Superannuation funds would do well to consider the delivery of education and advice around aged care and health, according to Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) chief executive, Pauline Vamos.
Addressing the ASFA annual conference in Brisbane today, Vamos pointed to the ageing population and associated health issues as being among the greatest challenges facing both the government and the superannuation industry.
In doing so, she presented the results of recently commission research undertaken by CoreData which pointed to an expectation by consumers that their superannuation funds could help them in dealing with difficult aged care issues.
Vamos said there was clearly a consumer need for advice and education on aged care and health issues and it was open to superannuation to play a greater role in meeting that need.
She said the research suggested that three in five respondents had indicated they would make use of such advice from superannuation funds if it were made available.
Vamos said the data underlined the need to promptly lift the superannuation to 12 per cent.
"A significant opportunity exists for superannuation funds but they need to be prepared," she said.
A ratings firm has placed more prominence on governance in its fund ratings, highlighting that it’s not just about how much money a fund makes today, but whether the people running it are trustworthy, disciplined, and able to deliver for members in the future.
AMP has reached an agreement in principle to settle a landmark class action over fees charged to members of its superannuation funds, with $120 million earmarked for affected members.
Australia’s second-largest super fund is prioritising impact investing with a $2 billion commitment, targeting assets that deliver a combination of financial, social, and environmental outcomes.
The super fund has significantly grown its membership following the inclusion of Zurich’s OneCare Super policyholders.
I have been lobbying for this sort of direction for years. In fact I set up a company that looks at the whole of person needs to truly meet the growing needs of Australians with complex health needs. Good to see this is now becoming mainstream. Just don't commercialise and exploit.