Most Australians use up their superannuation in retirement, contrary to claims that retirees underspend, according to the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA).
The association’s chief executive, Martin Fahy, said the majority of Australian retirees ran out of super well before the end of their lives and there was not a systemic problem with retirees underspending or bequeathing their super.
ASFA’s latest research found:
“The main challenge for the Australian superannuation system is to deliver higher superannuation balances at retirement,” Fahy said.
“The solution for ensuring adequacy of retirement incomes is moving the superannuation guarantee to 12%.”
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.