One of the most frequently asked questions in today's private market realm is 'How much is it that private market investment worth?' Read more

There is no doubt that the last three years have been a tumultuous time for global economies, during which we have seen twists and turns which arguably nobody could have predicted Read more

India's economy is expected to trace the growth shown by China, and this will manifest in infrastructure and building development and other expansion that is rich in commodity demand-and investment opportunities. Read more

This article will critically assess the notion that passive investing is the undisputed champion and explore the flaws that often go unnoticed. Read more

This paper sets out both the limits and eligibility requirements that apply to these other contribution opportunities and any tax concessions that may also apply. Read more

Gold had a strong 2023, defying expectations amid a high interest rate environment, and outperforming commodities, bonds and most stock markets. Read more

There is a significant opportunity for investors as global listed infrastructure is potentially rerated on improved earnings, according to Ausbil Investment Management head of global listed infrastructure Tim Humphreys. Read more

Private credit as an asset class is in demand from a range of investors. The asset class has become a direct substitute for traditional fixed income assets for many investors, who are continuing to increase allocations. Read more

Issuance of sustainable debt has exploded over the past 10 years as investors seek investment returns by allocating capital toward sustainability efforts. Read more

Alpha is a term which is bandied around a lot in our industry. We all want to deliver alpha to clients, find investments that generate alpha and naturally base the fees charged on investment products on their history of creating alpha for investors. ... Read more

This paper will examine some of the important factors EMD investors should consider in this evolving environment. Read more

Private credit, when managed to institutional standards, offers what is considered to be attractive riskadjusted returns coupled with strong structural and contractual protections. Read more

This paper explains why all investments entail trade-offs, the importance of having clear objectives, and some of the trade-offs pertaining to specific sustainable approaches. Read more

In July this year, ASIC and APRA released a report reminding superannuation funds that the time is now to focus on retirement strategies and consider how to best assist retirees in accessing and using the benefits available to them to make the most ... Read more

Defined benefit interests are difficult to value in accumulation phase, as final benefits depend on length of service, final salary and other factors. Defined benefit income streams have commutation restrictions imposed by legislation and quite often ... Read more

A mounts in a superannuation fund are generally protected from being included in the estate of a bankrupt. However, the trustees of a bankrupt's estate can recover superannuation contributions made prior to bankruptcy if they have been made to defeat ... Read more

This whitepaper examines 57 RSE licensees' strategies representing over 100 superannuation funds, including virtually the entire Australian retirement market covered by the RIC. Read more

This paper examines Australian and overseas retirement income products and in particular immediate and deferred lifetime annuities, to determine the role that the latter two could play in meeting the Retirement Income Covenant. Read more

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

In this paper the current requirements for the SMSF residency test will be explored. Read more

While it might appear straightforward, attention to detail is the key to owning SMSF assets. With Regulation 4.09A of the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations 1994 now one of the most reported breaches to the Australian Taxation Office ... Read more

This paper outlines some of the essential aspects to help effectively navigate the process of making personal deductible contributions (PDCs) into superannuation funds. Read more

This paper examines the strategic reasoning behind their inclination towards SMSFs, incorporating insights from the ATO guidelines and relevant financial literature. Read more

Is near enough good enough when valuing SMSF assets? Read more

This annual test is intended to hold registrable superannuation entities (RSE licensees) to account for product underperformance through greater transparency measures and increased consequences. Read more

This paper sets out the most interesting observations from an analysis of how the obligations under the FAR compare to existing obligations for RSE licensees. Read more

This paper provides a short overview of the Final Response. Following a period of consultation it is expected to progress to draft legislation towards the end of 2024. Read more

With the compulsory superannuation regime and seemingly endless growth of retirement savings in Australia, it comes as little surprise that superannuation funds have and will continue to face increased scrutiny in 2024, with ASIC making its position ... Read more

This paper examines the role of AFCA, the complaints process, and the powers and remedies available to AFCA with a focus on consumer complaints against lenders. In this piece, we provide an overview of AFCA generally as well as a detailed analysis of ... Read more

This paper sets out a revised approach for business to consider when determining whether workers are employees or independent contractors for superannuation law purposes. Read more

The inconsistent application of indexation to the various key superannuation rates and thresholds for the coming 2024/25 year adds an additional layer of complexity on top of the existing labyrinth of rules and regulations facing individuals and superannuation ... Read more

This paper looks at how the concept operates in the context of typical trustee structures. Read more

This paper looks at what has happened so far and considers what the sector might expect in the second half of the year. Read more

This paper explores and seeks to demystify intra-fund advice and to provide well-needed legal illumination. Read more

With the superannuation sector and self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) growing at a rapid rate, the need for public offer and industry superannuation funds to provide a compelling offer to members is more important than ever before. Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

With ASIC set to intensify its regulatory focus on whistleblowing, now more than ever, it is crucial that organisations continue to undertake careful reviews of their whistleblower program to ensure they are compliant. Read more

What is a strong skills matrix, why is it important, and how can it be used to enhance the capability of superannuation fund boards, as well as boards of other APRA-regulated entities? Read more

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 ... Read more

The science is very clear. The world needs to decarbonise to avoid a potential ecological disaster. Read more

This paper reproduces a discussion lead by Frank Smietana with Peter Sherriff and Clayton Issitt about key operational areas impacting superannuation funds, the evolution of fund operating models and how investment and operations teams are addressing ... Read more

This paper comprises excerpts from Johnson Partners 'Diversity in the Australian Industry Superannuation Funds' report November 2023. Read more

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). Read more

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

This paper comprises excerpts from the same-titled report prepared by Impact Economics and Policy for Philanthropy Australia. Read more

AAT rules earnings as assessable income of the fund, not taxpayer. Read more

This paper considers whether an adult child can have an interdependency relationship with their parent. It is presumed that the adult child is legally and financially independent of the parent. Read more

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 ... Read more

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. Read more

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. Read more

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 ... Read more