Dynamic asset allocation, enhanced asset allocation, strategic overlay, stractical investing: call it what you like, there’s a new kid on the block and it’s occupying the minds of super funds, asset consultants and funds managers alike. With super funds beginning to value downside protection more than incremental return, asset consultants and multi-managers have seized the opportunity by offering a service that moves away from “set-and-forget” strategic asset allocation (SAA) by taking intentional tilts over a medium term time horizon. KRISTEN PAECH reports on the investment phenomenon that has given consultants a new lease of life.
From Goldmans prop desk to VFMC top desk
The Victorian Funds Management Corporation is set to appoint an 18-year veteran of JBWere as its new chief executive officer, I&T News can reveal, seven months after the resignation of previous incumbent Syd Bone.
Health Industry Plan (HIP) has hired a new active extension manager for a $35 million mandate to better complement its existing long/short equities exposure. Pence turns up in new role
The chair of Women In Super for NSW, Suzanne Pence, has started a new role after departing her job as client relationship manager for State Street Investor Services.
Trinity gets chance to keep $850m
Investors with $850 million invested in Trinity Funds Management products have appointed KPMG to investigate the governance changes underway at the manager before deciding whether to put their mandates out to tender.
$20bn in custody on the line for JPMorgan WSS
Custody tenders sent to market by two large superannuation funds will put their incumbent provider, JPMorgan Worldwide Security Services (JPMorgan WSS), to the test.
Missing one Australia head: Morgan Stanley Investment Management
Morgan Stanley Investment Management is without a country head in Australia following an executive departure, said to be to a competitor.
Fee the difference
Superannuation funds are feeling the pressure – from the government, from members – to keep published fees low or to cut them further. But however low they go, upfront fees do not capture the true costs that members pay. Without an overhaul of the current rules governing fee disclosure, funds’ efforts to meet the demand for low-cost super become futile. SIMON MUMME reports.
Brett Elvish
Fee the difference
Brett Elvish
Challenger launches unitised annuity for funds and platforms
Challenger Life, the largest provider of annuities in Australia, has confirmed its unitised annuity product designed as an investment option for big super funds and platforms. Telstra Super asset class head moves to UniSuper
UniSuper’s chief investment officer, John Pearce, has hired one of Telstra Super’s asset class heads to his investment team, although he has played down the role played by Terry McCredden, the former Telstra Super CEO now running UniSuper, in the appointment. 
