Retirement
Super rules makes comparing fees ‘almost impossible’
New regulation could ‘bamboozle’ Australians trying to compare funds and make it more difficult to assess individual funds’ overall costs, an industry lobby group has argued.
Super rules makes comparing fees ‘almost impossible’
New regulation could ‘bamboozle’ Australians trying to compare funds and make it more difficult to assess individual funds’ overall costs, an industry lobby group has argued.
New disclosure requirements for superannuation funds will come into effect on 1 October 2017, but lobby group Industry Super Australia has said a number of “inexplicable carve-outs” to the regulations will exclude investments made via platforms – the “preferred” method of bank-owned super funds.
“These carve outs make it almost impossible to achieve consistent and accurate fee and cost disclosure, denying investors the opportunity to accurately compare the products available to them and determine whether a particular product represents value for money,” the group said in a statement.
“Not only will this bamboozle consumers it could, if not fixed, change investment strategies of funds resulting in less direct illiquid investments, and ultimately lower returns to members.”
David Whiteley, the group’s CEO, said that a “light must be shone” on the fees and costs associated with super funds to allow members to compare them and make an informed choice, something he argues the new regulation will make more difficult.
“In its current form, [the new regulation] will create perverse incentives for super funds to change the way they invest, using the carve outs to hide costs,” he said.
“This could negatively impact both member returns and the capacity of Australian super funds to invest in long-term, nation-building infrastructure projects.”
Industry Super Australia said it wants government to delay the implementation of the new regulation until it reverses the exemptions and can “guarantee full disclosure” of superannuation fees.
RELATED ARTICLES
Superannuation
Rest strengthens investment strategy with seasoned executive appointment
In a strategic move to bolster its investment strategy, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has appointed Andy Moser as the Head of CIO Office. This newly created ...Read more
Superannuation
NGS Super strengthens leadership with appointment of new Chief Member Officer
In a strategic move to bolster its member growth and experience transformation, NGS Super has appointed Adam Parsons as the new Chief Member Officer (CMO). Effective from 1 June 2026, Parsons will ...Read more
Superannuation
Aware Super triumphs at Chant West Super Fund Awards with top honours
In a significant achievement for Aware Super, the fund has clinched top honours at the Chant West Super Fund Awards, securing both the Super Fund of the Year and Pension Fund of the Year titlesRead more
Superannuation
NGS Super rolls out enhanced member advice services with a focus on accessibility
In a significant move to make financial advice more accessible, NGS Super has unveiled an enhanced suite of member advice services, featuring a new digital advice platform. This initiative aims to ...Read more
Superannuation
US data centre investment highlights the benefits of decarbonisation and digitalisation
In a compelling demonstration of the global shift towards decarbonisation and digitalisation, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has underscored the value created ...Read more
Superannuation
Aware Super bolsters support for financial advisers amid growing partnerships
In a strategic move to enhance its growth trajectory, Aware Super has announced a significant investment in bolstering support for financial advisers, aiming to deliver superior retirement outcomes ...Read more
Superannuation
TelstraSuper and Aware Super merge, creating a powerhouse with over $235 billion in funds
In a strategic move that underscores the growing trend of consolidation in the superannuation industry, TelstraSuper and Aware Super have successfully completed their merger, creating a formidable ...Read more
Superannuation
Parliamentary support heralds a fairer superannuation system for under-18s
In a significant development for Australia's superannuation landscape, Rest, one of the nation's largest profit-to-member super funds, has praised the recent cross-parliamentary support for extending ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest strengthens investment strategy with seasoned executive appointment
In a strategic move to bolster its investment strategy, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has appointed Andy Moser as the Head of CIO Office. This newly created ...Read more
Superannuation
NGS Super strengthens leadership with appointment of new Chief Member Officer
In a strategic move to bolster its member growth and experience transformation, NGS Super has appointed Adam Parsons as the new Chief Member Officer (CMO). Effective from 1 June 2026, Parsons will ...Read more
Superannuation
Aware Super triumphs at Chant West Super Fund Awards with top honours
In a significant achievement for Aware Super, the fund has clinched top honours at the Chant West Super Fund Awards, securing both the Super Fund of the Year and Pension Fund of the Year titlesRead more
Superannuation
NGS Super rolls out enhanced member advice services with a focus on accessibility
In a significant move to make financial advice more accessible, NGS Super has unveiled an enhanced suite of member advice services, featuring a new digital advice platform. This initiative aims to ...Read more
Superannuation
US data centre investment highlights the benefits of decarbonisation and digitalisation
In a compelling demonstration of the global shift towards decarbonisation and digitalisation, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has underscored the value created ...Read more
Superannuation
Aware Super bolsters support for financial advisers amid growing partnerships
In a strategic move to enhance its growth trajectory, Aware Super has announced a significant investment in bolstering support for financial advisers, aiming to deliver superior retirement outcomes ...Read more
Superannuation
TelstraSuper and Aware Super merge, creating a powerhouse with over $235 billion in funds
In a strategic move that underscores the growing trend of consolidation in the superannuation industry, TelstraSuper and Aware Super have successfully completed their merger, creating a formidable ...Read more
Superannuation
Parliamentary support heralds a fairer superannuation system for under-18s
In a significant development for Australia's superannuation landscape, Rest, one of the nation's largest profit-to-member super funds, has praised the recent cross-parliamentary support for extending ...Read more
