IPA questions competitiveness of super system post-PC

17 January 2019
| By Hannah |
image
image
expand image

The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) has called for more consideration of whether the inefficiencies of the superannuation system are due to a lack of marketplace competition or structural problems in the wake of the Productivity Commission’s report.

While the group supported the Commission’s recommendation for performance benchmarks around returns, fees, level of service and projected retirement income, IPA chief executive, Andrew Conway, noted that greater price transparency had not led to more competition or greatly reduced fees.

 “Reforms on the demand side especially around the introduction of standardised products and enhanced transparency of information should result in improved efficiency and innovation in product development,” Conway also said.

“However, competition and efficiency may not always be synonymous as competition which means spending on marketing to gain new members with a focus on profit-making may not improve efficiency.”

The group also argued for attention to be paid to improving financial literacy, as this would improve member engagement which should in turn enhance competition.

Read more about:

AUTHOR

Recommended for you

sub-bgsidebar subscription

Never miss the latest developments in Super Review! Anytime, Anywhere!

Grant Banner

From my perspective, 40- 50% of people are likely going to be deeply unhappy about how long they actually live. ...

1 year 4 months ago
Kevin Gorman

Super director remuneration ...

1 year 4 months ago
Anthony Asher

No doubt true, but most of it is still because over 45’s have been upgrading their houses with 30 year mortgages. Money ...

1 year 4 months ago

A member body representing some prominent wealth managers is concerned super funds’ dominance is sidelining small companies in capital markets....

9 hours 57 minutes ago

While the latest quarterly CPI print exceeded expectations, most economists still anticipate a rate cut, especially amid growing downside risks to global growth stemming ...

9 hours 59 minutes ago

Earlier this month, several Australian superannuation funds fell victim to credential stuffing attacks, which saw a small number of members lose more than $500,000....

10 hours ago

TOP PERFORMING FUNDS

ACS FIXED INT - AUSTRALIA/GLOBAL BOND