Australia's major superannuation funds now rival the major banks in assets and influence on savings and should therefore be treated as such from a regulatory perspective, according to a senior Federal Opposition spokesman, Tasmanian Liberal Senator, David Bushby.
Bushby used a recent address to claim that despite superannuation funds growing to stand alongside the major banks, funds continued to enjoy significant regulatory advantages.
At the same time, Bushby signaled that this was something that was likely to be addressed by a future Coalition Government via a broader review of the financial services sector undertaken in a similar vein to the Wallis Review.
"During the 15 years of post-Wallis finance sector operations, there has been very substantial growth in the industry superannuation funds and self-managed super funds — and post the Rudd/Gillard reforms, the great bulk of Superannuation Guarantee funds have flowed into these two areas with little competitive pressures, via Fair Work Australia mandates," he said.
"The large super funds now rival the major banks in assets and influence on savings and investments — yet they enjoy significant regulatory competitive advantages when it comes to capital requirements and disclosure," Bushby said.
"As they are such an increasingly important part of our financial system, it is vital that a big picture analysis of that system considers how super funds should fit into the regulatory framework in the best interests of all Australians."
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.
The Future Fund’s CIO Ben Samild has announced his resignation, with his deputy to assume the role of interim CIO.