Funds urged to engage beyond their portfolios to address climate risk

As institutional investors turn away from the “divest and forget” approach to more active engagement, Australian Ethical chair Steve Gibbs said funds should not restrict their efforts to companies or assets they are invested in, but realise they have influence around periphery too. CareSuper chair Linda Scott said divestment was still an appropriate tool at times, but Mine Super chair Christina Langby urged an orderly transition in those cases.

YFYS stapling reforms are starting to bite (but real impact still to come)

Almost four years after the previous Morrison government unveiled its seminal Your Future Your Super reform package, the controversial “stapling” measures aimed at denting the default system are starting to alter dynamics as funds with younger demographics reap the rewards. But analysis of APRA data shows overall account creation is not declining as intended.

Australian funds well placed to go head-to-head with global giants: IFM

The unique characteristics of the Australian superannuation system position funds to compete on a global stage for the best long-term investment opportunities, even against funds that are many times their size. But despite the advantages, David Whiteley of IFM Investors argues it will take a collective effort by pensions and sovereigns and some long-term planning to fully exploit the potential opportunities.

‘Retirement is hard’: AusSuper finalises plans for guaranteed income

Half a million AustralianSuper members will retire in the coming decade. To help them prepare and meet its retirement income covenant obligations, the nation’s largest fund will shortly unveil a new product in partnership with life insurers and is urging Treasury to make the system simpler to navigate.