Investment Management

On 5 October 2021, the Design and Distribution Obligations (DDO) went live across the Australian financial services industry. The regime introduced targeted and principles-based obligations in relation to the design and sale of financial products.

We explore some of the challenges faced to date by subscribers of the Codes, and insights and learnings for firms to consider in enhancing Code compliance across the financial services industry.

Now, more than ever, as the superannuation landscape undergoes significant change, understanding the role of reserves is vital to the smooth operation of any fund.

The superannuation industry continues to mature, and more assets are moving into the retirement phase. This presents the superannuation industry with new challenges – and new opportunities.

There are clear longer term operational efficiency and risk reduction benefits for superannuation funds from investment in data risk management capabilities; however, the onus is on trustees to drive the agenda for this across the superannuation data ecosystem. As governments and regulators look to make superannuation data sets more publicly available, transparent and portable, including through an ‘Open Finance’ regime, the time to get in control of your data is quickly running out.

Amidst increasing regulatory scrutiny of financial services remediation and complaints handling, a new service offering has formed in the Australian market.

Read more about how the breach reporting requirements are being bedded down post-Oct 1.