ISA

The merger between ISA and AIST has created a new organisation that will court both sides of politics to “advocate for the interests” of more than 10 million Australians.

As the Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees disappears, a piece of super history – one that led to the creation of many of the institutions the industry relies on today – is likely going along with it.

Two of Australia’s leading superannuation bodies will soon be no more. In their place will be a new, merged entity intended to be a “powerful advocate” for the superannuation system and the funds that comprise it.

The industry super collective logo has become one of the industry’s most recognisable symbols and a full-blown memetic in its own right. Its genesis was in a campaign to get retail funds to take their “beaks out of the carcass”.

Martin Fahy has stepped down as CEO of the Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA) after seven years at the helm where he played a “pivotal role” in addressing the policy and regulatory changes of the period.

Members back the idea of industry funds and the government working together on nation-building projects – if the returns stack up. Convincing them that they actually do will be key.

There’s too many associations around, and the proposed tie-up between the AIST and ISA could bring super closer to a single voice at a time when it needs it more than ever. The problem is what that voice might say.

While funds have backed affordable housing as an asset class, nation-building initiatives like the Housing Australia Future Fund (HAFF) still need tweaks to create certainty for institutional investors.

The Australian Institute of Superannuation Trustees (AIST) is exploring a merger with Industry Super Australia as external pressure grows on industry associations and the funds they service.

As the Albanese Government looks to use super funds to kickstart Australian infrastructure growth, the number of obstacles arrayed against investing in affordable housing and venture capital might give them pause for thought.