How brokers can stay ahead of today's compliance curve

Across Australia’s broking sector, regulatory shifts, rising consumer expectations and the influence of AI-driven tools are reshaping everyday practice.

For small to medium-sized brokerages, some of which may lack dedicated compliance teams, keeping pace with evolving requirements is a growing challenge.

Brokers must navigate complex legislation, communicate clearly with clients, and meet ever-stricter obligations, often while juggling escalating workloads.

It’s a demanding environment, and one that calls for learning solutions that are clear, practical and immediately useful.

New ANZIIF Short Course

Responding to the need, ANZIIF has developed 2026 Insurance Brokers Compliance Update, a dynamic Short Course designed to help SME brokers get and stay up to date with current legislative and regulatory changes and requirements.

In just 50 minutes, the course introduces key compliance expectations, explains why they matter and offers practical tools that can be applied straight away; including templates, job aids and real-world scenarios.

“Compliance isn’t optional, it’s the foundation of trust in our industry," says Katrina Shanks, CEO, ANZIIF.

"This course gives insurance professionals the clarity and confidence to meet their obligations and deliver better outcomes for clients.

"ANZIIF remains committed to practical, industry-aligned education that strengthens capability and protects reputation.”

A central voice in shaping the course was respected industry expert Solange Liberona, National Training and Development Manager at Master Builders Insurance Brokers.

Her contribution ensured the course development process was grounded in lived broking realities, combining foundational knowledge with a human-centred approach reflecting how brokers truly engage with clients.

A professional story informed by learning

For Liberona, the desire to contribute to the course began with her own professional philosophy.

“My family, especially my parents have taught me the value in learning new things, hard work and being accountable,” she says.

“I was always keen to have a rewarding career whereby I could continuously learn and challenge myself in both a technical and professional capacity but one that also provided me the opportunity to connect with people and be of assistance and support."

Liberona's early experiences taught her the importance of building and maintaining strong, long-lasting relationships, and staying adaptable and resilient through change, while remaining authentic to who she is.

“These foundations have helped me stay focused on my purpose and goals, and they drive my commitment to supporting others too – both professionally and personally.”

This blend of technical capability and genuine care for people shaped her input into the course; ensuring it isn’t just a list of obligations but connects compliance to trust, communication and real consumer outcomes.

Clear and basic guidance

Through her work supporting brokers across the country, Liberona has seen how regulatory complexity has increased year on year.

“In recent years, due to many regulatory and legislative changes and/or updates, there has been steady increase in the complexity of broker compliance requirements,” she says.

"What brokers need is clarity, not in abstract terms, but in ways they can apply directly to their work."

“For brokers, providing clearer foundational guidance, such as explaining what each requirement is, why it exists, where it applies and how it impacts the client can help create a cohesive understanding of the insurance compliance landscape from the onset.”

This perspective echoed feedback ANZIIF heard from its Broking Faculty Advisory Board (FAB).

According to FAB members, the issue is rarely brokers’ willingness to comply, but rather the difficulty of accessing simple, structured and up-to-date explanations of what good practice looks like.

From ANZIIF's perspective ongoing demand for a practical, principle-based course covering core compliance essentials relevant to SMEs every year was never in doubt.

The 2026 Broker Compliance Course Update was originally designed to focus on 2025 legislative changes, but the project evolved significantly once consultations confirmed the real need was broader.

Developing the right mindset

One of the course’s key strengths is the way it supports new and early-career brokers, many of whom are developing their professional habits in a fast-changing industry.

Liberona asserts that this focus is critical. “If a robust approach to compliance can be introduced to a new or early career broker through a customer-centric lens, they can understand how it protects them," she explains.

"This demonstrates the mindset needed to act responsibly, transparently, and ethically in our interactions.

"By upholding these standards, it models positive behaviours such as the commitment to do what is right for the customer, and in the long-term, this helps build trust and demonstrates professionalism.”

This philosophy guided the course design: the use of plain language and relatable scenarios don't just help brokers understand what they must do, but also why it matters, for their clients, their businesses and their own professional reputation.

Topics covered include areas brokers most often struggle with, including disclosure, informed consent, conflicts of interest, advice models, handling vulnerability, data breaches, the use of AI tools and the link between complaints and compliance failures.

Where compliance succeeds or breaks down

Communication, Liberona says, is the point where compliance risk most often emerges.

“Client communication works both ways, so any gaps in understanding can easily lead to misinformation or miscommunication,” she explains.

“This can then impact other key areas such as advice delivery or the disclosures made. Taking the time to understand your client and their immediate needs as well as their future goals will help deliver truly tailored solutions and support.”

The 2026 Broker Compliance Update reflects this insight by linking every compliance element back to customer outcomes; helping brokers see the direct connection between clear conversations, accurate advice and regulatory expectations.

Fast-paced commercial environments

Liberona is also strong advocate for giving brokers practical structures that help compliance become embedded, and not burdensome.

“It’s effective to provide guides, examples, checklists and templates where possible,” she says. “Encourage open dialogue and communication about how to escalate any issues or who can get answers to their questions quickly.

“I also suggest brokers conduct simple file checks through regular reporting or peer reviews and provide positive, focus area feedback,” she adds.

“Be ready for new compliance changes by getting trained, using checklists and reference guides, and make use of technology to automate where possible within the broker’s workflow.”

This vision shaped ANZIIF’s decision to include downloadable collateral throughout the course, from checklists to process guides, helping brokers translate learning into daily practices immediately.

The course also incorporates audio narration for the first time, giving busy brokers a flexible, on-the-go learning option.

Modern and practical

Liberona sees huge value in helping brokers understand compliance at both client and policy levels.

“An opportunity to provide a holistic view of all our regulatory requirements, segmented at a client and policy level, could help strengthen understanding and provide clarity where these are needed and the potential impact to a client if missed,” she observes.

The course reflects this direction, providing a structured, interconnected view of compliance that allows brokers to see how obligations fit together, and how oversights can impact clients.

The 2026 Insurance Brokers Compliance Update short course represents ANZIIF’s commitment to supporting brokers with solutions that evolve as the industry evolves.

With expert input from leaders like Solange Liberona, the course offers everything SME brokers need to stay compliant as further updates arise. It provides:

• Clear, practical descriptions of essential compliance requirements
• Templates, checklists and job aids for immediate application
• Story-based design and simple language
• Real-world examples and consequences
• An audio-enabled learning experience
• Annual updates to stay ahead of regulatory change

Strengthen your compliance capability with ANZIIF’s short course, 2026 Insurance Brokers Compliance and take the first step toward more confident, compliant client conversations.

Enroll now