Retirement
What Facebook’s headache means for the future of super
Facebook’s struggle with allegations of improper use of users’ data presents a key lesson for the superannuation sector, and its members.
What Facebook’s headache means for the future of super
Facebook’s struggle with allegations of improper use of users’ data presents a key lesson for the superannuation sector, and its members.
That’s according to QMV’s principal legal and risk consultant Jonathan Steffanoni. Speaking at a media event in Sydney last week, the consultant argued that as more people appreciate the value of their information and want to have it back, there’s a growing shift towards institutions meeting that demand and improving data transparency.
He explained that there are two emerging risks for financial institutions. The first risk, the royal commission reflects the challenges of running people’s money. The second risk, highlighted by Facebook’s ongoing woes, is the challenge of running people’s data.
“In both instances there's a conflict which is that there's an institution responsible for running a valuable commodity,” he said, noting that data management is much more of a grey area.
In a media statement that same day, Mr Steffanoni said Facebook’s struggles provide a window to the broader problem institutions handling both data and money will face.

“Financial institutions managing other people’s savings also manage other people’s data. Trusted relationships will demand that institutions do more than merely have individuals click to agree on having their data shared without understanding the implications.
“The superannuation industry will not be immune from this. Already we are seeing moves towards “open banking” in Australia, which will give customers greater access to and control over their banking data; with utilities and telecommunications to follow. Pension and superannuation funds are a logical next step.”
Continuing, he said open banking will mean customers – with their consent — will be able to access their transaction and loan repayment data in order to seek out better products or services.
“It would be an anomaly if the superannuation and pensions industry were not the subject of new laws to govern the opening up of member data to members.”
Superannuation
Expanding super for under-18s could help close the gender super gap, says Rest
In a push to address the gender disparity in superannuation savings, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has called for a significant policy change that would allow ...Read more
Superannuation
Employment Hero pioneers real-time super payments with HeroClear integration
In a significant leap forward for Australia's payroll and superannuation systems, Employment Hero, in collaboration with Zepto and OZEDI, has successfully processed the country's first ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest launches Rest Pay to streamline superannuation payments and boost member outcomes
In a significant move aimed at enhancing compliance with upcoming superannuation regulations, Rest, one of Australia’s largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has unveiled an innovative ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest appoints experienced governance expert to bolster superannuation fund
Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has announced the appointment of Ed Waters as the new Company Secretary. Waters, who brings with him over 15 years of extensive ...Read more
Superannuation
Small businesses brace for cash flow challenges as Payday Super becomes law
With the new Payday Super legislation now enacted, small businesses across Australia are preparing for a significant shift in how they manage superannuation contributions. The law, which mandates a ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest launches Innovate RAP to support fairer super outcomes for First Nations members
In a significant move towards reconciliation and inclusivity, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has unveiled its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)Read more
Superannuation
Payday super legislation promises fairer retirement for part-time and casual workers
In a landmark development for the Australian workforce, the recently passed Payday Super legislation is set to transform the retirement landscape for countless part-time and casual workersRead more
Superannuation
Payday Super passes as Employment Hero, OZEDI and Zepto unite to help small businesses meet new seven-day payment rule
With the Payday Superannuation Bill officially passing through Parliament, Australian businesses are now less than eight months away from a major shift in how superannuation contributions are made — ...Read more
Superannuation
Expanding super for under-18s could help close the gender super gap, says Rest
In a push to address the gender disparity in superannuation savings, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has called for a significant policy change that would allow ...Read more
Superannuation
Employment Hero pioneers real-time super payments with HeroClear integration
In a significant leap forward for Australia's payroll and superannuation systems, Employment Hero, in collaboration with Zepto and OZEDI, has successfully processed the country's first ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest launches Rest Pay to streamline superannuation payments and boost member outcomes
In a significant move aimed at enhancing compliance with upcoming superannuation regulations, Rest, one of Australia’s largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has unveiled an innovative ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest appoints experienced governance expert to bolster superannuation fund
Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has announced the appointment of Ed Waters as the new Company Secretary. Waters, who brings with him over 15 years of extensive ...Read more
Superannuation
Small businesses brace for cash flow challenges as Payday Super becomes law
With the new Payday Super legislation now enacted, small businesses across Australia are preparing for a significant shift in how they manage superannuation contributions. The law, which mandates a ...Read more
Superannuation
Rest launches Innovate RAP to support fairer super outcomes for First Nations members
In a significant move towards reconciliation and inclusivity, Rest, one of Australia's largest profit-to-member superannuation funds, has unveiled its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP)Read more
Superannuation
Payday super legislation promises fairer retirement for part-time and casual workers
In a landmark development for the Australian workforce, the recently passed Payday Super legislation is set to transform the retirement landscape for countless part-time and casual workersRead more
Superannuation
Payday Super passes as Employment Hero, OZEDI and Zepto unite to help small businesses meet new seven-day payment rule
With the Payday Superannuation Bill officially passing through Parliament, Australian businesses are now less than eight months away from a major shift in how superannuation contributions are made — ...Read more
