JANA makes four senior promotions to research teams
JANA Investment Advisers has promoted four senior members to various research teams.
Super funds get special privileges around unlisted assets they need to respect
A managed investment scheme holding 20 per cent or more in unlisted assets is deemed an illiquid scheme and is restricted from providing frequent liquidity, but there is no formal limit on how much super funds can allocate to these asset classes. The Conexus Institute writes this is a special privilege given to APRA-regulated super funds that should not be taken for granted.
Mercer, TelstraSuper announce new CIOs
TelstraSuper chief investment officer Graeme Miller will lead the investment operations of the $74 billion Mercer Super. Head of alternative investments and real assets, Kate Misic, will replace Miller in the interim ahead of the impending merger with Equip Super.
UK pension scheme NEST takes 10pc stake in IFM parent company Industry Super Holdings
UK defined contribution pension scheme NEST will take a 10 per cent ownership stake in IFM Investors parent company Industry Super Holdings and commit to significant ongoing investment in the asset manager.
Super fund switching led by financial advisers: CoreData
New research presented to the chairs of superannuation funds suggests external financial advisers are responsible for a significant portion of member switching in the market. CoreData global CEO Andrew Inwood urged funds to factor professional adviser needs into their user experience and operational infrastructure uplift efforts.
Profit-to-member funds set to face a tough year
With the upcoming federal election, profit-to-member funds have found themselves under much scrutiny, despite their assets having increased significantly over the last three years. The sector is facing increasing demands to lift its game, such as investing in member services as millions of Australians enter the retirement phase.
Challenger’s mission to redefine retirement income in Australia
Challenger is on a mission to redefine retirement income for Australians, celebrating almost 40 years of helping Australians secure a comfortable and certain retirement. Challenger continues to lead the way in retirement income solutions. Their pioneering work in annuities and partnerships with super funds ensures retirees are equipped with reliable income for life. To illustrate the impact of the work that Challenger is doing, chief executive Anton Kapel shares the story of how a lifetime annuity has helped a grandmother in her 80s maintain financial security.
Federal Court dismisses BUSSQ application to remove additional licensee conditions
The Federal Court of Australia has dismissed the judicial review application of industry fund BUSSQ.
Australian companies generating heat in the uranium universe
With opposition leader Peter Dutton swinging his nuclear nunchuks there may be fresh brawling in coming months over the future of uranium mining in Australia. But it will probably be events playing out on the other side of the uranium universe involving some small Australian companies that will be more intriguing – and perhaps informative and insightful – over the coming months.
Super funds’ reliability as shadow banks called into question
The reliability of super funds’ status as the so-called shadow banks in the Australian economy has been called into question. New research from the Conexus Institute found that as funds’ appetite for certain asset classes, such as private debt, rise and fall in different stages of the investment cycle it could create a “feast or famine” for business sectors relying on them as a funding source.
RBA tells super funds not to expect bail-out amid liquidity stress
The Reserve Bank of Australia has told super funds to step up their own risk management practices especially given their increasingly large footprint in the Australian financial system. Speaking at the Investment Magazine Chair Forum on Thursday, assistant governor of financial system group, Brad Jones, said the RBA will not always be there to cushion shocks should a liquidity crisis occur.
Outgoing super minister has no regrets on member service crackdown
Outgoing Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones rejected suggestions he had given ammo to super sector enemies in his polarising tenure, saying it’s possible to “love something” but criticise it at the same time. The MP for NSW south coast seat of Whitlam announced his shock retirement from politics on Thursday.
