FS Super

Challenge and opportunity in decarbonisation

MANS CARLSSON   The science is very clear. The world needs to decarbonise to avoid a potential ecological disaster.

Researching ESG investment products

AMAN RAMRAKHA   Finding the right ESG investment product that delivers returns alongside positive impact, while sidestepping potential greenwash, unethical or risky business practices can be a rocky road- whether you are an institutional investor, a wholesale investor, or a financial adviser.

Natural capital pitfalls and opportunities

RENEE GROGAN   Natural capital is the world's stock of renewable and non-renewable natural resources, such as soils, air, water and living organisms. The opportunity to achieve whole of portfolio positive natural capital impact, while improving risk adjusted returns, is emerging as the most important investor opportunity since our attention turned to net zero.

Earnings surprise

RAM RASARATNAM   Fundamentally, we strongly believe in the importance of earnings surprises-analysis of which can help explain stock returns and, as such, it is a vital area which investors should pay attention to.

Insurance-linked securities: Beyond the boom

MARTIN REA, CHRIS MCAVOY   Early in 2023, JANA identified the potential of insurance-linked securities (ILS) as a favourable investment avenue. Subsequently, the sector experienced an exceptional year, delivering record returns.

Evolution of disability cover in superannuation

CARLOS LOPEZ, ALISON BODINNAR   Acollaborative effort is needed to develop a more equitable and sustainable framework for supporting members with a disability, especially those with mental health-related disabilities.

Generative AI in systematic investing

ACADIAN ASSET MANAGEMENT (AUST   Generative AI gained widespread attention following the debut of ChatGPT by OpenAI in 2022. While the technology may seem new, its origins and applications trace back to the mid-2000s.

Technology trends in the retirement market

DEVAN NAIDOO   The retirement landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. With changing demographics, longer life spans, and evolving economic trends, it has become imperative for the pension industry to move with the times.

Helping DC members get the best retirement outcome

DAVID KNOX   With the continuing growth of defined contribution (DC) pension plans around the world, it is critical that policies and principles are developed to ensure that retirees from these DC plans receive the best retirement outcome possible.

Changes to the retirement condition of release

STUART SHEARY   The most common condition of release to access superannuation is 'retirement' upon reaching preservation age.

Investing is about judgements, not knowledge

STEPHEN ARNOLD   There is a presumption in the investment community that greater information creates better investment outcomes. I have not seen any evidence that supports this.

Insights into superannuation fund mergers

ZEIN EL HASSAN   This paper explores the different legal structures available to superannuation fund trustees that enable potential merger partners to access the benefits of scale on the pathway to full integration via a successor fund transfer (SFT).

Federal Court decision reinforces ASIC's stance on greenwashing

ILONA MILLAR, KELVIN NG, SARAH MARTIN, LILY MORTON   On 5 June 2024, the Federal Court found that LGSS Pty Ltd, as the trustee of the superannuation fund now known as Active Super made false or misleading representations and engaged in conduct that was liable to mislead the public about its ESG credentials in breach of the ASIC Act

Keeping members informed about retirement options

ANTHONY ASHER   As part of a current UNSW project researching the obstacles to the introduction of lifetime income streams faced by superannuation trustees, some interviewees have raised the legal restrictions on communicating with members.

Mandatory climate-related financial reprorting

ROBYN FERGUSON, NICOLE RADICE, OLIVIA WILLIAMSON, LILY ROBINSON   Preparing for Australia's upcoming disclosure requirements.

Early release of superannuation on compassionate grounds

CHRISTOPHER OVERTON   Sometimes personal situation becomes desperate, leading to a member wanting to access the superannuation monies trapped in their superannuation fund.

Creating an SMSF investment strategy using ETFs

BETASHARES   This paper provides a step-by-step approach to crafting an SMSF investment strategy that uses ETFs as a means to achieve one's retirement goals. Additionally, it will delve into crucial aspects such as risk profiling, insurance considerations, and other obligations mandated by superannuation laws.

SMSFs and limited recourse borrowing arrangements

TIM HOWARD   One of the unique aspects of self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) is their ability to borrow money to invest. The ability to borrow, however, should not be confused with the borrowing principles that may apply to individuals, companies or trusts entering a borrowing arrangement. Borrowing through superannuation comes with several additional considerations, primarily driven by superannuation law.

How low should you go with concessional contributions?

SCOTT QUINN   Making voluntary concessional contributions has long been a tax-effective strategy for individuals wanting to save for retirement.

Auto-reversionary pensions

WILLIAM FETTES, DANIEL BUTLER   Instead of starting from the position that automatically reversionary pensions are always or usually the preferred option, advisers should be aware of the potential advantages and disadvantages that can arise in different circumstances, including in respect of the proposed Division 296 tax.

Age of activism

JAMES FERNYHOUGH   UniSuper chief investment officer John Pearce talks to FS Super associate editor James Fernyhough about Westfield, company engagement, and the role of members in investment strategy.

A career in retrospect

JAMES FERNYHOUGH   In September, HESTA chief executive Anne-Marie Corboy announced that she would be standing down after 16 years at the helm of one of Australia's largest super funds. James Fernyhough caught up with her to hear her thoughts on HESTA's evolution, the purpose of superannuation, and why the media ...