ING Direct Super to 'shake up' SMSFs

5 September 2012
| By Staff |
image
image
expand image

The launch of ING Direct's superannuation product yesterday has the potential to disrupt the self-managed super fund (SMSF) market, according to Financial Synergy's Stephen Mackley.

The technology company helped launch ING's new super offer - Living Super - via Acurity Online, which has given members online access to their superannuation balance alongside banking accounts, as well as direct investment options and the ability to purchase insurance.

Mackley said most members who wanted to start self-managed super funds were looking to invest in shares, term deposits and exchange-traded funds.

"ING Direct Living Super will allow them to invest in all of these cost-effectively, without the administrative burden and high costs of an SMSF. It will be a very attractive product for many customers," he said. 

ING Direct chief executive Vaughn Richtor said the new superannuation product was the first balanced option to do away with administration and management fees.

He said the "customer-focused" product speaks to research that found satisfaction and engagement of members with their retirement savings was low.

Members wanted access to products that were transparent and gave them control over their investments, according to Richtor. 

Mackley agreed and said, "the control and flexibility offered for extremely competitive fees has the potential to shake up the market, particularly in the self-managed sector".

The Trust Company helped register the product with the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority and will continue on as trustee of the fund. 

The Trust Company chief executive John Atkin said refining the trustee's superannuation offer in light of its expanded superannuation operations was a current focus for the business.

MetLife will provide insurance for members, while State Street Global Investors has taken on the role of custodian. Financial Synergy will continue to provide administration services.

Read more about:

AUTHOR

Recommended for you

sub-bgsidebar subscription

Never miss the latest developments in Super Review! Anytime, Anywhere!

Grant Banner

From my perspective, 40- 50% of people are likely going to be deeply unhappy about how long they actually live. ...

11 months ago
Kevin Gorman

Super director remuneration ...

11 months 1 week ago
Anthony Asher

No doubt true, but most of it is still because over 45’s have been upgrading their houses with 30 year mortgages. Money ...

11 months 1 week ago

Jim Chalmers has defended changes to the Future Fund’s mandate, referring to himself as a “big supporter” of the sovereign wealth fund, amid fierce opposition from the Co...

1 day 17 hours ago

Demand from institutional investors was the main driver of growth in Australia’s responsible investment (RI) market in 2023, as the industry continued to gain momentum....

1 day 17 hours ago

In a new review of the country’s largest fund, a research house says it’s well placed to deliver attractive returns despite challenges....

1 day 18 hours ago