Super

The $13 billion industry fund has seen a significant turnaround in member outcomes since it rethought its “technically outstanding” but conservative investment strategy and has topped Chant West’s growth ranking for a second year running.

One of Australia’s last corporate superannuation funds will merge with Australian Retirement Trust following years of pandemic disruption and regulatory change that stymied efforts to grow its member base.

The $27 billion TelstraSuper’s move to back Quinbrook’s Net Zero Power Fund is the latest in a series of climate-related investments that it feels are well-suited for smaller and more agile funds.

A different investment environment requires a different investment model, says Colonial First State, and funds will have to become more nimble if they’re to cope.

The $85 billion industry fund has tipped more money into a real estate debt fund from Metrics Credit Partners as it looks to diversify its private markets exposures.

What matters more than big returns is making sure the right people are getting them. For members in Aware’s lifecycle default, the numbers are “phenomenal”.

A number of small super funds are up in arms about new proposed increase to APRA’s supervision levies, which would see a $7 billion fund pay the same amount as one managing $355 billion.

Despite its physical proximity, South East Asia has seen little direct investment from Australia’s super funds. Could soaring interest in the region from other big investors change that?

Markets now move a lot faster than they did during the GFC, while expected and unexpected threats to them are emerging more often and in combination. How should super funds respond?

AMP has cut redundancy pay maximums and notice periods in a move that has left long-term employees dismayed after they stuck with the company through the royal commission and its aftermath.

With more and more money to invest every year, the megafunds think their future lies offshore. That leaves plenty of homegrown opportunities for the likes of the $32 billion Brighter Super.

Local biotech VC firm Brandon Capital has scored investments from a number of super funds and semi-sovereign investors as it looks to expand its international presence and its support for domestic startups.