superannuation and trusts

This article outlines the Chartered Accountants ANZ's (CA ANZ) processes for handling complaints, both about their services and against their members. It details how individuals can report dissatisfaction and explains the disciplinary procedures that follow complaints made against CA ANZ members. The site also provides access to a register of disciplinary decisions and notices of upcoming hearings.

Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) provides various channels for members and the public to seek assistance and information. Their website lists contact details for general enquiries, membership, technical queries across different areas including Superannuation Advocacy, and complaints. CA ANZ also offers round-the-clock technical support for those undertaking the CA Program and issues scam alerts to protect its members. Physical office locations are detailed for Australia, New Zealand, and international branches.

This article from Chartered Accountants ANZ provides a regional roundup of news and events relevant to their members across various Australian states and territories, including ACT, New South Wales, Northern Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria, and Western Australia. Each section highlights the unique characteristics and activities for accountants in those areas.

Investing in assets through a unit trust does not inherently simplify compliance with superannuation law and regulations for Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs). This highlights potential complexities and risks associated with this investment structure within the SMSF environment. Additionally, trustee coercion in appointing directors for SMSF corporate trustees remains an area requiring further attention to prevent financial abuse.

A recent analysis by Grow Super has revealed that the average time taken to process superannuation benefit rollovers from APRA-regulated funds into Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) is 6.6 business days, exceeding the regulatory requirement of three business days. The study, which tracked 1746 rollover requests over 12 months, found significant variation among super funds, with HostPlus, REST, AMP Super Fund, Mercer Super Trust, and Australian Super all taking longer than the industry average. Factors contributing to the delays include member response times and the continued reliance on manual processes like certified document submission via mail by some funds. UniSuper emerged as the most efficient fund, processing rollovers in an average of two working days.

The Financy Women’s Index (FWX) reports that the superannuation gender gap is closing more rapidly than previously anticipated, with parity now forecast in 13.9 years, down from 17 years. This improvement is partly attributed to rising female wage growth, which boosted the FWX superannuation sub-index. While this progress in superannuation savings is a positive step for women's long-term financial security, the report cautions that overall progress remains fragile, citing concerns in childcare confidence and board diversity.

While Bank of America (BOA) has begun allowing its advisers to recommend cryptocurrencies to clients, Australian financial advisers still harbor doubts about the asset class. This reflects a broader caution within the Australian financial advice sector regarding the integration of digital assets into client portfolios.

The Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) has submitted its feedback to Treasury regarding financial abuse stemming from coerced directorships. This submission identifies coerced directorships as a challenging area to address within the scope of financial abuse.

Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) have experienced a significant surge, reaching new records in both assets under management and net inflows by the end of 2025. This growth encompasses substantial inflows into both international and Australian equity ETFs. While the article mentions Betashares, the primary focus is on the overall positive performance and expansion of the ETF market as a whole.