The concept of a single-metric, backwards-looking performance test applied retrospectively is deeply flawed, and the current Treasury review is an opportunity to design a better performance test with better outcomes for members. But many funds have now adjusted to the old test and subscribe to the view of “better the devil you know”, making the road to reform more difficult.
The incoming chair of the Future Fund Board of Guardians, Greg Combet, has indicated there needs to be significant government and private sector collaboration when it comes to achieving net zero emissions, including support from institutional capital. But asked what role the $211 billion sovereign wealth fund should play, Combet made clear he would respect the Future Fund’s existing objective.
AZ NGA has appointed Chesne Stafford to the newly created role of executive general manager.
Count has added advisory business Murray Nankivell to its network, having previously been licensed by Insignia-owned Australian financial services licensee Consultum.
AMP’s superannuation arm is set to increase its private debt and overall credit exposure as the retail fund embarks on a strategic asset allocation review in the next few months. Addressing the rising concern among global institutional investors that the private debt boom might be deceiving, AMP’s portfolio management head Stuart Eliot says the asset class is “definitely not a bubble” and still offers attractive opportunities.
ASIC has scored its first win on the greenwashing front as the Federal Court ruled in its favour on Thursday that Vanguard Australia made “misleading claims” in one of its investment products. It came as the Labor government ramps up its legislative commitment to net zero action before the election.
Legalsuper has appointed Paul Murray as its chief investment officer, Colin Adamson as chief commercial officer and Alissa Knight to the office of the CEO and strategy.
Spirit Super has appointed Andrew Dettmer, national president of the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union, to its board, replacing David Smith who is finishing his term after 12 years as a member representative.
First Nations Foundation has reconnected Indigenous communities with $1.2 million in superannuation in 2023, boosting the overall total of super located to $25.2 million.
Novigi has closed its specialist superannuation law advisory practice, QMV Legal, with managing partner Jonathan Steffanoni set to start a new firm.
Jo Townsend has been appointed chief executive of the Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation, the Crown entity that manages the NZ$70 billion ($64 billion) sovereign fund NZ Super.
Superannuation industry executives have been quick to clear up they aren’t lobbying for board seats on companies they own, after NAB chair Phil Chronican questioned the independence of such a move. But the reality is some funds are already quietly appointing proxies and this debate has only just begun.
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