Superannuation contributions for Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) regulated funds have hit their highest growth levels since the global financial crisis, according to the Financial Services Council's (FSC's) bond report.
High levels of employment propelled 7.3 per cent growth in total contributions to $85.9 billion in the 2011-12 financial year, compared to $80.1 billion in the 2010-11 financial year.
But the growth came from compulsory contributions and not discretionary contributions which decreased by $0.2 billion over the same period.
FSC chief economist James Bond said good employment numbers were at the source of increased contributions, while investor confidence was having an ill effect on discretionary contributions.
"Discretionary flows continue to disappoint reflecting a lack of consumer and investor confidence. Although discretionary flows represent only around 20 per cent of total flows, strong voluntary flows are necessary if Australians are to have enough money saved for their retirement," Bond said.
The Bond Report relies on the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority's quarterly data on APRA-regulated super fund contributions.
APRA reported total contributions of $90 billion, however, the FSC removed a one-off $4.6 billion superannuation liability contribution by the NSW Government in the June quarter as it almost doubled contributions to public sector funds in the second quarter.
The super fund announced that Gregory has been appointed to its executive leadership team, taking on the fresh role of chief advice officer.
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.