Jon Millin, executive director for fixed interest at Challenger Financial Services Group, said superannuation funds could fill a gap in the medium-term funding market.
Speaking at SuperRatings Day of Confrontation conference, Millin said the 5-10 year loan market cost banks more to hold financing beyond the traditional 3-5 year tenures.
Companies are over-reliant on short-term bank funding arrangements, while the local bond market has not matured in light of a decline in equities, according to Millin.
"How can it be possible that Australian investment-grade companies can't get five-year debt funding?" he said.
Millin said super funds could use floating notes and senior secured notes, that were traditionally used in leveraged buyout financing arrangements, to access the medium-term loan market.
The proposed reforms have been described as a key step towards delivering better products and retirement experiences for members, with many noting financial advice remains the “urgent missing piece” of the puzzle.
Jim Chalmers has defended changes to the Future Fund’s mandate, referring to himself as a “big supporter” of the sovereign wealth fund, amid fierce opposition from the Coalition, which has pledged to reverse any changes if it wins next year’s election.
In a new review of the country’s largest fund, a research house says it’s well placed to deliver attractive returns despite challenges.
Chant West analysis suggests super could be well placed to deliver a double-digit result by the end of the calendar year.