Super fund real estate heads defend ‘robust’ valuation processes
As APRA puts the heat on super funds to improve unlisted assets oversight, UniSuper’s property head Kent Robbins is confident real estate valuation processes are stronger than other sectors such as private equity and infrastructure. Melbourne University’s Georgia Warren-Myers warned against valuing assets more frequently than necessary, and Spirit Super’s Bianca Ray has highlighted the complexity of addressing the fund’s overweight position in office towers.
MySuper decade shows ‘mixed’ verdict on lifecycle products
With 10 years since the introduction of MySuper, the average investment performance of growth and lifecycle products have been given very different scorecards, a report from researcher Chant West shows.
Over half of Australians support objective of super wording
Over half of Australians have agreed with the proposed objective of superannuation by the government, according to a survey commissioned by the Financial Services Council.
Real estate alternatives in focus as investors grapple with megatrends
Asset owners face significant challenges – but equally significant opportunities – from a number of global megatrends. The Investment Magazine Real Estate Forum 2024 unpacked the alpha to be found across emerging alternative sub-sectors including data centres, affordable residential, senior living and student accommodation.
Australia tops charts for pension assets-to-GDP growth ratio
The Australian super system has topped a list of 22 pension markets for its growth relative to GDP in the past 10 years and stood as the world’s fifth largest pension system in 2023, according to a Thinking Ahead Insititute study.
UniSuper appoints Morningstar research director to newly created role
UniSuper has nabbed Morningstar’s Annika Bradley as its senior manager, investment specialist (policy and advice).
ASIC obtains bankruptcy orders against ‘ASX Wolf’ finfluencer
ASIC has successfully sought orders in the federal court against social media finfluencer Tyson Scholz, known as the “ASX Wolf”, effectively making him bankrupt.
Brighter Super’s financial advice strategy aims for best of both worlds
Brighter Super, the amalgamation of LGIAsuper, Energy Super and Suncorp Super, will hit the road later this year to pitch the fund’s services to advisers in its home state of Queensland. As a mix of industry and retail funds, head of advice Steven O’Donoghue believes they are in a unique position to derive the benefits from both sides of the market.
Insignia CIO warms to private markets but won’t chase ‘trophy assets’
Dan Farmer, the chief investment officer overseeing a substantial part of Insignia’s $180 billion superannuation business, says the perception that retail funds are reluctant to approach unlisted real assets is outdated. But while its portfolio is shaking off its traditional penchant for listed markets, it still won’t go head-to-head with large industry funds in chasing “trophy assets” like airports and toll roads.
Melbourne Securities fined by ASIC over greenwashing
Melbourne Securities has paid $13,320 to comply with an infringement notice issued by ASIC in which the corporate regulator claimed it made greenwashing statements.
UN Principles for Responsible Investment adds two executives
The UN Principles for Responsible Investment has made two appointments to its executive team.
