The partnership with involve the two companies co-hosting a number of events for Lighthouse advisers throughout the year.

Details of the protection account will also be advertised internally to Lighthouse advisers who will be able to access AXA quotes and submit business through Lighthouse’s IT platform, known as Steps.

Iain Mallon, Axa’s head of protection, said: “We consider this to be a key achievement in our efforts to increase our market penetration.”

Malcolm Streatfield, Lighthouse’s chief executive said: “The Lighthouse Steps platform has been developed for our advisers to access information and submit business quotes to major product providers, efficiently and with minimum delay. This partnership will showcase Axa’s products and position them alongside the rest of the market to all of our 550 plus advisers nationwide.”