The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority has conceded it has never collected specific data on the issue of how commissions impact superannuation fund balances.
Responding to a question on notice from Tasmanian Liberal Senator David Bushby, the regulator said it "does not collect data on commissions paid by superannuation funds as part of its current statistical collection".
Bushby had used a Senate Estimates Committee hearing to ask APRA officials whether they knew the degree to which commissions impacted superannuation fund balances.
"Do you have a feel for the percentage of funds that come in - particularly the retail funds - that attract commissions?" he asked.
The degree to which commissions affect superannuation fund balances represented a central element of the Industry Super Network's "compare the pair" advertising campaign, but was reliant on research from commercial ratings houses such as SuperRatings.
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.