Latest News

SMC questions SCA's 'mystery caller' report

RIDDHIMA TALWANI
The Super Members Council (SMC) has raised questions on the research methodology of the recently published Superannuation Call Centre Experience Report by Super Consumers Australia (SCA).

Prime Super, Aware Super explore potential merger

MATTHEW WAI
The superannuation funds have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) for a potential successor fund transfer (SFT) to create an approximately $254 billion fund with more than 1.4 million members.

AustralianSuper ups admin fees

KARREN VERGARA
The $430 billion superannuation fund is increasing its administration fees for the first time since 2022.

BUSSQ ups insurance cover, costs

ELIZA BAVIN
BUSSQ members will see the cost of their death and TPD cover increase as the fund increases the level of default cover.

Latest White Papers

Ethics & Governance

Ethical issues in designing products and pricing lifetime income products

NICK WILKINSON, TRAVIS DICKINSON, ANITA VOON   Pricing lifetime income products inherently relies on risk pooling - where the benefits for those who live longer are, in part, funded by those who die earlier.

Skills based superannuation boards

STEPHEN HOWELL   The boards of superannuation funds need to be 'gap-free' in the skills and competencies required of directors in the continually demanding area of supervision.

Investment

The architecture of asymmetry

DANIEL LIPTAK   The real question is not whether AI is a bubble, but who constructed the system surrounding it and who will ultimately bear the losses when it unravels.

The strategic power of security-selection alpha

BENOIT ANNE   While beta should remain supportive in 2026, it is no longer exceptional. In this environment, security-selection alpha appears particularly attractive.

Insurance

Maximising tax-free TPD super benefits

RICHARD EDWARDS   This paper outlines the key requirements that need to be met to qualify for the tax-free uplift.

Australian insurers recalibrate risk exposure post-pandemic

GREG CLARKE   After several years of risk aversion, Australian insurers are now repositioning their portfolios to reflect a return to more balanced risk exposure.

Technology

Agentic AI for superannuation

LACHLAN ALLARDICE, NADINE MOORE   This paper explains agentic AI and how it can help super funds elevate operational performance, strengthen regulatory compliance and deliver a superior member experience.

Cyber resilience

TIM WORNER, RICHARD BUSH   The cyberattacks targeting super funds acts as a reminder to drive strategic advantage through member trust and an elevated digital experience.

Retirement

Private markets in retirement plans

TONY DAVIDOW   Franklin Templeton believes a confluence of events over the last several years will fuel the growth and adoption of private markets in DC plans.

The Pension Schemes Act 2026: A new era for UK pensions

WTW TOWERS WATSON   The UK Pension Schemes Act is arguably the most wide-ranging set of pension changes since the new pension freedoms came into effect in 2015.

Administration & Management

The role of the modern data platform

EDWARD TAM, PRIYANKA PATEL-COOK   A modern data platform or MDP can provide a practical modern technology for superannuation funds to address data challenges.

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.

Communications & Marketing

Lead with outcomes, cut the noise

INDUSTRY FUND SERVICES   Why super funds must pivot from 'more' to 'meaning'.

Future-proof super funds through modern data platforms

EDWARD TAM, PRIYANKA PATEL-COOK   The growth in Australia's super industry reflects decades of compulsory contributions and a robust investment environment, but it also brings significant responsibility.

Compliance

Superannuation market dynamics

CAMILLE SCHMIDT, POOJA RANI   In 2026, we continue to see a rapidly evolving superannuation system, with total assets reaching approximately $4.4 trillion.

Payday Super: Frequently asked questions

AMANDA LYRAS, ELIZABETH SMITH, JONATHAN DONALD, DANIEL BARTLETT, JOSH HACKFATH   With Payday Super having commenced, many employers are undertaking compliance reviews and preparing to update processes and governance frameworks.

SMSFs

SMSF loans: LRBAs and contracts

MICHAEL HALLINAN   Although LRBAs are not in the same class as nuclear physics for complexity, they should not be underestimated.

Valuations for Division 296 and SMSFs

JULIE STEED   Getting the value of assets correct can help clients to manage tax, social security and aged care outcomes.

Taxation & Estate Planning

Budget 2026/27: Good intentions, unintended outcomes?

TIM TOOHEY   Structural changes to the tax system are not neutral-they materially alter the balance between income and capital, reshape investor behaviour, and ultimately influence both asset allocation and economic outcomes.

Division 296: The big picture

MICHAEL HALLINAN   With Division 296 inching closer to being legislated, this white paper answers the most pressing questions around how the reforms will work.

Cover Story

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 ...