Michael Strachan

Governance

Super Salary Survey: How do they line up?

Two philosophies dominate superannuation remuneration – those who believe top dollar and bonuses attract the best, and those who believe this is the antithesis of the profit-to-members ethos John Pearce, chief investment officer of UniSuper, was the highest paid employee in industry superannuation in 2014.  In a not-for-profit sector where there is widespread unease at high […]
David RowleyFebruary 11, 2015
Governance

Super Salary Survey: Differences in Disclosure

What do the explanations for remuneration strategies given by funds reveal? The biggest clichés in super fund remuneration statements are that the trustees consult with independent external consultants to ensure pay is in line with industry standards and that incentive pay for CEOs and CIOs is based on key performance indicators (KPIs). Usually this is […]
Dan PurvesFebruary 11, 2015
CIO profiles

Profile: Michael Strachan, CIO, Equip

Michael Stachan, chief investment officer, Equipsuper refers to his team as investment managers and risk managers, whose job is to preserve its $6.5 billion fund as much as add value. “One thing about running money is that you are scenario testing all the time, you are implicitly managing risk. It is hard enough making money […]
David RowleyOctober 19, 2014
Hedge Funds

Budget crisis? What crisis? Four investors give their views

Talk of an economic crisis has dominated the front pages of newspapers ever since Joe Hockey delivered his budget speech on May 13. Many investors are exasperated at the impact this is having on markets, particularly as many view the Australian economy as healthy by global standards. Political commentators have called on the Coalition to […]
David RowleySeptember 8, 2014
Custody

Super fund fusion

Mergers can benefit superannuation funds: favourable mandate structures, terms and fees can be secured; co-investments or direct investments in unlisted assets can be made; more money to allocate becomes available in a capital-constrained world; and capital-gains-tax credits can be used to offset future profits from domestic stocks. What can go wrong? Funds don’t agree on […]
Simon MummeAugust 20, 2012