Superannuation
Investment solutions for superannuation and retirement capital, built around long-term objectives.
Strategies / Wealth Management
Overview
Superannuation is, for most Australians, the longest-dated pool of capital they will ever hold. That horizon deserves a deliberate strategy rather than a default setting.
We assist investors and trustees in considering how superannuation capital is allocated — the balance between defensive and growth exposures, the role of defined-term investments, and how income requirements evolve as retirement approaches.
Our work is focused on structure, diversification and clarity. We explain how each allocation is intended to behave, what the associated risks are, and how the portfolio can be reviewed as legislation, markets and personal circumstances change.
Retirement
Primary planning focus
Diversified
Portfolio construction
Reviewed
On a regular cycle
What We Look For
- Long-term wealth planning and retirement-focused strategies
- Diversification across asset classes and investment terms
- Fixed term investment opportunities within superannuation portfolios
- Capital allocation matched to investment time horizons
Our Approach
Time horizon mapping
Accumulation, transition and drawdown phases considered separately.
Diversification
Exposures spread across income, defensive and growth allocations.
Suitability
Every allocation assessed against the investor's objectives and risk tolerance.
Ongoing review
Periodic reviews as contribution, preservation and pension rules evolve.
Superannuation & Fixed Term Investments
The role of defined-term allocations within a long-horizon portfolio
Superannuation is generally the longest-dated pool of capital an investor holds. Within it, defined-term investments can serve a specific purpose: providing an income-oriented allocation with a known investment period alongside longer-horizon growth exposures.
The appropriate weighting depends on the phase of the fund. Accumulation, transition and drawdown each place different demands on liquidity and income, and the allocation should reflect that rather than remaining static.
- How much capital is required to remain accessible in the near term
- The income the fund needs to produce, and when
- The balance between defensive and growth exposures
- Concentration of eligible deposits with any single institution
- The investment terms available and how they align with member requirements
FCS & Superannuation
How the deposit protection limit applies to a fund
Eligible deposits held by the trustee of a superannuation fund may be covered by the Financial Claims Scheme.
For funds holding meaningful deposit balances, this makes the spread of deposits across authorised deposit-taking institutions a genuine planning consideration. Different banking brands can also operate under the same underlying ADI, so total eligible deposits should be assessed per institution.
The FCS applies only to eligible deposits with covered ADIs and is subject to the terms of the scheme. Bonds, notes and other investment products are not automatically covered.
Investment Horizon & Capital Gains Tax
How the 12-month holding period is treated within superannuation
The general CGT discount can apply to eligible capital gains where the relevant CGT asset has been held for at least 12 months, subject to the applicable rules.
| Investor type | General CGT discount |
|---|---|
| Individuals and trusts | Can be 50% |
| Complying superannuation entities | Can be one-third |
| Companies | Generally not available |
Capital gains and interest income are treated differently. Interest earned on a term deposit is generally assessable income, and the 12-month CGT discount should not be presented as applying to ordinary term-deposit interest.
Tax outcomes depend on the investment structure, the status of the fund, the investment phase and the applicable rules at the time. Investors and trustees should obtain appropriate tax advice.
This information is general in nature and does not take into account any person's objectives, financial situation or needs. It is not personal financial, tax or legal advice. The Financial Claims Scheme applies only to eligible deposits with covered authorised deposit-taking institutions and is subject to its terms and conditions. Fixed-term bonds and other investment products are not automatically covered by the FCS. Tax outcomes, including the availability of any CGT discount, depend on the nature of the investment and the investor's circumstances. Investors should obtain appropriate financial, tax and legal advice before making an investment decision.