The story of Self Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) and their seemingly ever increasing popularity with Australians is hardly a new one. Indeed, typing the words “smsf growth” into Google currently yields more than 300,000 results. However, the language being used to describe SMSF growth recently seems to have taken on a rather dramatic tone. Various... MORE
I recently heard a line that really piqued my interest; “it would be nice to spend on something other than compliance”. This line really got me thinking, after Stronger Super – what then? What will superannuation funds be investing their IT dollars in? The big phrase on the street at the moment is member engagement... MORE
In a beauty parade of global funds centres, how attractive is the UK? While the UK is still Europe’s leading centre for fund management, its share of fund domicile has fallen in the last decade, losing ground to both Luxembourg and Ireland. It is also under increasing competitive pressure from jurisdictions outside the EU. This... MORE
As the Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) sector continues to go from strength to strength, an ever increasing number of service providers are joining the crowded marketplace in an attempt to get their slice of the half-trillion dollar SMSF pie. As competition grows and consumers start to become spoilt for choice, administrators are increasingly considering... MORE
I recently chaired a round table that discussed ways in which the superannuation industry can increase positive engagement with its members amidst the developing MySuper environment. Now, more than ever before, there is the belief of a greater opportunity for the superannuation industry to engage with customers and drive long-term interest. While our panel of... MORE
Have you ever considered how the solutions serving the European transfer agency (TA) market differ against the solutions offered in America and Asia, and the unique characteristics that make up these markets? Taking Europe first, the funds market has traditionally been separated into national silos. It was distinguished by different currencies, regulations, tax laws, customs... MORE
By virtue of its very nature, the super industry understands that it will continually be in a state of change. The size and growth of this industry means that it will always play a major part in Government economic policy in Australia. It is important, however, that these changes count and signify meaningful improvements, rather... MORE
If you had any doubt that Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) were ‘the’ hot area in superannuation and private wealth right now, then you only needed to go to this year’s annual SMSFs Professionals Association (SPAA) conference. The buzz and energy from the participants made the conference unlike any other on the superannuation circuit. Being the... MORE
As we entered 2013, I spent a bit of time taking stock of the previous year and planning for the months ahead. As part of this process I engaged in some interesting conversations with my colleagues, in which we shared our thoughts around the shape of the year ahead for the wealth management industry in... MORE
The last six months has seen an extraordinary level of take-over activity in the Self Managed Super Fund (SMSF) administration space. With even the largest of SMSF administration firms holding less than two per cent of the overall market, the potential for consolidation has become an increasingly hot topic among industry insiders, and many have... MORE