TPD needs rethink, but industry split on payout methods

There is growing consensus that total and permanent disability (TPD) insurance needs a fundamental rethink. But while KPMG partner Melinda Howes questions whether lump sum TPD payouts are still “fit for purpose”, Aware Super’s head of insurance, David Evans, says members still see some value in the traditional approach.

‘Very excited’: Ben Samild on being crowned Future Fund CIO

The Future Fund Board of Governors has picked deputy CIO Ben Samild to replace Raphael Arndt as the sovereign wealth fund’s permanent CIO. While a global executive search was conducted, the former hedge fund strategist and would-be psychologist was widely seen as the frontrunner.

As ART goes national, can it close the gap on AustralianSuper?

When Australian Retirement Trust opened its new offices in Sydney last month, Treasurer Jim Chalmers joked about Queenslanders “planting the flag deep in Blues territory.” But the mega-fund faces headwinds and tailwinds in its quest to expand its member footprint beyond the sunshine state and double its assets under management to $500 billion.

Future2 Foundation expands 2023 grants program

The Financial Advice Association’s Future2 Foundation will expand its eligibility criteria this year, allowing financial services professionals to nominate programs for Australians of any age, rather than restricting support to individuals between the ages of 12 and 25.

TPD benefit design threatens default status of group insurance

The default status of insurance in super could be at risk if insurers and trustees can’t collectively improve the design and delivery of insurance for super fund members, delegates to the Investment Magazine Group Insurance Dialogue concluded. Table discussions at last month’s event centred on the challenges surrounding TPD and rising mental health claims.