Consultation Paper 203 proposes to update the original ASIC guidance issued in December 2011 on age pension estimates in superannuation forecasts. The consultation paper will update Regulatory Guide 229.
CP 203 clarifies that superannuation funds will be allowed to rely on "prescribed assumptions about contributions and earnings in calculating a member's retirement estimate".
"We do not expect the super fund to make specific inquiries to determine whether the member's individual circumstances match the prescribed assumptions," said ASIC.
In addition, CP 203 proposes to allow superannuation funds to include the age pension as part of a retirement estimate.
ASIC Commissioner John Price said CP203 proposes to "broaden the ability of super funds to use retirement estimates if they wish".
"With the continued growth of the super sector, it is vital that fund members remain confident and informed about the prospects of their fund. The updated guidance will allow trustees to provide more accurate estimates in this regard," Price said.
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.