Master funds in good shape despite downturn


The Australian master fund market finished the financial year in good shape - despite a poor last quarter, according to the latest Plan for Life data released this week.
The data covering the year to the end of June, revealed a $26.7 billion increase (6.6 per cent) in funds under management to lift the total value of FUM to $428.4 billion.
Plan for Life noted this increase had occurred despite funds actually falling by $5.5 billion during June.
It said inflows of $106.9 billion were significantly up on the previous year's result of $99.3 billion, but outflows had also risen by 18.6 per cent to $95.1 billion.
The analysis said all major companies apart from Suncorp and Perpetual reported some growth over the year.
Looking at wraps, the Plan for Life data said FUM stood at $148.5 billion, representing 34.7 per cent of the total market - with BT Financial, National Australia Bank/MLC and Macquarie being the leading players, and BT in particular holding 21 per cent of FUM.
It said platforms comprised 50.2 per cent of the total market with $215.2 billion in FUM with four groups holding over $200 billion in FUM led by NAB/MLC ($49.3 billion) and Commonwealth/Colonial ($49.1 billion).
The Plan for Life data revealed master trusts accounted for 15.1 per cent of the market this quarter, with $64.7 billion in Funds Under Management - attracting only 11.7 per cent of total inflows with $12.5 billion over the year.
Recommended for you
Licensee Centrepoint Alliance has completed the acquisition of Brighter Super’s annual review service advice book, via Financial Advice Matters.
ASIC has launched court proceedings against the responsible entity of three managed investment schemes with around 600 retail investors.
There is a gap in the market for Australian advisers to help individuals with succession planning as the country has been noted by Capital Group for being overly “hands off” around inheritances.
ASIC has cancelled the AFSL of an advice firm associated with Shield and First Guardian collapses, and permanently banned its responsible manager.