Superannuation and investments

About superannuation and investments

Now a compulsory component of every Australian employment package, superannuation has become a key pillar for national savings and retirement. Nearly 20% of actuaries work on matters related to superannuation. These actuaries design and manage superannuation funds and employee benefit schemes for industry sectors, employers, employees and individuals.

By constructing and utilising mathematical models, these actuaries project financial outcomes based on a range of input variables. This involves analysing factors like life expectancy, investment yields and inflation rates to ensure short-term variability is managed and to achieve long-term viability. Many advise superannuation fund trustees and policymakers by providing regular guidance and commenting on the impact of proposed government legislation and taxation changes on superannuation. 

Actuaries working in investments contribute to areas such as asset allocation, trading, investment banking, portfolio allocation and much more. Using financial models, they analyse asset performance, market trends, and economic indicators to optimise investment portfolios. Their work involves assessing risk-return trade-offs, setting investment strategies, and evaluating the impact of macro- and microeconomic factors.

Many actuaries in investments work closely with asset managers, institutional investors and financial regulators, advising on portfolio construction, asset-liability management and compliance with regulatory frameworks. They also assess the potential effects of economic shifts, geopolitical events and new financial instruments on investment outcomes.