Retirement
APRA chair says 'good enough isn't good enough' for super sector
Wayne Byres discussed the sector at a FINSIA event.
APRA chair says 'good enough isn't good enough' for super sector
Australia’s $3.5 trillion superannuation savings pool is a key asset, but the “system can be better”, the APRA chair has said.
Addressing the Financial Services Institute of Australasia’s (FINSIA) ‘The Regulators’ event on Friday, 13 May, Wayne Byres has called for improvement in the sector.
“Put simply, when it comes to superannuation, good enough isn’t good enough,” Mr Byres said.
“We still have too many trustees that could do better – including, in some cases, by handing their responsibilities to someone else. So, our primary focus continues to be to drive out sub-standard products and practices, using a combination of the government’s annual performance test, our own heatmaps, intensified supervision, and (when needed) what my colleague Margaret Cole referred to as ‘a more muscular approach to enforcement.’”
Mr Byres also addressed the incoming retirement income covenant (RIC) – which will require superannuation trustees to plan and outline a retirement strategy for members – set to come into effect on 1 July.
The prudential regulator chair said the legislation means the provision of retirement products is another area that needs attention.
“As the superannuation system matures, and an increasing proportion of Australians move into the retirement phase, much greater attention needs to be given not just to how superannuation savings are managed, but how they are accessed in retirement.
“This is a space ripe for innovation and new thinking.”
Mr Byres comments come after the Actuaries Institute released a paper last month designed to help superannuation funds navigate the RIC, calling it “crucial for the wellbeing of all Australians”.
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
