UniSuper's advice offices have been accredited under the Financial Planning Association (FPA) Professional Practice program, the first profit-to-member fund to do so.
Under the program, each office is required to demonstrate the highest professional and ethical standards, through a commitment to the FPA code of professional practice and a majority of advisers in each office holding a certified financial planner or CFP designation.
UniSuper's executive manager for advice, Jack McCartney, said the accreditation means its advice offices are a trusted environment for members seeking professional tailored advice across a broad range of topics.
"We've built our national advice footprint in response to increased demand from members for professional advice that covers not just superannuation-related topics but broader financial issues such as investment strategies, wealth accumulation, insurance or retirement, and estate planning," he said.
"Our membership base is unique, they are engaged, well-educated and we have privileged access which enables us to design products and solutions — such as our open defined benefit division — specifically for our members.
UniSuper advice is fee for service and avoids any commissions for recommending investment strategies or insurance products.
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.
The fund has launched a new tool to help deliver personalised financial education and digital personal advice to eligible members.
The QAR lead reviewer has told a Senate committee that the government’s demands of super funds conflict with their original purpose.