SuperRatings estimates the median balanced option gained 2.6% in April, recovering much of the -3.2% loss from March after the US-Iran ceasefire announcement. Growth options gained 3.1%, while capital stable rose 1.3%. Director Kirby Rappell urged members to maintain a long-term perspective through volatility.
APRA's March 2026 quarter statistics show total superannuation assets at $4.44 trillion, up 7.9% from March 2025. Contributions rose 11.3% to $226.1 billion, while benefit payments increased 12.3% to $143.5 billion. Assets fell 1.0% over the quarter.
James Thomson writes that it's not just wealthy Boomers fleeing to self-managed super funds. Younger savers are also disgruntled with large APRA-regulated funds, creating a dual threat that challenges the industry consolidation narrative.
APRA imposed licence conditions on HTFS Nominees (trustee of HUB24 Super Fund, ~165,000 members, $55bn FUM) over investment governance and member outcome deficiencies. This is the fifth platform trustee APRA has taken enforcement action against.
New superannuation guarantee rules from 1 July 2026 target underpayment of super but create "quirks" that favour those earning bonuses and commissions. The changes may deliver unexpected boosts to high-income earners while tightening employer compliance.
SMSFs remain exempt from Labor's capital gains tax discount changes and have avoided the punitive regime coming for family trusts. Despite Division 296, the SMSF structure retains significant advantages for wealth accumulation.
The AFR View argues the superannuation performance test should evolve, warning against retirement savings being treated as a cheap source of capital for government-preferred projects.
APRA's Jane Magill told the All Actuaries Summit that TPD insurance is "being tested by a sharp rise in mental health claims" — now one in three claims paid. Mental health claims for people in their 30s have risen over 700% in the past decade.
APRA's latest System Risk Outlook highlights that while the financial system remains resilient, geopolitical tensions and accelerating technological risks — including cyber threats and AI-related challenges — are intensifying.
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