The spread between the yield on bond and core domestic property is at an all-time high, says AMP Capital, but investors are finding it hard to allocate amidst a greater number of international buyers and concerns at office overcapacity. The recent drop in the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) cash rate to 2.25 per cent … Read more
As global growth continues to be stagnant Perpetual Investments is looking to outlier markets for stock picking opportunities. The global equities investment team believes markets others are avoiding could give long-term capital growth and income, as they seek to increase their investment universe and portfolio flexibility. “There is increasing demand for global equities as domestic … Read more
A superannuation awards that seeks to give a level playing field for funds, whether large or small, is the intention of the Conexus Financial Superannuation Awards, says selection committee member Michael Rice, chief executive of Rice Warner. Nominations for the awards close on Monday February 16, a short list of entrants will be published in … Read more
A ground-breaking study into the ruin-year of drawndown account balances is being undertaken by an Australian conglomerate of academics, industry stakeholders and regulators. The ruin-year, the time in a post-retirees life when their account balance hits zero, is just one subject amongst several being researched by the consortium. Anecdotally there are contrasting stories of how … Read more
Two philosophies dominate superannuation remuneration – those who believe top dollar and bonuses attract the best, and those who believe this is the antithesis of the profit-to-members ethos John Pearce, chief investment officer of UniSuper, was the highest paid employee in industry superannuation in 2014. In a not-for-profit sector where there is widespread unease at high … Read more
What do the explanations for remuneration strategies given by funds reveal? The biggest clichés in super fund remuneration statements are that the trustees consult with independent external consultants to ensure pay is in line with industry standards and that incentive pay for CEOs and CIOs is based on key performance indicators (KPIs). Usually this is … Read more
HESTA has appointed Debby Blakey as its new chief executive. Blakey was the deputy chief executive serving under Anne-Marie Corboy, who announced her departure as chief executive last September after 16 years in the role. Internally, senior staff at HESTA, had expressed a desire to see Blakey made chief executive. Angela Emslie, HESTA chair, said: … Read more
Operational alpha is a major means of providing custody service and enabling businesses, said Rohan Singh, managing director of Northern Trust in Australia. Northern Trust’s technological platforms covering unit pricing, accounting and Australian tax, are citied by Singh, as very attractive features to institutional investors. “We provide what some have termed operational alpha,” Singh said. … Read more
An uncertain political climate effecting the surety of supply combined with increasing demand for infrastructure assets continues to put pressure on demand/supply dynamics, two leading Australian infrastructure investors agree. AustralianSuper and HOSTPLUS, who will be speaking at the Private Asset Conference in March, confirmed that low interest rates and a move away from equities has … Read more
Superannuation funds and institutional investors worldwide are due to have a bigger impact on the way government and our society is run over the next 10 years, predicts Ross Barry, head of research at First State Super. Barry, whose recent book Crisis and Complexity, charts the change in economic theory through each major financial crisis … Read more
Energy Super has fashioned tailored insurance products for energy industry workers. The fund has experienced an increase of income protection insurance claims, as well as TPD, prompting the creation of a range of policies to better meet member requirements. Mark Williamson, Energy Super chair, explained the one-size-fits-all approach is poor practice. “Insurance is very important … Read more
The Future Fund has shifted its allocation away from developed markets equities and debt securities as it uses dynamic management to reduce risk levels at the margins. The volatile environment in global markets has led, in the past year, to a portfolio reduction of 360 basis points of equities in developed markets, a 130 basis … Read more
The investment intelligence behind Australia’s largest asset owners and their teams
In-depth interviews with leaders, experts and visionaries in the institutional investment community
Updates on the latest industry policy developments and regulation
The challenges and innovations of custody, technology and operational due diligence
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.
