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Advisers need more transparency to promote ESG
Limited transparency and disclosure in the Australian superannuation space is preventing advisers from properly advising on ethical and environment, social and governance (ESG) investment considerations, according to Australian Ethical Investment.
Head of client relationships at Australian Ethical, Leah Willis, said the while nine in 10 Australians would expect their superannuation or other investments to be invested responsible and ethically, a lack of transparency around the super industry prevents Australians from really knowing what they are invested in, and what activities they are funding.
“Ethical and responsible investing presents advisers with a great opportunity to form deeper, more meaningful relationships with their clients by matching them with investments that align with their personal values,” said Willis.
“And while a growing number of Australians are actively seeking Australian Ethical out as having the highest ethical conviction of any responsible fund, challenges in the sector include limited knowledge, confusion, and a lack of advice.”
Willis said the various labels attributed to ethical funds was often confusing for investors, and it was up to advisers to demystify and simplify ethical investing, but to do so, advisers needed to be asking funds directly about their investment process.
“As we see the interest in responsible and ethical investment continue to grow, access to comprehensive investment information, philosophies, and screens should be readily available for the adviser community to help clients realise their financial goals,” Willis said.
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The future of superannuation policy remains uncertain, with further reforms potentially on the horizon as the Albanese government seeks to curb the use of superannuation as a bequest vehicle.
Superannuation funds will have two options for charging fees for the advice provided by the new class of adviser.
The proposed reforms have been described as a key step towards delivering better products and retirement experiences for members, with many noting financial advice remains the “urgent missing piece” of the puzzle.
APRA’s latest data has revealed that superannuation funds spent $1.3 billion on advice fees, with the vast majority sent to external financial advisers.
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