A merger between Equip and Rio Tinto Staff Superannuation (RTSSF) is expected later this year, following completion of due diligence.
Equip confirmed merger discussions and said the new merged fund would manage assets of $13.5 billion for approximately 75,000 members.
The merger would see the Equip board move to a model of one-third independent, one third employer, and one-third member directors. Equip said that Rio would likely have the right to nominate one of the employer directors.
Equip chair, Andrew Fairley, said the merged fund would deliver significant benefits of scale to members and employers, as well as underpin the continued development of innovative product initiatives, improved employer and member services, and expand the fund's education programs for members.
Fairley noted that the important considerations for the merger were complementary fund cultures, a common fund administrator, and a shared custodian service provider.
The Super Members Council (SMC) has called for a removal of the “outdated” 30-hour threshold for workers under 18 to guarantee all young Australian workers receive a super start to work.
SuperRatings has shared the median estimated return for balanced superannuation funds for the calendar year 2024.
The $90 billion fund delivered double-digit returns in its flagship Growth option last year and remains optimistic for 2025.
A strategic overweight to US and global equities along with an increased exposure to private debt and diversified credit has seen AMP deliver a return of more than 15 per cent for its three largest Lifestage cohorts in 2024.