CareSuper has announced that it is moving on from its long-term administration partner, Link Group, and will instead enter a partnership with Mercer to manage its outsourced administration functions and related customer and fund support services.
CareSuper pointed to Mercer’s integrated technology solutions as key to the decision, as the fund was reliant on technology support and date analytics from its administrator.
CareSuper chief executive, Julie Lander, said the shift to Mercer would “form part of a larger organisational transformation that will ensure a seamless, quality member experience, as well as new service offerings”.
Lander acknowledged the dedication of Link but said that choosing Mercer would allow this transformation to happen faster.
“Whilst both companies provide a similar range of services, it was determined that Mercer’s solution will enable the fund to meet its strategic objectives more quickly.”
Managing director and chief executive of Mercer, Ben Walsh, also pointed to the administrator’s ability to provide “member-centric, state-of-the-art technology … to CareSuper, supporting its strong focus on meeting its members’ needs now, and into the future” as a core part of its offering.
The move followed a six-month tender review process overseen by Deloitte, with the new partnership set to officially commence next year.
The two funds have announced the signing of a non-binding MOU to explore a potential merger.
The board must shift its focus from managing inflation to stimulating the economy with the trimmed mean inflation figure edging closer to the 2.5 per cent target, economists have said.
ASIC chair Joe Longo says superannuation trustees must do more to protect members from misconduct and high-risk schemes.
Super fund mergers are rising, but poor planning during successor fund transfers has left members and employers exposed to serious risks.