Superannuation members have diverted their attention to rebuilding their balances from COVID-19 related issues, according to AMP.
AMP’s data on its financial adviser clients found that during the month of May, queries on voluntary concessional and non-concessional super contributions were the most common topic dealt with by advisers. This was compared to April when advice on early access to super was most in demand.
Calls about COVID-19 stood at 9% in May, well down from the 24% in April.
AMP said the top client issues dealt with by advisers in May 2020 were:
AMP technical strategy manager, John Perri, said: “Not everyone has the funds to contribute more to super at the moment, but it’s encouraging to see more Australians turning their minds to rebuilding their superannuation and retirement balances.
“Recently introduced changes, such as the relaxation of the rules on concessional contributions, are encouraging people to make additional contributions where they can.”
The super fund announced that Gregory has been appointed to its executive leadership team, taking on the fresh role of chief advice officer.
The deputy governor has warned that, as super funds’ overseas assets grow and liquidity risks rise, they will need to expand their FX hedge books to manage currency exposure effectively.
Super funds have built on early financial year momentum, as growth funds deliver strong results driven by equities and resilient bonds.
The super fund has announced that Mark Rider will step down from his position of chief investment officer (CIO) after deciding to “semi-retire” from full-time work.