Putting super in the hands of young Aussies who like ETFs: Pearler launches self-directed superannuation offer
Nick
Investment platform Pearler has launched Pearler Super, a new superannuation option aimed at younger Australians seeking greater autonomy over their retirement savings through direct access to exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
The product allows Pearler members to construct personalised superannuation portfolios by selecting from a list of 40+ ETFs listed on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). These ETFs were selected based on trading data gained from Pearler’s share investing community over four years and nearing $2 billion invested. To promote diversification and risk management, each ETF carries a portfolio allocation cap ranging from 5% to 100%.
Pearler’s product development has been heavily shaped by user demand. A recent survey of 1,421 Pearler customers found that 74.6% preferred ETFs as part of their super investments, and within that 27% specifically favouring all-in-one or diversified ETF options.
“We’ve seen growing demand from our community for a simple, transparent super product that aims to mirror the way they already invest outside super,” said Nick Nicolaides, co-founder of Pearler. “Rather than stock picking or accessing complex products, the primary demand among younger investors is to allocate their super to ASX-listed ETFs they’ve come to know and trust.”
According to Pearler, over 85% of its users’ non-super savings are invested in ETFs, and the new offering extends this investing style to the superannuation context.
Nicolaides added that Pearler Super is particularly suited to younger accumulators with long investment horizons. “It’s a self-directed option built to solve the challenges faced by this generation – namely, low engagement and limited transparency around superannuation. As financial literacy around ETFs continues to grow, we are leveraging that as a bridge for people to build more confidence in their super.”
Pearler Super is accessible exclusively via the Pearler web platform and mobile app. It seeks to enhance engagement by providing a single dashboard through the app that can display both super and non-super portfolios.
Importantly, Pearler is not offering proprietary investment products. Instead, the platform serves as a digital facilitator and educator, offering ETF exposure through a structure that prioritises simplicity and cost transparency.
Pearler Super is issued by Equity Trustees Superannuation Limited (ABN 50 055 641 757, AFSL 229757) (ETSL or the Trustee) as trustee of the superannuation fund known as ‘Super Simplifier’ (ABN 36 526 795 205). Pearler Super is a product offered through the Super Simplifier. The investment administration is managed by DASH Administration Services Pty Ltd (ABN 43 609 025 130), a Corporate Authorised Representative of DASH Investment Services Pty Ltd.
