Advice key to financial well-being: CFS research
Most Australians do not feel positive about their financial future and lack confidence when making decisions about their superannuation, according to the latest research from Colonial First State.
Viridian launches Infinity Capital Solutions
Viridian Financial Group has launched managed accounts service Infinity Capital Solutions.
Priority Advisory Group & Wise Planners merge to create multi-disciplinary firm
Financial advice firms Priority Advisory Group and Wise Planners will merge to form a large multi-disciplinary professional services firm specialising in wealth management, retirement planning, aged care, life risk insurance, and workplace financial advice.
The chosen paths: Directing members into retirement solutions
There are five possible pathways to retirement solutions, but only two are in place with the missing pathways all involving some form of trustee direction. The Conexus Institute’s Geoff Warren and David Bell write trustees will be pivotal in helping provide straightforward solutions to members who are disengaged or unprepared to pay for financial advice, leaving independent advisers to deal with those who want a comprehensive and highly personalised solution.
Why ‘hero asset managers’ pose a major risk for super funds
Top portfolio managers, chefs and rockstars all share some common traits: a healthy ego, enjoyment in performing, building excellence, and significant key-person risk. Heroes and their stories have their place to inspire us, but Michael Swinsburg asks: can they build and sustain enterprises?
Super funds encounter mild challenges in August
Superannuation funds saw modest returns in August, with the median balanced option experiencing a slight decline of -0.1 per cent, according to SuperRatings.
HESTA appoints portfolio design head
Industry fund HESTA has appointed Dianne Sandoval as its head of portfolio design, responsible for the research and asset allocation processes to reach investment objectives.
New Quantum Holdings concludes Morrison Securities acquisition
Technology company New Quantum Holdings has recently concluded the last tranche of its $40.5 million acquisition of 80 per cent of equities clearing business Morrison Securities, from Sequoia Financial Group.
AustralianSuper invests $2.5b Vantage EMEA
Industry super fund AustralianSuper has invested $2.5 billion in Vantage Data Centers EMEA through a partnership with digital infrastructure firm DigitalBridge Group, making them key shareholders in the company.
Rest Super commits to ‘operate and scale’ renewable energy assets
Rest chief investment officer Andrew Lill is prioritising renewable energy assets as part of its alignment to Sustainable Development Goals. The fund has committed capital to Octopus Australia’s OASIS fund, adding to its existing wind farm and green energy equity exposure.
Hunters become hunted as super funds face greenwashing pressure
Australian super funds have been active in pressuring companies about their green credentials, but the shoe is now firmly on the other foot as funds themselves come under increasing scrutiny and pressure from regulators over claims made to market funds to current and prospective members. And they’re not likely to be treated leniently.
Funds SA appoints CEO
South Australian government-owned investment corporation Funds SA has appointed its chief operating officer John Piteo as CEO following an extensive search process.
