ASFA Membership 2021/22 - Proudly advocating for an effective, efficient and sustainable system that delivers the best retirement outcomes for all ...
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ASFA Membership 2021/22 Proudly advocating for an effective, efficient and sustainable system that delivers the best retirement outcomes for all Australians. The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA)
A message ASFA focus from ASFA CEO in 2020/21 Martin Fahy Throughout the upheaval and challenges of the past financial year, ASFA has engaged in extensive evidence-based advocacy and collaborated proactively The support and benefits ASFA membership provides across the industry. This has enabled us to support Throughout these recent extraordinary • removing inefficient regulation members and the broader times, ASFA has continued to engage • the role of advice in superannuation industry by delivering: with policy makers, regulators, the • the role of superannuation investment Government, and other stakeholders to in member outcomes and economic protect and strengthen the integrity of recovery, including ESG considerations our superannuation system and support • working with APRA on the our members. 30 implementation of APRA Connect and It was pleasing to see the results of some its Data Transformation Project of our advocacy work in the recent 2021- • assisting members in implementing the 22 Federal Budget with the removal of the Design and Distribution Obligations Policy submissions, $450 threshold increasing access to super (DDO) regime. research papers and best for many lower paid Australians, many of practice papers whom are women. I am optimistic that 2021/22 will be a period of recovery, with the roll out of the We have successfully led calls for the vaccine, and an increasing restoration of 45+ Superannuation Guarantee to increase economic confidence. With your support, to 12 per cent, as legislated. We will ASFA can continue as a strong presence continue to advocate for this as a priority, in the policy debate, to facilitate best particularly to help rebuild the balances of practice and grow Australians’ confidence Policy ASFA the many Australians who compromised in our retirement system. Action emails their retirement by withdrawing their superannuation in the Government’s Early Becoming an ASFA member will ensure Release Scheme, with over $36 billion that your voice is heard as we develop paid out during the pandemic. There are further challenges ahead, our policy responses and work with Government, the regulators, and other stakeholders to improve the system in the 100+ State-based, national, and to meet them we will continue to best interests of members. draw on our extensive knowledge base, Emerging Leaders, and experienced people, and evidence-based For any funds or service providers Discussion Group events research to respond to the policy issues interested in becoming ASFA members, affecting our industry. In the year ahead or learning more about membership benefits, please contact us. We look 60 we will focus on: forward to discussing how we can support • super system settings you to help more Australians enjoy a • adequacy of retirement savings, secure and dignified retirement. ASFA Learning online especially for women courses and face-to-face • continuing to advocate for workshops the legislated Superannuation Guarantee increase • improvement of cybersecurity capability, collaboration, and consistency across 1,390+ Martin Fahy the industry ASFA CEO • insurance in super settings • implementation of the remaining Media mentions Royal Commission findings • implementation of the new internal dispute resolution standards
Supporting the superannuation industry for 59 years ASFA has been operating since 1962 as the peak policy, research and advocacy body for Australia’s superannuation industry. 1962 ASFA established 1973 National Superannuation Committee of Inquiry First national survey of superannuation coverage by 1974 (Hancock Inquiry) commences. ABS. 32% of workers covered by superannuation. 1992 Superannuation Guarantee (SG) commences SIS Act introduced 1993 1994 $183 billion superannuation assets 80% of workers have superannuation Wallis Financial System Inquiry commences 1996 1998 \ APRA (Australian Prudential Regulation SG reaches 9% of wages 2002 Authority) established as the lead superannuation regulator. $360 billion superannuation assets 2005 Choice of Fund commences ASFA Retirement Standard introduced 2006 2009 FTSE ASFA Australian Index Series launched Cooper Review on superannuation fund governance 2010 2013 MySuper introduced $1.1 trillion superannuation assets 2014 2016 Productivity Commission review Royal Commission into Banking, Finance 2017 of efficiency and competitiveness in and Superannuation commences Australia’s superannuation system commences. 2018 $2.7 trillion superannuation assets ASFA’s members represent almost 90% of the 2020 16 million Australians with superannuation. 2021 Through the early release scheme, the industry paid out $36 billion to Australians left vulnerable by COVID-19. Our vision is to Our mission is to ensure all Australians continuously improve the are financially confident system, so ASFA members and have a dignified can better help Australians retirement. have a dignified retirement.
Advocating for a sustainable Giving members a say superannuation system As an ASFA member, you can help drive ASFA’s policy, advocacy and research activities by joining our various A credible and respected voice committees, councils, working groups and discussion groups. ASFA’s ability to access all superannuation sectors for research purposes ensures its outputs are widely valued as an important With over 20 national or state-based groups to choose and independent source of reference for members and other from, there are many opportunities to help shape the stakeholders, including government and the media. industry, join the debate and network with colleagues across all industry sectors. Collectively, ASFA’s policy team has over 140 years of experience in superannuation, policy, investment, financial Policy Councils and Committees services, taxation and regulation. • Super System Design • Industry Efficiency The policy, research and advocacy work done by the team • ASFA-ASP Services Committee has one core focus: to help build a sustainable, successful superannuation system that improves retirement outcomes Policy Specialist Advisory Committee for all Australians. • Tax specialist Evidence-based research Policy Forum The ASFA research centre is the heart of the Association’s • Chief Investment Officers advocacy activities. It consistently produces high quality reports Policy Working Groups and data, in consultation with members, specifically developed for public policy development and advocacy. Issue-based working groups include: • Insurance in Super Policy, Productivity Commission and Royal Commission. • Financial Accountability Regime (FAR) • Design and Distribution Obligations (DDO) • Royal Commission (RC) • Advice in Super • Investment Management Agreement • Internal Dispute Resolution In 2020/21, ASFA • Compensation Scheme of Last Resort released nearly 30 policy, • Retirement Income Review (RIR) • ASFA Fraud Forum research and submission • Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) papers that were used Other Committees and Discussion Groups for advocacy and • State Executive Committees • Conference Committee communication. • Superfunds Editorial Committee • Discussion groups
Resources and information information at your fingertips ASFA membership gives you access to some great resources, to help you stay informed and knowledgeable to support your members in their superannuation journey. These include: Tailored presentations The ASFA CEO and policy team are available to present to your board and/or executive management team, ensuring they are fully informed about current industry issues, activities and successes. ASFA Retirement Standard The ASFA Retirement Standard is one of the most popular tools used by the media and industry to assist people in planning for retirement. The Retirement Standard is viewed 7,000 times per month on average. Superfunds ASFA’s digital publication, Superfunds, puts in-depth analysis and insights into superannuation issues at members’ fingertips. Public awareness support ASFA regularly contributes commentary, research and up-to-date information to print, radio, television, and social media to raise the public profile of superannuation and to boost fund members’ knowledge and engagement with their retirement savings. Super Guru ASFA is also responsible for the superannuation-specific financial literacy website, Super Guru. This dedicated consumer website is an easy-to-understand guide to superannuation and a valuable source of independent information for members. Members can include a Super Guru link on their website as a helpful tool to assist their members and customers. FTSE ASFA Index Series The FTSE ASFA Index Series provides benchmarking solutions to better align investment decisions with tax positions. Best practice, research, and discussion papers ASFA seeks to promote industry best practice by producing best practice papers on a variety of topics shaping the current superannuation landscape, as well as discussion papers to promote industry thinking about the future. Super Statistics ASFA synthesises quarterly data from APRA and ABS to produce a one-page, easy-to-read, downloadable fact sheet of key industry statistics, such as number of funds and assets. This can be accessed via the Superfunds website.
ASFA’s annual events program includes: • ASFA Conference and Super Expo – the industry’s premier event attracting the full breadth of the industry and offering an unrivalled experience Elevating industry • Budget Briefing luncheons knowledge • Exclusive State of Super address • Policy Roadshows Through ASFA Events and ASFA Learning members have • Webinar events including, regulatory updates, extensive opportunities to build connections, strengthen technical sessions, and economic updates networks and stay informed about current and potential developments in super. • Spotlight events including member engagement, insurance and risk and compliance Over 50 event and networking opportunities • One-day state Forum in NSW, VIC and QLD. ASFA holds more than 50 events annually (national and state-based) to keep people up to date with industry developments. Our high-quality, comprehensive events program gives members access to high calibre speakers and subject matter experts from within and outside the industry. ASFA RG 146 provides us Professional development for all career stages with the ability to easily skill ASFA Learning is a leading provider of nationally recognised superannuation training and a Registered Training our people in the necessary Organisation (RTO). legislative requirements Courses range from Super Essentials, which covers the basics of super, right through to advanced governance and trustee for the work they do…[and courses. Many courses are offered in a variety of formats – including short e-learning modules, online flexible study and the] new flexible e-learning virtual workshops. program has allowed us Customised training solutions are also available, allowing to segment our training member organisations to design training that suits their unique needs. to fit around internal Continuing Professional Development requirements. Members are offered discounted rates for ASFA’s online CPD solution, SuperCPD. This is a convenient way to stay up-to- – Manager of Org Capability, date, earn at least 20 CPD points per year, and keep track of points earned through the year. Talent & Engagement, Sunsuper
Recognising leadership Opportunities for fund CEOs to come together ASFA offers unparalleled support for superannuation fund CEOs and executives. Throughout the year, ASFA gives industry leaders opportunities to connect and explore the industry’s I’m proud to be part big issues through its State of Super address, Leadership of Emerging Leaders. Symposium and exclusive ‘Voice’ communications. The events have quality Professional Accreditation Members who are leaders in the superannuation industry speakers and leave me can be recognised by ASFA as Fellows and Associates. walking away with new Highly skilled and experienced trustee directors can also be recognised as Trustee Fellows and Trustee Associates – things to think about validating their suitability to sit on superannuation boards. every time. Emerging Leaders Emerging Leaders is ASFA’s group for superannuation industry professionals under 40 years of age. With its own dedicated – Senior Manager, Retirement discussion group, it is run specifically for under 40s, by Income Policy, Challenger under 40s. Representing members across all sectors ASFA has a large, broad-based membership with approximately 170 member organisations. ASFA members come from all sectors of the superannuation industry including retail, industry, corporate and public-sector funds, as well as service providers to the superannuation industry. Collectively, superannuation funds in ASFA’s membership have around $2 trillion in superannuation assets and represent over 90 per cent of Australians with superannuation.
Benefits of ASFA Summary of membership benefits membership Effective advocacy to drive good public policy for the benefit of all superannuation fund members ASFA membership is your opportunity to help ensure the superannuation system remains effective, efficient Representation focused on achieving the best outcomes for and sustainable. the whole of the industry It is an easy and convenient way for your organisation to stay informed, be involved, have your say and be heard. Opportunity to have tailored presentations delivered to your board or management team on current industry issues The extensive professional development opportunities available through ASFA Events and ASFA Learning also Timely ASFA Action updates on pending and approved keep your whole team knowledgeable and connected. regulatory and legislative changes ASFA is non-sector aligned Our policy focus in on whole-of-system issues and the Phone or email advice on legislative and policy issues best interest of fund members. We do not advocate one sector’s interests over another. Exclusive access to policy, research and best practice papers ASFA is non-party political for organisational members We advocate for sound, long-term public policy rather than politically aligned outcomes, giving us credibility in Opportunity to have your say and contribute to ASFA discussions with politicians, regulators and the media. policy activities through various committees, councils and ASFA is not-for-profit working groups We invest in research and advocacy to deliver the best retirement outcomes for Australians. Entitlement to vote at the Annual General Meeting ASFA is connected We have a deep footprint across all sectors of the Member discounts on all opportunities offered by ASFA industry and strong connections with a broad range of Events and ASFA Learning stakeholders, both nationally and internationally. Extensive professional networking opportunities Exclusive invitations to annual State of Super address for invited organisational leaders Opportunity to participate in ASFA Emerging Leaders program at discounted rates Unlimited subscriptions to Superfunds digital magazine Entitlement to contribute relevant thought leadership content through Superfunds digital magazine Opportunity to be recognised in the ASFA Accreditation program Partnership opportunities to raise your brand’s profile within the entire superannuation industry Discounted member rates for SuperCPD (ASFA’s online CPD solution)
Making a strong superannuation system even better The Australian superannuation system is one of the very best in the world, but there is always room for improvement. With your ongoing support, ASFA will continue to advocate for changes that deliver the best outcomes for the entire superannuation industry and the fund members it serves. Key policy priorities for 2021/22 An increasing number of retirees • Super system settings • Adequacy of retirement savings, especially for women now have significant private income • Continuing to support the Superannuation Guarantee above the Age Pension, meaning legislated increase they achieve a comfortable • Insurance settings and Code of Practice standard of living in retirement, • Implementation of the remaining Royal Commission findings rather than just getting by. • Implementation of the new internal dispute resolution standards With legislated increases in the • Removing inefficient regulation Superannuation Guarantee (SG), • Role of advice in superannuation • Role of superannuation investment in member this trend will continue and by outcomes and economic recovery, including 2050, half of all retirees will reach ESG considerations the ASFA comfortable standard. • Improve cybersecurity capability, collaboration and consistency across the industry • Working with APRA on the implementation of APRA Connect and its Data Transformation Project • Assist members in implementing the Design and Distribution Obligations (DDO) regime.
The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia Limited (ASFA) Level 11, 77 Castlereagh Street, Sydney NSW 2000 PO Box 1485, Sydney NSW 2001 T +61 2 9264 9300 or 1800 812 798 (outside Sydney) E membership@superannuation.asn.au ABN 29 002 786 290 ACN 002 786 290 www.superannuation.asn.au
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