Superannuation funds have been reminded they need to report any shareholdings in the fund held by members of their trustee boards.
The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has written to superannuation funds reminding them of their obligation and noting that it had observed that some had been falling short.
“APRA has observed that, since the introduction of the controlling stake requirements, RSE licensees and the relevant persons acquiring the controlling stakes may not have always considered the application of these requirements to their particular circumstances,” it said in a letter to the funds.
“For example, APRA is aware that some RSE licensee directors hold shares in an RSE licensee. Where this is the case, it may be that the appointment of a new director or removal of an existing director has triggered the controlling stake requirement,” it said.
“Ensuring compliance with the controlling stake requirements is important, as a failure to obtain APRA’s approval prior to owning a controlling stake in an RSE licensee is a strict liability offence under s. 29JCB of the SIS Act which may attract severe penalties.”
The APRA letter has detailed actions it requires of the superannuation fund licensees as a mater of priority, including identifying any changes to the ownership of shares, and obtaining professional advice where necessary.
The deputy governor has warned that, as super funds’ overseas assets grow and liquidity risks rise, they will need to expand their FX hedge books to manage currency exposure effectively.
Super funds have built on early financial year momentum, as growth funds deliver strong results driven by equities and resilient bonds.
The super fund has announced that Mark Rider will step down from his position of chief investment officer (CIO) after deciding to “semi-retire” from full-time work.
Rest has joined forces with alternative asset manager Blue Owl Capital, co-investing in a real estate trust, with the aim of capitalising on systemic changes in debt financing.