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Superannuation

ASIC releases 'too good to be true' calculator

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has released yet another online calculator to help investors double-check whether the returns that service providers promise them are the real deal or too good to be true.

ASIC clarifies its powers

On the back of the shadow shopping results, the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has issued a guide to the financial services industry and consumers clarifying its role and powers.

Life insurance still the big risk: ING

HAMISH MADDEN  |  THURSDAY, 27 APR 2006
According to research conducted by TNS/Rice Walker Actuaries and analysed by ING, underinsurance remains a massive problem with nearly half of all Australian families left critically exposed to the financial consequences of a serious event.

Macq fund sizzles on high occupancy

Investors are lapping up units in Macquarie's $260 million unlisted Direct Property Fund (MDPF) which is riding the crest of a near 100 per cent occupancy rate for its office properties.

Babcock & Brown swells infrastructure by $3.4bn

Home grown infrastructure group Babcock & Brown Infrastructure (ASX: BBI) has agreed to buy US utility giant NorthWestern in an all-cash deal worth US$2.23 billion ($3 billion) along with a 51 per cent stake in WestNet Rail for $435 million.

Trust in Asian REITs

KATE HAGE  |  WEDNESDAY, 26 APR 2006
Trust Company of Australia (Trust) has unveiled plans to expand into the Asian market by opening offices in both Hong Kong and Singapore in a move to becoming a trustee of real estate investment trusts (REITs).

LG goes with Bravura, again

HAMISH MADDEN  |  WEDNESDAY, 26 APR 2006
LG Super has re-signed Bravura Solutions to provide its superannuation platform, SuperB, for another three years while at the same time signing a new three year agreement to make use of Bravura's online administration platform, Ensemble.

Maple-Brown Abbott launches new Asian investment

KATE HAGE  |  WEDNESDAY, 26 APR 2006
Maple-Brown Abbott has announced it will expand its horizons towards more offshore investment, with a 20 per cent allocation to Asia ex-Japan built into its new fund.

First State Super goes public offer

HAMISH MADDEN  |  WEDNESDAY, 26 APR 2006
First State Super is going public offer to allow current members who move into the private sector to remain with the fund while also allowing members' families and other private sector employees to come on board.

Super funds keep tills ringing at Harris Alternatives

Superannuation funds are ramping up their fund of hedge funds (FOHF) allocation with IXIS-owned Harris Alternatives reporting an astonishing six-fold increase in funds from $170 million two years ago to $1.17 billion currently.