AustralianSuper rolls out new investment data platform

AustralianSuper has implemented a new investment data platform designed to improve portfolio oversight, risk management and decision-making as the superannuation fund expands its global operations.

The whole-of-fund investment book of record consolidates information on investment positions, transactions, exposures and portfolio structures into a single, record, giving investment teams a more consistent view of the portfolio throughout the day.

The system uses FINBOURNE Technology's LUSID platform, configured to support AustralianSuper's investment approach and adapt as its portfolio and operational requirements evolve.

AustralianSuper senior director of operating model Andrew Byron said the platform would provide teams with more timely information to assess opportunities and risks across the fund.

"This is a groundbreaking move forward for the fund and will give the global investment team a distinct market advantage," Byron said.

The new operating model is also intended to reduce duplicated work and manual data reconciliation, allowing investment teams to spend less time consolidating information and more time analysing it.

By bringing investment data into a common record, AustralianSuper expects to strengthen governance and performance analysis while improving the consistency of information used across its operations.

The platform also provides a foundation for greater automation and analytics, with the fund able to introduce new capabilities without creating separate data sources or adding unnecessary complexity.

"It's an important step in strengthening how we manage investments on behalf of members," Byron said.

He said the system would help the fund operate more efficiently as it grows, while providing greater flexibility to respond to changing investment needs.

AustralianSuper manages retirement savings for more than 3.8 million members across more than 500,000 businesses. The fund had nearly $438 billion in funds under management as of June 30.

Byron added that the investment in infrastructure and investment operations will lead to better information, stronger oversight and more efficient portfolio management to support members' long-term retirement outcomes.