Hundreds of millions of dollars have flowed into Maritime Super’s managed volatility process (MVP) since launch nine months ago. The overlay, which uses the shorting of futures options as insurance against falls in the value of equities, has been communicated to members with the words “don’t jump ship”. It provides members with the opportunity to … Read more
Is the debate around independent directors joining industry funds losing its sizzle? Back in November 2013, when the then assistant treasurer Arthur Sinodinos said he would tackle the issue, credence was given to the hysterical idea that the Coalition Government would seek to impose a majority of independent trustees onto industry funds. Since then the … Read more
Governance is at the top of Assistant Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s agenda for superannuation. Speaking at the Financial Services Council (FSC) breakfast briefing in Sydney he said the Government believes the way to do this is by making sure there is an “appropriate number of independent directors” on superannuation fund boards arguing that this will help … Read more
Scott Hartley has called on profit-for-member funds to work as a collective to match the investment made by banks in new technology. At an AIST lunch in Sydney, the Sunsuper chief executive said if funds could keep adding services while maintaining or reducing fees, then banks would be deterred from competing. Such collective action would … Read more
After a 45 year career in finance Felix Stephen is to step down from his role as head of strategy and research at Advance Asset Management. Stephen’s last day will be Thursday, April 30, after which he plans to spend more time working for the Volunteers to Assist Children with Disabilities charity he started with … Read more
Paul Kessell is the first of five finalist in the chief investment officer of the year category that Investment Magazine will be profiling in the lead up to the Conexus Financial Superannuation Awards 2015. The winner is due to be announced on the awards evening at the Ivy Ballroom, Sydney, May 20. Kessell has 20 … Read more
Young Australians are “overwhelmingly grateful” for their superannuation, despite many not making an active decision to join a fund or select an investment strategy, research reveals. The 2014 Net Promoter Score Survey (NPS) revealed very little statistical difference between the levels of regret on super of younger versus older Australians, demonstrating a high level of … Read more
“Financial management in a super fund is not about trying to maximise a profit – it is about minimising costs, expenses and overheads,” says Nick Vamvakas, executive officer risk of Equip, on the old style model for a chief financial officer. The role will always involve operational and compliance duties, but he sees the need … Read more
Paul McCartney was only 16 years old when he wrote “when I’m 64” in 1958, so can be excused for taking a pessimistic view of what we now regard as an active phase of life during which many of us will still be working by choice. Still, median life expectancy from birth was not quite … Read more
While divestment is a useful tool to communicate concerns of climate risk to stakeholders, it is not an optimal investment strategy, in part because it ignores short-term benchmark risk. A research paper by MSCI provides a framework for evaluating ways to reduce two dimensions of carbon exposure – current carbon emissions and potential future emissions … Read more
Close to 80 per cent of people are in favour of a cap on concessional tax breaks for account balances in superannuation, based on a survey carried out by Investment Magazine. The survey was undertaken to gauge the popularity amongst Investment Magazine’s audience for a cap on tax concessions – a proposed solution to question … Read more
The Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI) has appointed Louise Davidson as its new chief executive. She is taking over the role from Gordon Hagart who is returning to Europe. Davidson said she was delighted to join such an influential organisation’s at an important part in its development, particularly as there was growing recognition of … Read more
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Investment Magazine provides in-depth, monthly analysis of trends and developments for all the businesses in which superannuation funds engage‚ including asset allocation, investment manager selection, custody and fund accounting, member administration, group insurance and compliance.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of this land upon which Conexus Financial sits, the Cadigal of the Eora Nation. We recognise their continuing connection and unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and community. We pay our deepest respects to them and their culture, and to Elders both past and present.
