The Australian and New Zealand Institute of Insurance and Finance (ANZIIF) has opened submissions for the 21st Australian Insurance Industry Awards, set to honour outstanding achievements across the sector.

Scheduled for Aug. 21 at The Star in Sydney, the event will recognise excellence, innovation, and contributions within the insurance industry.

“The Awards provide a valuable opportunity for individuals and businesses to gain recognition for their contributions to the industry. They encourage us to continue pursuing excellence, innovation and customer satisfaction,” Katrina Shanks, CEO of ANZIIF.

Submissions are open across 15 categories, which span general insurance, life insurance, broking, claims, underwriting, insurtech, authorised representative networks, professional services, and service providers. The award criteria place a strong emphasis on customer focus, ethical standards, and addressing vulnerability within the industry.

Individuals will also be recognised across three categories that celebrate leadership, dedication, and professionalism. Last year’s winners included Trade Risk, Aon, Insurance Advisernet, NTI, Adica Insurance, Allianz Australia, AIA, Simfuni, Finity, Gallagher Bassett, and CHU Underwriting.

Award categories and criteria:

• Small-medium broking company of the year
• Large broking company of the year – sponsored by QBE
• Authorised representative network of the year – sponsored by Q nect
• Underwriting agency of the year – sponsored by UAC
• Small-medium general insurance company of the year
• Large general insurance company of the year – sponsored by Steadfast
• Claims team of the year – sponsored by Xceedance
• Life insurance company of the year
• Insurtech start-up of the year
• Professional services firm of the year
• Service provider to the insurance industry
• Excellence in workplace diversity, equity and inclusion
• Young insurance professional of the year – sponsored by CHU Underwriting Agencies
• Insurance leader of the year – sponsored by DXC Technology
• ANZIIF lifetime achievement award

Shanks encourages industry professionals to participate, noting that the awards serve as a platform to highlight excellence and foster a sense of community within the sector.

Submissions close on May 4.

Share your thoughts—who do you think deserves recognition in this year’s awards?