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Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is being promoted by the mining lobby as one of the keys to a net zero economy. But should asset owners and managers be setting much store by what fossil fuel companies say on the matter, and is the campaign backed by science?
Russell BakerDecember 1, 2023
The latest
Opinion
Fresh political probe a chance for super sector’s new leaders
Industry insiders may well bristle at the thought of yet another parliamentary inquiry into superannuation and related issues. But it is also a chance for the sector to make its own case on member experience and customer service standards, and for the newly unveiled CEOs of the SMCA and ASFA to prove their advocacy credentials.
31 Jan - 1 February, 2024
Chair Forum
27 February, 2024
Real Estate Forum
30 April, 2024
Private Credit Forum
Leadership
2023 Fiduciary Investors Symposium
Future Fund CIO rejects ‘macho, Darwinian’ investing culture
In his first public comments since being named chief investment officer of Australia’s sovereign wealth fund in August, Ben Samild has criticised the institutional investment industry’s penchant for “militaristic language and culture”. Samild told the Fiduciary Investors Symposium he was expanding the fund’s investment committee and prioritising portfolio resilience and his team’s wellbeing.
Aleks VickovichNovember 13, 2023
Investments
AustralianSuper sets out to double the size of its ‘mid risk’ portfolio
Self-described "infrastructure geek" Jason Peasley is tasked with growing the mega-fund's portfolio of real estate, infrastructure and private credit assets to $150 billion-plus, navigating a slew of market headwinds in the process.
Glenda KorporaalNovember 10, 2023
Retirement
Asset liability management: The CSC 100-year model
Commonwealth Superannuation Corp has been managing pensions for the federal civil service and other federal government employees for over a century. The key is to manage liability, says CEO Damian Hill.
Sharon KlyneMay 26, 2023
Member engagement
Member engagement
Super complaints continue to rise, fuelling customer service crackdown
Industry super funds are under immense pressure to rethink their traditional low-cost operating model as their loyal members now demand significantly more service - and the government and regulators are prepared to wield a big stick.
Glenda KorporaalNovember 21, 2023
Industry trends
‘Our patience has run out’: APRA warns funds on cybersecurity
APRA chair John Lonsdale has given superannuation funds, banks and insurers another prod to improve “foundational issues” in cybersecurity, explaining the regulator will no longer entertain underpreparedness from the financial sector.
Darcy SongNovember 3, 2023
Equities
Inside AustralianSuper’s active ownership strategy
The nation's largest super fund has emerged as a kingmaker ahead of ASX AGM season. But while its role in a string of M&A deals, including Brookfield's bid for Origin Energy, has grabbed headlines, the active ownership focus was a deliberate strategy by the fund.
Glenda KorporaalOctober 18, 2023
Industry and regulation
Industry trends
Retail super giants abandon ASFA, adding to financial woes
Insignia Financial and Colonial First State ceased their membership of the troubled Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia in recent months. The exit of two major members is expected to result in a financial hit of at least $150,000 for the peak body and follows a round of staff redundancies.
Aleks VickovichNovember 20, 2023
Portfolio & risk management
‘Immaculate disinflation’ is starting to look achievable
Interest rates are reaching levels where they are hampering economies and the domestic inflationary forces still swirling could prove tougher to quell than the price increases caused by global shocks. Investors might have become too optimistic.
Michael CollinsNovember 27, 2023
2023 Fiduciary Investors Symposium
Investors in China urged to proceed with caution
Opportunities to invest in China remain plentiful, but investors must proceed with greater caution than in the recent past in light of renewed geopolitical tensions and a confluence of factors combining to put a brake on the economy.
Simon HoyleNovember 24, 2023