In the week prior to the early release of superannuation scheme ending 21,000 super members applied for the scheme, according to Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) data.
Of those applications, 69% were initial applications and 31% were repeat applications, in the week to 20 December, 2020.
This brought total payments made by super funds at $35.9 billion since the inception of the scheme, with initial applications from 3.4 million members, and repeat applications from 1.4 million members.
The average initial application payment was at $7,400 and $8,284 for repeat applications.
APRA noted that as at 20 December, 2020, 98% of applications received since the start of the scheme had been paid.
“Among all funds that made payments, 97 (64%) completed more than 90% of payments within the five business days guideline indicated by APRA. With limited exceptions (1.8%), payments to members have been completed within nine or fewer business days from receipt of applications by funds from the Australian Taxation Office [ATO],” APRA said.
“The 10 funds with the highest number of applications received from the ATO have made 3.1 million payments worth a total of $23.6 billion. The average payment from these funds was $7,575 with 96% of payments made within five days.”
Amid a challenging market environment, three super fund CIOs have warned against ‘jumping at shadows’.
The professional body is calling for the annual performance test to transition to a two-metric test, so it better aligns with the overarching duty of super fund trustees to act in the best financial interests of their members.
AustralianSuper, Rest, and HESTA agree on the need to retain and enhance the test, yet they differ in their perspectives on the specific areas that warrant further refinement.
Australia’s second-largest super fund has confirmed it is expanding its presence in the UK following significant investment in the region.
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