Despite the loss of its most senior executive, Challenger Financial Services has increased the size of its institutional business team (snaring a Warakirri stalwart in the process), reflecting what it says is a shift in investor appetite towards guaranteed income and low-cost beta products.
Actuaries get hot and bothered
If actuaries get hot under the collar about the Cooper review, then Trevor Thompson is in meltdown mode. The president of the Institute of Actuaries Australia said the main item he’s trying to get on Cooper’s “menu” is that investment costs must be separated out from other costs. “All superannuation fund expenses and superannuation fees … Read more
Martin Currie looks to expand with emerging markets fund
Global equities manager Martin Currie Investment Management is looking into the possibility of introducing an emerging markets fund to Australia next year, reflecting the firm’s growing belief in, and commitment to, the developing world for long-term investment. Water, our lifeblood, now an infrastructure investment too
Causeway Asset Management has recruited an expert in tradable water rights and launched a dedicated Australian water fund, which will look to invest up to $300 million in the asset class. UniSuper upgrades to full advice for members
UniSuper yesterday launched its upgraded financial planning network, designed to cater for the specific requirements of academics and tertiary education employees.
First we take Waikato: JANA
JANA has won its first consultancy job in New Zealand, tipping out a more global competitor as investment adviser for the NZ$230 million Trust Waikato.
AvSuper picks Elvish to run ruler over custodian
Six months after hiring Brett Elvish to test its asset consultant, the $1 billion AvSuper has chosen Brett Elvish to lead its review of National Asset Servicing (NAS), its custodian of 14 years.
Workcover quietly changes asset consultant
The $12 billion multimanager fund standing behind the WorkCover NSW worker’s compensation scheme has a new asset consultant, with Watson Wyatt’s five year relationship coming to an end.
ComSuper palms off DC, keeps DB admin of gov’t funds
ComSuper has announced it will outsource the administration functions of the 70,000-member Public Sector Superannuation Accumulation Plan (PSSap).
FRM hedge fund-of-funds hires Australia head
After nine months without a local chief, global hedge fund-of-funds group Financial Risk Management has hired a well-known hedge fund identity to lead a renewed charge in Australia.
Funds forced to consider inflation hedging: Watson Wyatt
Volatile inflation post-GFC will force funds to consider hedging, said Watson Wyatt’s Robert Brown, chair of its global investment committee.
The $1.4 billion, 97,000-member ASSET Super is considering merger partners as a way of increasing its footprint in modern awards and pre-empting any Government moves to encourage consolidation – and there is a ‘back to the future’ twist to one of the rumoured suitors. 
