Provided by Mercer: 31/7/09
Mercer has launched a self managed superannuation service in addition to its product suite. This new service will cater to an increasing number of individuals wanting to establish a self managed super fund.
Mercer Self Managed Super offers a comprehensive range of services for SMSF trustees ranging from the core administration and compliance with integrated banking and online broking, taking a lot of the hard work out of running a fund, through to strategic investment, insurance and retirement advice and access to a range of multi-manager investment options to help them maximise returns and make informed decisions. It also includes premium servicing such as quarterly investment reports, a dedicated helpline direct to the administrator or a Mercer financial adviser and an online service providing real time access to their fund’s investments.
David Anderson, Outsourcing Business Leader for Asia Pacific at Mercer said taking control of a super fund no longer means members have to leave behind all of the benefits of their existing corporate or industry super fund.
“The self managed super fund service has been developed in response to the needs of members, our corporate and industry fund clients and the market,” he said.
Mercer conducted research amongst those members considering establishing a self managed super fund and found that when leaving a corporate or industry super fund many members are not prepared for the sheer volume of work involved in meeting ongoing compliance obligations nor do they understand what they may be giving up when they exit to an SMSF, particularly with regard to insurance terms.
“We’ve established this service to ensure members have access to the right information and tools regarding SMSFs. In addition to managing the administrative and regulatory requirements on behalf of the trustees we give members the best of both worlds by potentially allowing them to maintain their discounted insurance premiums and superior cover through their employer plan, and give them the option to access Mercer’s multi-manager investment options and professional and personal advice.
“It’s a solution that puts the specific member first and in charge of their investments, but with the reassurance they have the complete expertise and support when they need it most,” said Mr Anderson.
Mr Anderson said Mercer’s research identified a gap in the market for high net worth individuals and the mass affluent nearing retirement who want to establish an SMSF but still require access to professional services and were open to maintaining links with their corporate or industry super fund to gain the best of both worlds such as investment platforms and insurance terms.
“Mercer regards this new service as an important component of our strategy to increase intimacy with members and meet the needs of members at various stages of their super lifecycle, as well as to help us grow our presence in the fastest growing segment of the superannuation market.
“Additionally, this combines well with our corporate and industry fund clients who can offer their fund members the ability to establish a SMSF but retain them within their insurance or investment framework.”
This information has been prepared by Mercer (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 32 005 315 917 for general information only. The information does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Therefore, you should not act on this information if you have not considered the appropriateness of this information to your personal objectives, financial situation and needs. You should consult a licensed or appropriately authorised financial adviser before making any investment decision.
