Profit-to-member superannuation funds have reported their approach to managing liquidity has allowed the smooth implementation of early release super payments to members who are suffering financially due to COVID-19.
An announcement by the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST), said at a regular policy meeting, profit-to-member funds confirmed they were readily meeting early release requests from members in need.
The funds said the extensive work undertaken in short timeframes to meet the unexpected early release policy had been effective.
“…their approach to managing liquidity had successfully ensured they could meet the anticipated increase in early release requests,” AIST said.
Latest Government data had found over 900,000 applications had been made to the Australian Taxation Office for early release withdrawals, with over $7.5 billion approved. The average withdrawal was $8,333.
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.
Rest has joined forces with alternative asset manager Blue Owl Capital, co-investing in a real estate trust, with the aim of capitalising on systemic changes in debt financing.