Asset consultants in the clear by ASIC's standards
Asset consultants' business models may contain some conflicts of interest but do not warrant further legislation, according to an Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) review.
ASIC Commissioner Greg Tanzer said ASIC's review of asset consultants' role in the superannuation industry found some fee structures based on preferred services and in-house funds contained conflicts of interest.
ASIC also found some asset consultants recommended products to multiple clients where capacity to participate in the product may have been limited.
"While there were no apparent significant or systemic issues of concern warranting an immediate regulatory response, we did identify conflicts of interest present in the business models reviewed which need to be managed appropriately," Tanzer said.
He said the review's findings were positive and included a growing trend towards in-house investment management functions, and a declining circle of clients due to merger and consolidation activity.
Tanzer said asset consultants appeared to possess a new post-GFC outlook regarding asset allocation, but still struggled to identify growth assets over different time periods.
Asset consultants were also concerned about the short-term focus of some superannuation trustees and their focus on peer risk, the report said.
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