O’Dwyer wants RC scrutiny of code of practice
The Minister for Revenue and Financial Services, Kelly O’Dwyer has repeated her criticism of the lack of compulsion attaching to the Insurance inside Superannuation code of practice.
Speaking on national radio, O’Dwyer said she was concerned about the code of practice and believed it should be examined by the Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry.
The minister said that while some in the industry had sought to make some positive change, it did concern her that the code of practice “isn’t remotely binding”.
“There is no enforcement mechanism for it, so it’s a lot of worthy aims without really any stick,” O’Dwyer said.
The minister’s statement has come as a series of industry superannuation funds have confirmed their commitment to the code, irrespective of compulsion.
Elsewhere in her weekend statement, O’Dwyer referenced the need for industry superannuation funds to be more flexible in releasing funds when members move outside enterprise bargaining agreements.
Claiming some funds appeared reluctant to release money, the minister said it should not continue to be difficult.
“… it shouldn't be that difficult, it shouldn't be that hard, it is the member's money, it doesn't belong to the fund and it should actually go where the member wants it to go,” O’Dwyer said.
Recommended for you
The regulator has fined two super funds for misleading sustainability and investment claims, citing ongoing efforts to curb greenwashing across the sector.
Super funds have extended their winning streak, with balanced options rising 1.3 per cent in October amid broad market optimism.
Introducing a cooling off period in the process of switching super funds or moving money out of the sector could mitigate the potential loss to fraudulent behaviour, the outgoing ASIC Chair said.
Widespread member disengagement is having a detrimental impact on retirement confidence, AMP research has found.
TOP PERFORMING FUNDS
ACS FIXED INT - AUSTRALIA/GLOBAL BOND
Fund name
3y(%)pa
1
DomaCom DFS Mortgage
225.31 3 y p.a(%)
2
Loftus Peak Global Disruption Fund Hedged
121.06 3 y p.a(%)
3
Global X 21Shares Bitcoin ETF
72.47 3 y p.a(%)
4
Paradice Australian Mid Cap A
69.09 3 y p.a(%)
5
Smarter Money Long-Short Credit Investor USD
68.96 3 y p.a(%)
Have I got this right? the accountable minister of the crown for financial services can't work out how to encourage or require funds to adopt a code of conduct re insurance so believes the royal commission should do that part of her job for her too?
This minister is such a disappointment.