Peter Chun

UniSuper is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with Ignition Advice, the world’s leading digital advice technology provider.

This is the first partnership of its kind in Australia and will provide members with accessible, affordable personal advice, at scale, covering superannuation, insurance, investments, and retirement options.

UniSuper is extending its award-winning financial advice and education proposition to service those members who wouldn’t ordinarily seek advice – the “missing middle” – with a digital advice service.

From June this year, UniSuper will initially provide its members with access to personal advice on their investment options via the MemberOnline Portal or the UniSuper mobile app. Personal advice on contributions, insurance, and pension drawdowns, will be progressively rolled out.

UniSuper’s digital advice platform will be powered by its award-winning education, guidance and advice team and support members with simple and user-friendly help, guidance and advice at a time that works for them.

Members will be guided through a journey and series of prompts to understand their needs and based on responses, receive a personalised recommendation. Members can then, in numerous scenarios, instruct the platform to implement their advice directly.

If the need arises, members will have the opportunity to engage with a UniSuper Advice colleague at any stage throughout their journey on the platform. Some, but not all, additional services may be provided at no additional cost.

UniSuper knows that small decisions made early can make a meaningful difference in retirement and this is an opportunity to support all members with access to quality personal advice.

Peter Chun, Chief Executive Officer, UniSuper, said: “Our goal is to provide great retirement outcomes for our members, we know that advice provides financial security for those preparing for and in retirement.

We want to ensure that each member has access to advice that’s tailored to their needs and helps meet their goals for a better retirement.” “While some members have complex financial situations requiring a detailed plan, many have simpler needs but still want expert guidance to build their financial confidence and support their retirement plans. Through digital advice, we can offer this advice in a fast and scalable way, increasing accessibility for all members.”

Terry Donohoe, Chief Executive Officer, Ignition Advice said: “We are thrilled to partner with UniSuper, one of Australia’s largest and most respected superannuation funds, to bring this innovative digital advice solution to its members. UniSuper’s demonstrated ambition and vision, underpinned by their award-winning service cements their place as global thought leaders in the space. With our mission being to ‘close the advice gap’, this partnership is a significant step towards achieving that goal.”

The post UniSuper announces partnership with Ignition Advice to develop new digital advice offering appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Peter Chun

UniSuper, the over $105 billion fund, and Australian Catholic Superannuation (ACS), the over $10 billion fund, have completed the execution of the Successor Fund Transfer (SFT) with more than 80,000 former ACS members now part of the award winning UniSuper.

This SFT was realised after considerable due diligence, planning and integration. Due to the efforts of both funds, we have been able to achieve a successful transition in all members’ best financial interests.

All UniSuper members, current and new, can expect an industry-leading offering with access to award-winning products and financial advice team. UniSuper is committed to ensuring continuity of services and assistance to all participating employers and key stakeholders and will continue actively engaging to achieve this outcome.

UniSuper CEO Peter Chun said: “We’re really pleased to welcome members formerly from ACS to UniSuper. With all members set to benefit from increased scale, we are looking forward to this new chapter in UniSuper’s history. Our focus will continue to be on achieving amazing retirement outcomes for our members, new and old, and ensuring a smooth transition for those joining us from ACS”.

“Scale offers opportunities for the fund, keeping downward pressure on fees, ensuring that UniSuper can continue to leverage our position as an active investor, and unlocking investment opportunities that simply aren’t available to smaller funds. All of these factors position UniSuper to continue serving our members’ best financial interests.”

ACS CEO Greg Cantor said: “Our mission has always been to enable the best retirement outcomes possible for our members. After considerable due diligence, I am confident this merger delivers on that goal for our members. We have been very pleased with the cultural alignment of our fund with that of UniSuper and their commitment to work closely with our members and employers in Catholic agencies and Catholic schools.”

Preparation had been underway for a successful transition for many months. Both funds worked closely together to make the merger as seamless as possible, while maintaining the high level of care provided to members of both funds, delivering outcomes members expect and deserve.

As a result of the merger UniSuper will now have around $115 billion funds under management on behalf of 620,000 members. Note to editors UniSuper is one of Australia’s largest superannuation funds and is run solely for the benefit of its members. For more than 40 years, UniSuper has been managing super for people employed in the higher education and research sector and is now open to all Australians. UniSuper currently invests over $115 billion on behalf of over 620,000 members.

The post UniSuper and Australian Catholic Superannuation merger looking great for members appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Mr Warne, who trained as an actuary, has had a distinguished career in financial services spanning over 40 years. He recently retired as Chair of Macquarie Group after 6 years in the role and 15 years as a Director. Over the course of his career he has served on the board of a number of ASX listed and private companies, including ASX Limited and T Corp; prior to which he had a long and highly successful executive career at Bankers Trust Australia Limited, where he headed the Global Financial Markets Group.

Mr Warne’s appointment follows the announcement last month that Mark Armour will take over the UniSuper Chair role when current Chair, Ian Martin, retires at the end of the year. Mr Armour is the current Chair of the Investment Committee.

Commenting on his appointment, Peter Warne said: “I have always been impressed by UniSuper’s market leading investment capabilities and value proposition it offers its members, and I am looking forward to contributing to the Fund as an independent board member and Investment Committee Chair”.

UniSuper Chair, Ian Martin, said: “Peter is highly respected both in Australia and globally for his stellar business career, commercial acumen and values, and his personal touch. The UniSuper Board is both delighted and honoured to welcome him as a Director and Chair of the Investment Committee”.

UniSuper CEO, Peter Chun, added: “Mr Warne’s appointment to our Board and as Chair of our Investment Committee brings incredible experience, wisdom and insight which is sure to benefit the fund and our members. Members should feel assured that the appointment of a professional of this calibre to the Board is a real vote of confidence for the future of the fund.”

The post UniSuper appoints Peter Warne to chair Investment Committee appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Peter Chun

UniSuper, the $110 billion fund now open to all Australians, has been awarded a 5-Star Rating for Outstanding Value in Canstar’s 2022 Superannuation Awards.

This award cements UniSuper’s position as one of Australia’s best-performing superannuation funds, demonstrating that the Fund is delivering on its mission of shaping a future worth retiring for their members according to Chief Executive Officer – Peter Chun.

“We’re incredibly proud to receive the accolade of 5-Stars in the prestigious Canstar Outstanding Value Superannuation Awards, as it validates the strength of our performance and low fees. Our brilliant people, our innovative approach to our investment strategy and our excellent service means we have the best value super in Australia,” Mr. Chun said.

“We’re pleased to be using the power of our scale to take advantage of investment opportunities that will ultimately help deliver strong long-term returns for our members and help create a future worth retiring for.”

Peter Chun added “I congratulate our entire UniSuper team. This 5-Star rating is a testament to the dedication of every one of our people. They each play a critical role in delivering outstanding value to our members.”

Canstar’s Joshua Sale, Ratings Manager said UniSuper’s commitment to improving members’ retirement outcomes stood out.

“Canstar’s Superannuation Awards recognise the funds that find the right balance between investment performance, fees and product features. UniSuper, in their first year as an open fund, has been recognised by Canstar as offering Outstanding Value to their fund members. UniSuper’s Balanced (MySuper) investment option has delivered 7-year returns well above market average while keeping fees among the lowest in market.”

This is the first year UniSuper has participated in the research and follows the 5-Star Rating the Fund received for its Flexi Pension in September 2021. More recently, UniSuper was named Money Magazine’s Best Super Fund 2022.

UniSuper opened to the public in July 2021, making it eligible for review as part of Canstar’s methodology, which stipulates that a product should not be restricted to members of a particular group or organisation. Previously UniSuper was only open to those in the higher education and research sector.

The post UniSuper wins 5 stars in 2022 Canstar Superannuation Awards appeared first on AdviserVoice.

The Lonsec Manager of the Year was awarded to First Sentier Investors in recognition of their strong investment approach right across their suite of products.

“First Sentier Investors has a strong track record, not just in performance, but also driving positive change with their investment products, having integrated ESG across their business,” said Lonsec Research Executive Director, Lorraine Robinson.

“Congratulations to First Sentier Investors and all the other winners and nominees in this year’s awards.”

First Sentier Investors CEO, Mark Steinberg, commented “First Sentier Investors has always had a focus on delivering sustainable long-term outcomes for our clients. We are very proud to receive this award as recognition of that commitment.”

The SuperRatings Fund of the Year went to UniSuper, recognising their strong assessments across the main judging categories, with strong performance, competitive fees and an ongoing focus on members.

“UniSuper has continued to deliver strong net benefit outcomes over the past twelve months, due to competitive fees and strong performance. Coupled with a clear focus on supporting and servicing members, with a range of advice services embedded into their offering, UniSuper demonstrates the benefit of consistent excellence across all aspects of their offering,” said SuperRatings Executive Director, Kirby Rappell.

“It is an honour to continue to recognise the best in the superannuation sector and award those funds who, in the last year, have helped their members to navigate a very difficult time.”

UniSuper CEO, Peter Chun, said “We’re so proud to have won SuperRatings Fund of the Year award. UniSuper is committed to delivering greater retirement outcomes for our members so it’s an honour to be recognised for offering the very best in investment performance, value, and member services, especially now we can welcome all Australians to our fund.”

Fund of the Year Award winners

• Manager of the Year: First Sentier Investors
• Multi-Asset Fund of the Year: BlackRock Tactical Growth Fund
• Active Equity Fund of the Year: Hyperion Australian Growth Companies Fund
• Passive Fund of the Year: VanEck MSCI International Quality ETF – ASX: QUAL
• Active Fixed Income Fund of the Year: Pendal Short Term Income Securities Fund
• Property and Infrastructure Fund of the Year: Australian Unity Healthcare Property Trust
• Alternatives Fund of the Year: Partners Group Global Value Fund
• Emerging Manager of the Year: Sage Capital
• Innovation Award: Robeco SDG Credit Income Fund (AUD Hedged) – Class B
• Fund of the Year: UniSuper
• MySuper of the Year: AustralianSuper
• MyChoice Super of the Year: Hostplus
• Pension of the Year: QSuper
• Career Fund of the Year: HESTA
• Momentum Award: TelstraSuper
• Net Benefit Award: AustralianSuper & HESTA
• Smooth Ride Award: QSuper
• Infinity Award: Australian Ethical Super

The post First Sentier Investors and UniSuper named major award winners appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Mr Chun brings close to 30 years’ experience in financial services across both the retail and industry fund sectors, particularly in roles spanning business development, marketing, product development, digitisation, client services and business transformation.

Most recently, he has been at Aware Super as Group Executive, Member Growth, with responsibility for leading the Brand, Marketing, Digital, Product and Business Development functions.

Prior to Aware, he spent over a decade at Colonial First State in roles spanning product, distribution and investments.

Mr Chun is a qualified Actuary having completed a Bachelor of Economics, majoring in Actuarial Studies at Macquarie University. He also has Graduate Diplomas in Applied Finance and Investments and Financial Planning from the Securities Institute of Australia; and has undertaken the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

A pivotal time – giving more people access to one of Australia’s most awarded funds

Mr Chun joins UniSuper at a pivotal time in the Fund’s 38-year history. Earlier this month the Fund announced it will be opening to new members from outside the higher education and research sector from 5 July, giving more people access to one of Australia’s most awarded, best performing and lowest cost super funds.

Announcing the appointment, UniSuper Chair, Ian Martin, said the Board was thrilled to have someone of Peter’s calibre and experience stepping in to lead UniSuper during this time of change and growth.

“Peter has worked across all aspects of the superannuation sector and brings immense qualifications, experience and insight to the role. We look forward to welcoming him to the business later in the year.” Mr Martin also thanked out-going CEO, Kevin O’Sullivan, for his leadership of and contribution to the Fund over the last eight years.

“On behalf of the Board and all UniSuper employees I reinforce my gratitude and thanks to Kevin for his commitment and contribution to UniSuper over the past eight years. Kevin leaves the fund in very strong shape with a reputation and established track record as unquestionably one of Australia’s top superannuation funds.” Mr Martin said.

Mr Chun will officially join UniSuper on 6 September and Mr O’Sullivan will stay on until that time to ensure a smooth transition.

“UniSuper represents one of the most respected, best performing Funds in the sector,” Mr Chun said. “I am extremely excited to be able to lead such a dynamic and successful team and look forward to working closely with the Board, Kevin and the Executive team as I take on the role later this year.

“This is an exciting time for UniSuper and its members. The superannuation sector is changing rapidly, and it is important that Funds continue to evolve and adapt.

“The Fund has a uniquely deep relationship with its members; particularly in the higher education sector and UniSuper’s core purpose – to deliver greater retirement outcomes for members – will continue unchanged. I am motivated and committed to making impactful change to retirement outcomes for Australians and this role furthers that opportunity for me professionally and personally.”

The post UniSuper appoints Peter Chun as new CEO appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Peter Chun

Colonial First State has been awarded Best Fund: Longevity Fund for its FirstChoice Wholesale platform at the prestigious Chant West awards.

The Chant West awards recognise Australia’s best funds with awards across 12 categories.

The Longevity Award considers those that invest in retirement, as opposed to investing for retirement, something that Chant West believes is one of the key issues in the superannuation industry.

Peter Chun, General Manager Distribution at Colonial First State, said the awards were recognition of the focus the business continues to place on helping members achieve better outcomes in retirement.

“This is a significant milestone for Colonial First State because our goal is to provide better retirement outcomes for all Australians,” Mr Chun said.

Colonial First State was first to introduce annuities onto its FirstChoice and FirstWrap platforms in 2015. Since inception, its annuity assets under management have grown to $1.8 billion.

“Annuities can play an important role in retirement planning for many people, especially through a sustained period of low interest rates where certainty of income can be a concern,” Mr Chun said.

“As part of a retirement portfolio, a guaranteed annuity can provide a reliable, steady source of income that isn’t vulnerable to fluctuations in financial markets or interest rates. Knowing exactly how much income will be received, and how long it will last, can be a great comfort.”

With new means testing rules due to come into effect from 1 July 2019, there is greater potential for deferred lifetime annuities to support more members in their retirement.

“We believe that by having annuities available on our platforms, CFS makes it easy for advisers and members to setup, manage and monitor a retirement plan in one place,” Mr Chun added.

Colonial First State manages over $40 billion in account-based pensions for more than 160,000 pensioners, paying more than $2.5 billion in pension payments each year. It is the largest payer of pensions after the Australian Government.

FirstChoice Wholesale was also a finalist in two other awards categories in last night’s Chant West Awards, including Advised Product of the Year and Pension Fund of the Year.

The post Colonial First State annuities recognised for excellence by Chant West appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Peter Chun

Colonial First State (CFS) has announced that Managed Accounts are now available on the FirstWrap platform.

Peter Chun, General Manager Distribution, Colonial First State said: “We are pleased to be expanding our Managed Accounts offering to include FirstWrap. This complements the wide range of solutions already available on our platforms and highlights our focus on supporting different advice models and businesses.”

Under the new FirstWrap offering, advisers can choose from a range of professionally managed portfolios available on the FirstWrap menu to deliver transparency, simplicity and individual tax outcomes for their clients.

Managed Accounts on FirstWrap also offer some very distinct features including no brokerage fees for direct equities SMA portfolios and the ability to set client preferences at the account level.

“We’re the first platform provider in Australia to offer zero brokerage for direct equities clients within Managed Account portfolios,” Mr Chun said. “This means advisers have access to a wider range of portfolio choices at a reduced cost when it comes to brokerage.”

Managed Accounts also reduce time spent on administration as any changes made to investments automatically flow through to client accounts, which can reduce time-consuming paperwork and create greater practice efficiencies, while ensuring clients are always in up-to-date portfolios.

“This is a game changer for advisers and advice practices,” Mr Chun said.

“Throughout 2018 we will continue our commitment to provide a broad range of solutions for advisers including a tailored managed account offer for licensees with investment capabilities or bespoke requirements.”

“We have a rich history of providing quality products and service to advisers and are committed to expanding on this success, Mr Chun said.

According to the latest Investment Trends report, 45 per cent of advisers who intend to use Managed Accounts will look to CFS, more than any other platform provider. Advisers have also rated CFS as providing ‘Best Platform Service’ in four out of the past five Wealth Insights surveys.

Managed Accounts were also launched on the FirstChoice platform last November.  Colonial First State has more than $7 billion in funds under administration in managed account solutions.

The post Managed Accounts now available on FirstWrap appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Peter Chun

Colonial First State (CFS) has announced more enhancements to its platforms to help advisers spend less time on back-office work and more time in front of their clients.

CFS General Manager Product & Investments, Peter Chun, said the improvements responded directly to adviser feedback: “We spend a lot of time listening to what advisers need and then we work to deliver it.”

FirstChoice has improved its pension payment reset facility, including new adviser self-service screens, updated insight screens, new help text, and new payment forms. CFS also enhanced the e-post service, made it easier for super members to update beneficiary details, and developed better client review reporting.

FirstWrap enhancements include improved usability and navigation for advisers that make it easier to open a new account online. CFS has removed some unnecessary steps for advisers in the account-opening process to save them time.

The enhancements follow the major addition of CommInsure and Challenger annuities via the FirstChoice and FirstWrap platforms last year, which Investment Trends1 recognised as the Best New Functionality in platforms during 2015.

“No other platform offers retirees and their advisers such easy and convenient access to the leading term and lifetime annuities for retirement planning,” Mr Chun said.

The post CFS enhancements provide adviser ease and convenience appeared first on AdviserVoice.

Peter Chun

Colonial First State yesterday announced an alliance with the global financial services group, Sanlam, to distribute its innovative Managed Risk funds in Australia.

Colonial First State General Manager Product & Investments, Peter Chun, said Sanlam’s expertise in managed risk solutions complements the broad range of investment styles available through Colonial First State’s platforms.

“Sanlam’s Managed Risk strategy is designed to help minimise the impact of major market declines by reducing clients’ exposure to equities in falling markets, while allowing participation in rising markets. Investors can have more confidence to stay invested for the long-term” Mr Chun said.

He said offering the Sanlam Managed Risk funds was another way in which Colonial First State was providing valued solutions for Australian retirees and their advisers.

“Sanlam’s Managed Risk strategy is particularly well-suited to retirees who often want the benefits of share market participation, including the opportunity to benefit from dividends, but are often uncomfortable with the risks inherent in those markets,” he said.

“It provides an alternative way for Australian retirees and their advisers to confidently respond to the challenges of a low interest rate environment,” Mr Chun said.

Sanlam will overlay its active risk management strategy to three Colonial First State index funds, creating three new funds; the Sanlam Managed Risk Australian Share fund, the Sanlam Managed Risk Global Share fund, and the Sanlam Managed Risk Multi-Index High Growth fund.

Colonial First State has all three funds available on the FirstChoice platform and expects they will be available on the FirstWrap platform from June. The funds are also available as standalone investment strategies for SMSF and direct investors. They have each been assessed by research firm Lonsec and rated as ‘Recommended’.

Sanlam Global Investments Solutions Chief Executive Officer, Cobus Kruger, said Sanlam was pleased to have the opportunity to create an extensive presence in the Australian market though its alliance with Colonial First State. 060/2015 Page 2 of 3 pages

“Australians can now leverage a strategy that addresses market, liquidity and sequencing risks and relieve some of their fear around investing and market declines. It helps people to stay in the market and reap the benefits of long-term investing,” he said.

Mr Kruger said the main benefit of Sanlam’s Managed Risk Strategy was peace of mind for investors.

“In hindsight, markets recovered well after the Global Financial Crisis, which showed that people who held their equity positions regained value as the markets rebounded. But, at the time of the financial crisis, it was difficult to see when the declines would end.

“By minimising the impact of market drawdowns and actively reducing portfolio volatility, Sanlam’s Managed Risk Strategy gives investors more confidence to hold their equity positions, even when markets fall significantly,” he said.

Mr Kruger said Sanlam’s long relationship with the global managed risk adviser Milliman was a key differentiator behind the proven success of the strategy.

“Milliman’s extensive risk management expertise has helped some of the world’s biggest insurance companies successfully manage their exposure to market declines. Now more Australians can enjoy the benefits of Milliman’s robust risk framework and expertise through the alliance between Colonial First State and Sanlam,” he said.

More information about the three Sanlam Managed Risk Funds is available in the latest Product Disclosure Statement for FirstChoice, which was issued today. Colonial First State is expected to make the three funds available on its FirstWrap platform in June.

The post Colonial First State announces an alliance with Sanlam appeared first on AdviserVoice.