Outsourcing services can deliver superior investment results, State Super believes.
The trustee's chief executive, John Livanas, said the firm had been working collaboratively with key services providers and that their outsourcing model allowed State Super to deliver superior outcomes.
"Our returns were driven by a combination of State Super's investments in alternatives like Melbourne Airport, the Port of Geelong and the financial planning business StatePlus, as well as our property portfolio and equities," he said.
"The returns also clearly signalled the success of our downside risk protection practices and active management approach."
State Super said their professionals working in investments, actuarial, product and policy management, member engagement, education and communication, legal, finance and operations, worked closely with key services providers to achieve superior results in member services, investment performance and business management.
State Super said in 2015-16 their growth strategy delivered a return of 5.01 per cent, their balanced strategy 5.3 per cent, their conservative strategy 4.6 per cent, the trustee selection 3.64 per cent, and cash delivered 2.04 per cent.
"Four out of five strategies delivered results in the top quartile," Livanas said.
Australia’s industry super funds have come under fire for distorting equity markets and inflating Commonwealth Bank’s share price, with investment chiefs warning that their size and benchmark-driven behaviour are fuelling mispricing across the ASX.
The sovereign wealth fund has acquired a near-10 per cent stake in Transgrid, the operator of a high-voltage electricity network, in a move it says aligns with its risk-return objectives and long-term investment strategy.
Rest has appointed its new chief investment officer, who previously served as Qantas Super’s CEO for nearly a decade.
AustralianSuper has reinvested in Whitehaven Coal, describing the move as “an investment opportunity” aimed at creating value for its members.