Industry Super Australia (ISA) has backed the default fund selection processes of the Fair Work Commission (FWC), with its chief executive David Whiteley urging the major banks to rule out embarking on legal action which would prevent the commission fulfilling its task.
Amid calls by the Financial Services Council (FSC) for the FWC to call an urgent hearing to consider the validity of the process, Whiteley said engaging in legal action and other measures to prevent or frustrate the legislated merit-based assessment of funds could leave members worse off.
“The banks should have nothing to fear if their default super products are up to scratch,” he said. “Seeking to halt a merit-based assessment of default super products follows on from the banks’ failed efforts to wind back financial advice laws and bring back sales commissions.”
Whiteley said the process and timings for applications for default fund assessment had been clear for everyone and delaying or halting the process could cost members money.
The super fund announced that Gregory has been appointed to its executive leadership team, taking on the fresh role of chief advice officer.
The deputy governor has warned that, as super funds’ overseas assets grow and liquidity risks rise, they will need to expand their FX hedge books to manage currency exposure effectively.
Super funds have built on early financial year momentum, as growth funds deliver strong results driven by equities and resilient bonds.
The super fund has announced that Mark Rider will step down from his position of chief investment officer (CIO) after deciding to “semi-retire” from full-time work.