Registrable superannuation entity licensees (trustees) are subject to a number of obligations that enhance transparency, accountability and decision-making by consumers. ASIC has released a new information sheet consolidating the transparency and disclosure obligations that apply to these trustees.

Information Sheet 278 Inventory of superannuation trustee transparency and disclosure obligations (INFO 278) outlines relevant obligations under the Corporations Act 2001, the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act 1993 and associated regulations. It itemises the obligations in one webpage and includes links to legislative sources and relevant regulatory guidance and information.

INFO 278 does not create any new obligations or propose any new best practices – it is an inventory of information about existing obligations for trustees.

Trustee transparency assists both fund members and the public at large to better understand how trustees are making decisions about their funds and feel confident that trustees are properly managing the funds under their management.

ASIC recommends that trustees use INFO 278 as a starting point to assess how they can better comply with their transparency and disclosure obligations. Trustees can best achieve the aims of these obligations by focusing on making the disclosures required by law easily accessible, consistent in presentation and easy to understand.

ASIC is Australia’s corporate, markets and financial services regulator.