Super funds on pace for a strong CY24
Super funds had a strong September with the median growth fund (61 to 80% in growth assets) up 1.2 per cent for the month, according to Chant West.
ASIC makes dual appointments to executive leadership team
ASIC has made two appointments to its executive leadership team, covering its regulation and supervision, and enforcement and compliance divisions. The regulator announced that following an international search, Peter Soros has been appointed executive director regulation and supervision. Soros will join ASIC from the Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Centre (AUSTRAC), Australia’s financial intelligence and … Read more
Private markets drag global pension fund value-add to decade low
New research reveals pension funds destroyed value relative to benchmarks in the 2023 calendar year, to the tune of an average of 140 basis points. The two main reasons were a drag on performance in private markets and real assets.
Composition of super fund fees still confusing to members
Despite stringent disclosure requirements, members are still confused about the fees they are paying to their super funds. New research commissioned by Vanguard Australia found only 1 per cent of Australians can identify the multiple types of fees being charged to their accounts. SuperRatings insights manager Joshua Lowen said it’s on both funds and members themselves to solve the challenge.
AustralianSuper makes first US data centre investment
AustralianSuper has made its first investment in the US data centre market, injecting $2.2 billion in DataBank alongside the company’s existing investor DigitalBridge.
Housing Australia, ART invest with Queensland government in new homes
Housing Australia and super fund Australian Retirement Trust will invest in the delivery of 604 new affordable and social housing across South East Queensland, with the support from state government.
Simplicity the best and hardest thing in retirement engagement
Complex member communication could deter people from engaging with their retirement savings, but for super funds, maintaining simplicity in their messages has become one of the most difficult things to do. Utilising behavioural science and understanding consumer biases could be the key to better retirement engagement efforts.
From the UK to the world: Funds ramp up global policy engagement
Australian super funds’ collaboration with their British counterparts to change the UK policy setting is an engagement effort the first of its kind. However, as the global pension industry and financial markets become increasingly entwined, it certainly won’t be the last. IFM Investors’ David Whiteley outlines its global engagement ambitions on behalf of super funds.
Profit-to-member funds have outperformed, but it’s not because of board structure
There are reasons profit-to-member super funds have outperformed their retail counterparts, but Colin Tate AM writes that Garry Weaven is wrong to say the structures of their respective boards is the main one, and it may not be a reason at all.
Super tax changes first step to ‘fairer retirement system’
A consumer advocate group and an industry fund association have welcomed the passage of a bill that will introduce tax changes for high-balance super accounts through the lower house, saying it is a step towards creating a fairer retirement system.
Election pledges fuel US debt worry: Insignia CIO
As a blockbuster election looms in the world’s largest economy, Insignia’s super and asset management investment chief Dan Farmer said regardless of the outcome, it will be difficult for the US to address its staggering budget deficit and national debt.
Wildlife endowment aims to grow twentyfold in the next decade
Australian Wildlife Conservancy has an ambitious goal to grow its newly established endowment fund to $100 million in the next decade, and to get there, the not-for-profit is counting on gradually building an investment track record and securing more direct support from sponsors.
