FS Super

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.

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.

Better portfolios put liquidity to work

ED BROOKE   Investors that started the year with growing confidence that inflation was on a clear path lower are digesting a new reality.

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.

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.

Have annuities become 'relevant' under the Best Interests Duty?

JIM HENNINGTON   In recent years, lifetime annuities have sat at the margins of financial advice - niche, complex to advise on, and often left on the periphery.

Superannuation contributions caps confirmed for 2026/27

SCOTT BROWN   The superannuation contribution cap increases will provide significant advice opportunities this financial year and next.

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.

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.

The voice members need

DUNCAN MCPHERSON   How super funds can strengthen member trust through effective communication.

Enhancing member protections in the superannuation system

SIMUN SOLJO, GUY SPIELMAN, ERIK PRIDGEN   This paper focuses on Treasury's proposals around superannuation platform governance, super switching and member consultation.

Can spousal transfers close the gender super gap?

JACK ALLEN   While the suggested reforms to voluntary spousal support are well intentioned, effectively tackling the gender pay gap requires more than just paper-based redistribution.

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.

Choosing an SMSF trustee structure carefully

NATASHA PANAGIS   The ATO has reminded prospective and existing SMSF trustees to carefully consider their trustee structure at establishment.

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.

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 ...