The Federal Government has confirmed its objective of changing superannuation fund governance arrangements and has moved to task the Productivity Commission to "assess the efficiency and competitiveness of the superannuation system".
Using its response to the Financial Systems Inquiry (FSI) final report today, the Government also committed to the development of an objective for superannuation and the development of what amounts to a MyPension arrangement.
However, on the key question of the competitiveness of the superannuation system, the Government said it would be immediately tasking the Productivity Commission "to develop and release criteria to assess the efficiency and competitiveness of the superannuation system".
"We will also immediately task the Productivity Commission to develop alternative models for a formal competitive process for allocating default fund members to products."
It said that subsequent to the development of criteria and following the full implementation of the MySuper reforms, the Government would be tasking the Productivity Commission to review the efficiency and competitiveness of the superannuation system.
"We will develop legislation to allow trustees of funds to provide pre-selected retirement income products to help guide members at retirement and improve outcomes for retirees, including through increased private retirement incomes, increased consumer choice and better protection against longevity and other risks," the response said.
"We will also continue our work to remove impediments to product development," it said.
The Future Fund’s CIO Ben Samild has announced his resignation, with his deputy to assume the role of interim CIO.
The fund has unveiled reforms to streamline death benefit payments, cut processing times, and reduce complexity.
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.