Hostplus has taken out the Best Industry Fund category at Super Review’s Super Fund of the Year Awards, with Heron’s judging panel nominating leading performance and member-focused services as the driving factors.
The fund emerged as the winners from a pool of high-performing super funds including AustralianSuper, CareSuper, Equip MyFuture, HESTA, Rest, Sunsuper for life and UniSuper.
Group executive of retirement and advice, Paul Watson, said strategy was key.
“[We’ve] ensured that our strategic asset strategy and allocation is designed around some of the competitive advantages we’re blessed with,” he said.
The panel noted the fund’s consistently high rating across all fund features as well as their directed services to members in their industry sector.
Watson said the fund was “very thoughtful” in making sure its members were adequately prepared for retirement.
“Whether it’s our investment strategy, insurance offering or advice offering, we give a lot of thought to what’s in the best interests of our member cohorts”.
Hostplus’ interactive member statements and decrease in premiums also put them a step above the rest given the criteria assessed competitiveness of GL insurance premiums and administration and investment costs.
The panel also pointed to the fund’s “defined target” post-retirement pension option as well as enhancements in the pipeline designed to further increase member engagement.
“It’s fantastic and greatly appreciated recognition for a job we strive very hard to get right,” said Watson.
The profit-to-member super funds are officially operating as a merged entity, set to serve over half a million members.
Super Review announced 21 winners at the annual Super Fund of the Year Awards, including the recipient of the prestigious Fund of the Year Award.
A research firm has given UniSuper a glowing review, praising its strong leadership and “compact team”, as well as its “creditable governance” structure.
Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones has defended the government’s plan to modestly cut tax concessions for Australia’s wealthiest superannuation accounts, saying it is a “fairer outcome”.