RiceWarner: beating annuities “easy” for super funds

Superannuation funds can offer retirement accounts that easily exceed the income from annuities, believes Rice Warner. Michael Rice, chief executive of the actuarial firm, is working with several large funds to help them convert a member’s account-based pension into a distributing trust, with separate cash and capital accounts. The cash accounts would make pension payments … Read more

Average operational costs per member rising

Operational costs are on the rise and on a per member basis have nearly doubled in ten years, shows analysis carried out by consultant group Bridge. APRA data on operational and administration costs and released in January shows that in 2004 the average per annum amount spent on operational costs per member was $94, but … Read more

Zenith analyst named winner of 2014 IMCA scholarship

A 26-year-old investment analyst from Zenith Investment Partners, Justin Tay, has been awarded a scholarship position in this year’s intake for the Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) program. The program is designed by the Investment Management Consultants Association, an international body which provides standards for the investment management consulting profession, including essential credentials and tools. … Read more

Victorian tax puts fund in breach of MySuper rules

This article was written by David Galloway a lawyer and superannuation executive Trustees of MySuper Products have been handed a nasty surprise by the Victorian Government that could put most in breach of their MySuper Authorisation. Part 2 of the Duties Act 2000 (Vic) has become big news in superannuation because sections 176 to 196 … Read more

Widespread call for hybrid TPD/IP insurance cover

Funds, insurers and consultants are calling for the creation of an insurance product that sits half way between TPD cover and income protection. Speakers and delegates at the third annual Conexus Financial/ AIA Group Insurance Summit, held in Sydney, found common accord not only that TPD was a major cause of soaring premiums, but it … Read more

Bernie Ripoll and AIA call for innovation on group insurance

The shadow minister for financial services and superannuation, Bernie Ripoll, and chief executive of AIA one of Australia’s largest insurance providers, Damien Mu, called on the group insurance industry to continue its path of innovation in finding solutions to the challenges in the industry. In his opening remarks at the Conexus Financial/AIA Group Insurance Summit, … Read more

Funds can make impact in cutting chronic diseases

Funds and their insurers should play a bigger role in helping to prevent chronic diseases that stem from poor lifestyle and dietary choices, according to leading health experts at the Group Insurance Summit. Kerry Doyle, chief executive of the Heart Foundation NSW, said Australia had reached a “tipping point” in obesity, which compelled change across … Read more

TPD lump sums failing members’ mental health

People suffering mental health issues are being let down by a lump sum system that provides little to no incentives or support to return to work, industry delegates heard at the Group Insurance Summit. Michael Rooney, deputy chief executive Media Super, said there is a “clear problem” in having a product design that discourages people … Read more

Group Insurance Summit 2014 – Wrap Up

Superfunds and consultants call for hybrid TPD/IP insurance cover Funds, insurers and consultants are calling for the creation of an insurance product that sits half way between TPD and income protection. Read more… Funds can make impact in cutting chronic diseases Australia has reached a tipping point in obesity which compels change. Read more… Bernie Ripoll and … Read more

George Boubouras leaves Equity Trustees

Equity Trustees has prioritised its new relationship with ANZ by calling a halt to the expansion of its funds management business. The decision has led to the exit of George Boubouras, who served as chief investment officer of Equity Trustees for 18 months. In April, Equity Trustees acquired ANZ’s trustee services business bringing its total … Read more

Why does Sunsuper invest in hedge funds?

Sunsuper’s hedge fund program has comfortably beaten global equity returns after fees since 2007. To Bruce Tomlinson, portfolio manager for Sunsuper’s $1.6 billion hedge fund program, this is all the justification he needs for a 16 manager hedge fund program, but who in the industry is paying attention? Anecdotes of hedge funds that did not … Read more