Superannuation funds trustees have been sent reminder notifications by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) regarding changes to disclosure requirements around fund mergers.
Super funds are required to inform members about any merger of funds and provide transferring members with a new product disclosure statement (PDS) that explains the new product the member will hold following the merger, ASIC stated. Super funds are also required to update PDSs explaining the merger to prospective members, it added.
The reminder to super funds came about as a result of ASIC being aware that merger and consolidation activity was occurring in the superannuation industry, ASIC stated.
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.
Cbus Super has unveiled Advice Essentials Plus, a new service offering affordable financial advice to both members and their partners.