POWERED BY MOMENTUM MEDIA
Govt lambasts ‘laggard’ superannuation funds
Assistant Treasurer, Stephen Jones, has called on super funds to ramp up engagement with members amid evidence of waning satisfaction.
In an opinion piece published in The Australian, the assistant treasurer pointed to a recent review from the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC), which found almost 20% of trustees failed to respond to approximately 20% of complaints from members within the mandatory 45-day timeline.
Notably, 48% of trustees did not issue delay notifications to their members, with 46% failing to provide explanations for the delay.
“This needs to be a wake-up call for the industry,” Jones said.
“Doing right by your customer should be a no-brainer for any business, and that goes double for super funds.
“Survey after survey shows Australians' engagement with their super fund is low, especially among younger Australians.”
He went on to urge super funds to make “more strenuous efforts” to address shortfalls in the complaints process.
“Responding to complaints in a timely and reasonable manner is a key part of growing engagement and building member satisfaction,” he added.
“Clearly super funds are not meeting that mark.
“Ultimately, this is not just about giving those who have taken the time to engage with their fund the proper level of attention. It is about funds knowing and understanding all their members, even those who may not engage regularly or at all.”
Jones, who was also minister for financial services, warned that “laggard” trustees would face heightened scrutiny from government and regulators, and would risk losing ground to new competitors.
“New competitors are emerging in the industry and the fight for members is intensifying,” he said.
“…We are doing our bit by overhauling transparency and reporting requirements on super funds so important financial data is clearly and consistently laid out for members.
“But we want to see the funds do their bit too and that begins with a greater focus on members' satisfaction.”
AUTHOR
Charbel Kadib
Recommended for you
Jim Chalmers has defended changes to the Future Fund’s mandate, referring to himself as a “big supporter” of the sovereign wealth fund, amid fierce opposition from the Coalition, which has pledged to reverse any changes if it wins next year’s election.
In a new review of the country’s largest fund, a research house says it’s well placed to deliver attractive returns despite challenges.
Chant West analysis suggests super could be well placed to deliver a double-digit result by the end of the calendar year.
Specific valuation decisions made by the $88 billion fund at the beginning of the pandemic were “not adequate for the deteriorating market conditions”, according to the prudential regulator.
TOP PERFORMING FUNDS
ACS FIXED INT - AUSTRALIA/GLOBAL BOND
Fund name
3y(%)pa
1
Spire Oaktree Opportunities XI Second Close
61.07 3 y p.a(%)
2
Spire Oaktree Opportunities XI First Close USD
59.21 3 y p.a(%)
3
DomaCom Lot 21 Chellaston Road Munno Para West SA 5115 Australia
31.56 3 y p.a(%)
4
Fidante Credit Suisse Global Private Equity
31.06 3 y p.a(%)
5
DomaCom 4/27 Crombie Avenue Bundall QLD 4217 Australia
26.81 3 y p.a(%)
