IOOF has revealed the degree to which the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) will have the ultimate say on whether it finally acquires the superannuation businesses of ANZ.
The company revealed in its results announcement to the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) this week that recent amendments to the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act (SIS Act) had effectively given APRA an approval power of the controversial transaction.
The status of IOOF’s acquisition of the OnePath Pensions and Investments Business has been up in the air since issues were raised during the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services industry.
The company told shareholders this week that final completion of the acquisition remained conditional on the receipt of notices from OnePath Custodians and ANZ that each had no objection to the transaction proceeding.
“IOOF continues to work cooperatively with OPC and ANZ to provide the information and resources necessary to facilitate those notices being given,” it said.
However, it then went on to state: “From 5 July, 2019, recent amendments to the SIS Act came into force, giving APRA an approval power in respect of the acquisition of controlling stakes in Registrable Superannuation Entity licensees. As such, receipt of an approval from APRA is now also a condition of completion of the Pensions and Investments acquisition.”
The announcement said IOOF was well advanced in preparation and submission of material to APRA “for due consideration of the matter”.
The Federal Court has ordered AustralianSuper to pay $27 million for failures to address multiple member accounts.
The country’s fourth-largest fund is targeting the “missing middle” of members with a new digital advice service in partnership with Ignition Advice.
The prudential regulator confirmed it is considering BUSSQ’s Federal Court appeal.
The Albanese government has put forward a bold proposal to tackle the challenges of Australia’s swelling retirement pool, in an effort to allow superannuation funds to play a more active role in shaping members’ retirement outcomes.