The general framework for occupational pension plans can be described as intra and inter-generational hybrid, with risk-sharing mechanisms between members and with sponsors. The degree of hybridity of a pension plan can be defined as the extent of risk sharing with the sponsor. At one end of the spectrum lie traditional defined-benefit (DB) funds, where … Read more
Cost pressures arising from MySuper could split the default superannuation market into cheaper and more expensive funds that deliver varying investment returns to consumers. Some super funds will set low caps for investment costs and others will pay more as they seek better returns net of fees for MySuper members, says Paul Costello, the former … Read more
Global investment and financial software provider SS&C Technologies has had its Global Wealth platform selected by Specialist Investment Management (SIML) to support its Australian wealth management business. The platform is a real-time, cloud-based investment system, designed to streamline the management of multiple-client portfolios across markets, currencies and financial instruments. SIML is a private investment manager … Read more
Investment strategies are continuing to modify fund-of-hedge-fund holdings in order to provide more liquidity and potentially more alternative returns. A sector report from S&P Fund Services into alternative strategies found that fund-of-hedge-fund (FoHF) managers have responded to investor demand for more liquid, cheaper and more transparent avenues to alternative investing. It further concluded that managed … Read more
Russell Investments has appointed Vinva Investment Management to a multi-manager fund for its “cutting-edge” quantitative methods that seek profit as stocks rise and fall in value. Vinva’s so-called active extension strategy, which bets that certain stocks will rise in value and others will fall, gained an investment mandate from Russell’s $675-million Australian Opportunities Fund in … Read more
Australian infrastructure fund manager Palisade Investment Partners is seeing attractive opportunities in mid-sized infrastructure deals, announcing it has acquired a 50-per-cent stake in the Victorian regional port of Portland for $66.5 million. Palisade purchased the stake in the port, which provides a transport hub for natural resource industries such forestry, grain and mineral sands, from … Read more
Zebra Capital Management, the fund-management business started by investment luminary Roger Ibbotson, has gained a $35-million mandate from an Australian investor for its strategy focusing on less-liquid stocks. Zebra, which manages $613 million globally from its Connecticut base, garnered the mandate from a multi-manager fund in May for its Australia Liquidity Return Strategy. The company declined … Read more
Business process outsourcing specialist MainstreamBPO has picked up the registry business of the listed wealth-management company Perpetual for an undisclosed sum. The registry division represents a small part of Perpetual’s Corporate Trust division, and just 0.2 per cent of its total revenue. One staff member will transfer from Perpetual to MainstreamBPO. Existing clients will be … Read more
Industry superannuation funds could lose their claim on billions in new cash flows as the Productivity Commission seeks a new way of choosing workers’ default funds based on MySuper. Industry funds’ preferred status saw them gain much of the $3.5 billion in superannuation payments made through industrial awards in 2010, according to the Productivity Commission. … Read more
The global bond market is in the midst of a giant step in its evolution from a market dominated by developed-country debt to a much more diverse market that better reflects today’s global economy. Evolution is a long process, but the sovereign-debt challenges in Europe suggest the bond market’s evolution is picking up speed. Accordingly, … Read more
The controversial state of financial regulation around the globe, the difficulties of green investing and watching asset consultants go head-to-head in front of a room full of potential clients were some of the highlights of the Australian Council of Super Investors (ACSI) annual conference. Held in Melbourne last month, the conference had a strong focus on … Read more
WorkCover SA and Suncorp in New Zealand have signed National Australia Bank (NAB) for custodial services following recent tenders. NAB and fund administrator MMc Ltd gained Suncorp’s New Zealand business, which provides general and life insurance, banking, superannuation and investment services, in a strategic partnership, according to a June 27 NAB statement. NAB, which is … 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.
