Super funds step up adviser support with new partnerships and digital tools

Australian Retirement Trust (ART) emphasised the vital role of financial advisers in achieving stronger retirement outcomes, with improved access to advice positioned as a central pillar of its strategy.

Executive general manager – advocacy and impact at ART, Anna Fuchs, said the fund’s new collaboration with State Street Investment Management will directly support advisers through access to global investment insights and practice strategies.

“Part of our strategy is advocating for improved access to advice for all Australians and working collaboratively with our network of financial advisers who are dedicated to helping clients build robust and resilient portfolios for retirement,” Fuchs said.

“We know advisers and clients are increasingly looking to take advantage of global investment opportunities to help diversify their portfolios. For the very first time, this powerful collaboration would enable our adviser network to access the incredible depth of expertise State Street Investment Management offers on our Adviser Hub.

“Strengthening the knowledge offering our adviser network can access would in turn have a big impact on our members, and support them being able to reach better outcomes in retirement.”

Head of Asia-Pacific at State Street Investment Management, Kevin Anderson, said the firm’s practice management team will provide in-depth guidance and strategies to help advisers grow their businesses and strengthen client relationships.

Additionally, the firm’s research team will deliver insights on key trends shaping the investment landscape.

Advisers will gain access to practical guidance and evidence-based insights to navigate industry shifts, align with client demands, and strengthen business outcomes.

“We are excited to offer Australian financial advisers insights from our global experts through this unique relationship with ART,” Anderson said. “Together, we are helping Australian advisers create better financial futures for their clients.”

ART, which manages more than $350 billion for over 2.4 million members, has said its broader mission is to support Australians in achieving a comfortable lifestyle in retirement.

In parallel, Aware Super has launched a new suite of digital features designed to streamline administration for advisers and give them more time with clients.

The upgrades include direct data feeds to Xplan, online adviser registration and nomination, and in-app approvals for client transactions. According to the fund, these enhancements cut paperwork and speed up processing.

Aware Super group executive - member growth, Steve Travis, said the fund is committed to making advisers’ work more efficient while maintaining strong client support.

“This upgrade and enhancement of a key platform used by financial advisers demonstrates our commitment to offering a great digital experience across all our touchpoints and acknowledges the important role advisers play in helping Australians reach their retirement goals,” Travis said.

“Aware Super understands that advisers deliver the greatest value when they’re engaging with their clients, rather than dealing with paperwork and administrative tasks, so we’re striving to make administration as simple, quick and easy as possible.”

The Adviser Portal builds on existing features, including client dashboards, investment switching, contribution management, withdrawal quotes, beneficiary nominations, and Centrelink payment schedule viewing.

The broader digital platform has digitised around 95 per cent of transactions and achieved straight-through processing for more than 80 per cent of tasks.