Hi There

So yesterday was a bit, er, interesting if you work in super. The govmint helpfully announced that there will be 'mandatory and enforceable' service standards for death and insurance claims. What will these look like? Who knows! But I have to say, it seems likely that regardless who is in power come the end of May, they will enjoy putting the boot in.

On a calmer and more considered front (!!) we're delighted to share the upcoming topics and speakers for our next three ASFA National Legs&Regs Discussion Groups with you:

10 February

AML with guest speaker Laura Newton from Herbert Smith Freehills

17 March

Investment Governance with guest speaker Jon Ireland from DLA Piper

14 April

Fund expenditure requirements under updated SPS 515 and APRA scrutiny with guest speaker Simun Soljo from Allens

More details below plus all the latest news and events.

Cheers

Sarah

NEW TO THE SSFPP?

...and want to have this nifty newsletter delivered to your inbox every week?

Sign me up!

NEWS & VIEWS

Next steps in streamlining Australia’s financial reporting architecture - Ministers Treasury Portfolio

Mandatory service standards for the superannuation industry - Ministers Treasury Portfolio

Super failures, greenwashing: ASIC's key issues in 2025 - Financial Standard

‘Massive win for consumers’: Govt cracks down on super fund claims delays - Professional Planner

FSC urges major parties to halt super tax changes without full reform - Super Review

ASIC warns super execs to be ready to comply with FAR from day one - Investment Magazine

Chalmers' claims on super tax are 'misleading': SMSFA - Financial Standard

Fund execs call for consistent climate risk reporting standards amid regulatory overhaul - Investor Daily

‘Safe, simple annuities at scale’ a fix for RIC slow progress - Retirement Magazine

Revealed: The top 10 performing Australian superannuation funds of 2024 - Motley Food

UPCOMING EVENTS

ASFA NSW Legs&Regs Webinar: Monday, 10 February at 1pm. Our first discussion group for 2025 will be on the topic of AML. Register here.

APRA Connect FAR drop-in sessions covering the process to complete and submit the ‘FAR – Register Accountable Person’ forms. Tuesday 4 February, 10-11am AEDT for insurance entities (registration link); and Thursday 6 February, 2-3pm AEDT for superannuation entities (registration link).

Advice Policy Summit 2025 - Old Parliament House from Monday, 10 February to Tuesday, 11 February 2025 - Register here.

Financial Standard Chief Economists Forum 2025 - Tuesday, 18 February 2025 - The Fullerton Hotel Sydney | Thursday, 20 February - Zinc at Fed Square Melbourne - Register here.

ASFA Spotlight on Insurance in Superannuation - Shangri-La Sydney - Tuesday, 4 March 2025. Registration from 9:00am - Register here.

ASFA Budget Briefings:

Brisbane Wed 26 March| 7.00 - 9.00am - register here

Sydney Wed 26 March| 12.00 - 2.00pm - register here

Melbourne - Thurs 27 March| 12.00 - 2.00pm - register here

2025 ACSI Conference - Grand Hyatt Melbourne - Wednesday, 2 April 2025, 8:30am to 6pm - Register here.

CREW Webinars (Compliance and Risk Executive Women): stay tuned for the 2025 event list. Join CREW here - women only, sorry blokes.

TOPIC: AML - ASFA NATIONAL LEGISLATION DISCUSSION GROUP

Our next ASFA Legislation Discussion Group will have a special guest speaker - Laura Newton from Herbert Smith Freehills. She will be discussing Anti-Money Laundering. Laura is an experienced cyber security advisory leader specialising in data and cyber security, privacy and regulatory risks plus she holds a Graduate Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing from the University of Manchester. Details here.

Australia’s leading* PDS and communications experts

1 – Are you drowning in PDSs? Are you looking for a lower risk, more efficient process?

2 – Are there any clouds on your business horizon? Do you have the right comms strategy in place?

3 – Do you need expert help to make a change to your business?

Then let's talk! mayflower.com.au

*Just ask us...

In the spirit of reconciliation Mayflower Consulting acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and future and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today. Always was, always will be Aboriginal land.