Sovereign - NZ Life Insurance Company

Our History

Sovereign was established in 1989, creating a new style of life insurance and investment company in New Zealand. In 1996, Sovereign acquired Metropolitan Life, creating one of the largest life insurance operations in New Zealand at that time (in terms of new individual business).

In December 1998, Sovereign became part of the ASB Group of companies, which is in turn part of the Commonwealth Bank of Australia Group (CBA).

2000 was a watershed year in Sovereigns history. In August, CBA acquired the global operations of Colonial Limited. Colonial was a diverse international financial services group established in Australia in 1873. The acquisition led to the integration of Sovereign and Colonial's New Zealand business, which created the largest life insurance company in New Zealand.

Today, Sovereign provides a comprehensive suite of life insurance, investment and home loan products. As well as being New Zealands largest life insurance company, Sovereign is the largest home loan lender outside the four major trading bank groups. We meet the financial service needs of over half a million customers.

Purpose
We provide New Zealanders with long-term peace of mind.

Vision
To be New Zealands best insurer and financial services provider, excelling in customer service.

Values
Our values are integral to Sovereign and are fused into everything we do.

Our values provide a framework for the way in which we interact with our customers, each other and our business partners. They create a place where our people are valued, respected and developed, and where customer service is key.

Sovereign - Life Insurance Provider - LifeDirect