The National Insurance Brokers Association (NIBA) has confirmed that industry representative David Duffield will complete his final term on the Insurance Brokers Code Compliance Committee (IBCCC) on Dec. 31 after holding the position since 2017. He will be succeeded by broker Jeff Howells, who is scheduled to commence a three‑year term on Jan. 1.
Duffield’s industry involvement spans more than 45 years in insurance. He previously served as a NIBA director for over 15 years and was the recipient of the Lex McKeown Award in 2015. During his tenure as NIBA president, he played a role in the development and implementation of the Insurance Brokers Code of Practice, which underpins conduct expectations for subscribers.
NIBA president Nick Cook said the association and its members recognise Duffield’s work in the IBCCC role. “On behalf of the NIBA board and our members across Australia, I extend my sincere thanks to David for his immense contribution as the industry representative on the IBCCC over the past 9 years. David leaves a lasting legacy of working to lift professional standards and strengthening trust in the broking profession. We are grateful for his service, his wise counsel, and his advocacy, and wish him all the very best for his future endeavours,” Cook said.
Reflecting on his time with the IBCCC, Duffield said the position had given him a platform to represent broking interests nationally. “It’s been an honour and privilege to serve as the industry representative and represent the broking profession on the IBCCC. I wish Jeff the best of luck as he steps into this important role,” he said.
Howells, who will assume the role from 2026, has more than five decades of experience in the general insurance industry and has been an insurance broker for over 40 years. His career includes senior management positions at Austbrokers Holdings and Jardine Lloyd Thompson (JLT), as well as serving as managing director of Austbrokers Sydney and involvement in establishing AIMS. Over his career, Howells has held professional designations such as senior associate of ANZIIF (CIP), an Advanced Diploma of Financial Services (QPIB), a Business Management Certificate from the Australian Institute of Management, and associate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
Commenting on his appointment, Howells said the IBCCC position provides a way to contribute to the profession’s oversight arrangements. “I am delighted to take on this important role, which is an opportunity to give back to the sector and advocate for the value of brokers in the broader risk landscape,” he said.
NIBA CEO Richard Klipin said the organisation expects to work closely with Howells in the IBCCC role. “We are pleased to see someone of Jeff’s calibre and experience appointed as the industry representative on the IBCCC. Jeff brings a deep understanding of broking, strong leadership credentials, and a longstanding commitment to professionalism and client care,” he said.
Alongside the IBCCC transition, NIBA is progressing the review of the Insurance Brokers Code of Practice, with an update provided at the 2025 NIBA Convention in late October. NIBA has said the review is intended to reinforce self‑regulation and clarify expectations of brokers. To conduct the review, NIBA appointed independent reviewer Phil Khoury of cameron. ralph. khoury (CRK). According to NIBA, the independent review is intended to apply external scrutiny while drawing on industry and regulatory feedback.
The review has generated responses from NIBA members, other industry stakeholders, and regulators. A series of consultation sessions has focused on what subscribers would like to see reflected in a revised code, including how it interacts with current regulation and client expectations. The final report from the independent reviewer is expected to be delivered shortly. Once received, NIBA plans to release the report to members for further feedback and consultation before finalising any code changes.
