Partners Life is hoping to reassure industry regulator the FMA that upfront remuneration systems do not influence the advice given by financial advisers to clients.The insurer says financial advisers are the “good guys” and that the industry regulator's concerns about upfront commission payments are unfounded, and that commission structures do not need to change.Partners Life is in the process of building a body of evidence to show that the upfront commission structure doesn't compromise the advice given.The FMA says it remains concerned about high upfront commissions being paid to advisers.Easier legal declarationsThe Oaths and Declarations Act has been temporarily changed to make it easier for people to sign documents while remaining physically separated from each other under Covid-19 restrictions.The New Zealand Government amended the Act to allow oaths, affirmations and declarations to be taken via phone or video link.Law firm MinterEllison says the change removes the difficulties entities have faced while taking statutory declarations during the lockdown period.Vulnerable clientsCompliance firm Strategi Group says worries over COVID-19 and reduced household income may cause some people to feel vulnerable and make poor financial decisions.The company's Managing Director, David Greenslade, says the Financial Markets Conduct Act includes statutory duties for people who give regulated financial advice, including complying with the standards of ethical behaviour, conduct, and client care.He says issues advisers need to be aware of include; communication difficulties, mental disabilities or impairments; health issues, and challenging personal circumstances.Level 3 workplace guidanceThe FMA has released its guidance for financial service companies operating under the government’s alert level 3 restrictions.The regulator says businesses and staff who can operate from home must continue to do so.However, it says workplaces can reopen if the work cannot be done from home, and the workplace can operate consistently within public health guidance and ensure the appropriate protections for staff and customers.Legal webinarA webinar to be held today Wednesday April 29 at 10am will cover off a range of legal issues and relief measures for adviser businesses operating in a COVID-19 world.Hosted by Katrina Shanks of Financial Advice NZ, the webinar will feature three lawyers from Dentons Kensington Swan talking about wage subsidies, restructuring and insolvency, and commercial property.New CEO for Accuro HealthAccuro Health Insurance has appointed Lance Walker as its new CEO. He will join the firm in June when he leaves the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency where he has been CEO for the past two years.His previous senior roles include Chief Executive of both Cigna Life Insurance and Fly Buys company, Loyalty NZ. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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