As HSBC Australia continues its expansion into the superannuation sector, it has announced a partnership with the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST).
HSBC Australia would collaborate with AIST to help inform super fund members of key industry trends and insights that could assist with international mandates.
“Australian super funds’ increasing focus on offshore investment is absolutely the right strategic decision for their members given the projected size of AUM by the end of the decade,” said Nick Wheeler, head of markets and securities services for Australia and New Zealand, HSBC.
“Our knowledge of global markets combined with our suite of solutions including global asset management, securities services and access to public and private investments means we’re uniquely placed to assist asset owners and managers on their investments decisions and we believe AIST is the ideal partner and platform to deliver this insight to the industry.”
HSBC Australia was currently the largest sub-custodian in Australia with over $1.6 trillion in assets under custody. Through the partnership, it would look to expand its services with super funds in areas like asset management and securities services.
The new partnership followed a significant period of change within Australia’s super industry with funds pivoting to in-house investment and asset management decisions and investing in international public and private assets.
“We appreciate the support provided and value added for our member funds across the profit-to-member sector by our partners, particularly by HSBC with its global reach, broad service offering and expertise in offshore markets at a time when our member funds are increasing their global investments,” said AIST CEO Eva Scheerlinck.
The UK aims to boost investments via Australia’s super fund sector, unlocking major bilateral business and growth opportunities.
The Future Fund has received government approval to internally manage transactions in Australian infrastructure and property, marking a significant shift in its investment approach after nearly two decades of relying solely on external managers.
The super fund has welcomed Robert Potter and Wayne Davy to its board of directors.
Private market assets in super have surged, while private debt recorded the fastest growth among all investment types.