Industry fund HOSTPLUS has appointed Citi as custodian in its bid to capture self-managed super fund (SMSF) market share.
HOSTPLUS chief executive David Elia said although its incumbent provider JP Morgan had done a "fantastic" job for over a decade, Citi aligned better with its objectives in terms of its transformation into a pooled superannuation trust (PST) and its investment into Asia.
Elia said the fund hopes to launch itself as a PST in line with its transition to the new custodian, which should be completed in August or September.
He conceded a number of other funds may have had the ability to target SMSFs as a PST, but said HOSTPLUS would actively market the fund's capabilities to SMSFs that could then transfer into HOSTPLUS' low-cost option.
Aware Super has made a $1.6 billion investment in a 99-hectare industrial precinct in Melbourne’s North which, the fund clarified, also houses the nation’s first privately funded open-access intermodal freight terminal.
ASFA has affirmed its commitment to safeguarding Australia’s retirement savings as cyber activity becomes an increasing challenge for the financial services sector.
The shadow treasurer is not happy with the performance of some within the super sector, telling an event in Sydney on Thursday that some funds are obsessed with funds under management, above all else.
As the Australian financial landscape faces increasing scrutiny from regulators, superannuation fund leaders are doubling down on their support for private markets, arguing these investments are not just necessary but critical for long-term financial stability.