claims and repair timelines. Factors such as rising material prices, labour shortages, and an increase in builder insolvencies are contributing to this trend. - read more
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