Superannuation funds will have to virtually compete on fees and performance to attract members under a new regime foreshadowed by the Federal Government in Tuesday’s Budget.
Under the Your Future, Your Super package regime announced by the Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg announced an annual objective performance test for superannuation funds.
As well, superannuation funds will be required to hold Annual Members’ Meetings in the same fashion as the annual general meetings of publicly-listed companies.
He said that those funds that failed to meet those test objectives and were regarded as persistently underperforming would be prevented from taking on new members.
“To protect members from poor outcomes and encourage funds to lower costs the Government will require superannuation products to meet an annual objective performance test,” he said. “Those that fail will be required to inform members. Persistently underperforming products will be prevented from taking on new members.”
“The Government will increase trustee accountability by strengthening their obligations to ensure trustees only act in the best financial interests of members. The Government will also require superannuation funds to provide better information regarding how they manage and spend members’ money in advance of Annual Members’ Meetings,” Frydenberg said.
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.