Major superannuation funds administrator, Link Market Services is predicting more fund mergers but a potential slowing in superannuation fund growth in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a presentation delivered to a Macquarie Australia investor conference, Link pointed to the increased pressure and activity placed on administrators as a result of COVID-19, not least the Government’s hardship superannuation early release.
It said that call volumes within its member contact centres had been driven by investment switching, advice and super early release but that a decrease in fund members was anticipated from early access withdrawals.
Looking over the horizon, the Link predicted increased fund merger activity and increased new business opportunities driven by “increasingly complex regulatory and operating environment”.
However, it cautioned that industry growth of new accounts might slow through early access, lower employment growth and lower workforce mobility.
The Future Fund’s CIO Ben Samild has announced his resignation, with his deputy to assume the role of interim CIO.
The fund has unveiled reforms to streamline death benefit payments, cut processing times, and reduce complexity.
A ratings firm has placed more prominence on governance in its fund ratings, highlighting that it’s not just about how much money a fund makes today, but whether the people running it are trustworthy, disciplined, and able to deliver for members in the future.
AMP has reached an agreement in principle to settle a landmark class action over fees charged to members of its superannuation funds, with $120 million earmarked for affected members.