George is the magazine for St.George Bank’s corporate customers. Aimed at executive-level readers, it features customer case studies, news, articles on emerging business and management trends, product information, lifestyle features and more.
Issue link: http://viewer.e-digitaleditions.com/i/48224
St.George says | Corporate super " A super opportunity E An attractive super package isn't just good for your employees; it can also provide a competitive advantage in the marketplace. mployers have a golden opportunity to attract the best staff, not just through benefits like an on-site gym, childcare options or generous salaries – they can also lure the top candidates thanks to a competitively constructed super package," says Michaela McGlinn, National Distribution Manager – Corporate Super at BT Financial Group. BT provides superannuation, investment, retirement and insurance products to St.George, and works with Asgard (part of the BT Financial Group) to help clients manage and grow their wealth. St.George, through its Asgard-managed super, allows employers to access a raft of benefits from its award-winning platform, including easy online access to pay Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions and its award-winning Contact Centre. Super can also play an important part when several employers are competing for a particularly talented candidate: an attractive super package may be the key to sealing the deal. As one of the largest financial services groups in Australia, Asgard currently manages more than $39 billion in superannuation, retirement and investment savings. The Asgard Corporate Super solution can save employers and their employees money by pooling all their super investments to achieve scale across potential areas such as insurance and fees. "Many employers look at the performance of the default fund when choosing their super provider, because employees who don't make a choice about where they would like their money invested will automatically be defaulted into this fund," says Michaela. Asgard's default fund is managed by the Advance team who were recently awarded Fund Manager of the Year at the Financial Review Smart Investor Blue Ribbon Awards in July 2011. Asgard also offers access to competitive insurance rates and access to an attractive benefits package, including discounted health insurance options. "For certain employers, my team and I manage the setup, Michaela McGlinn National Distribution Manager – Corporate Super, BT Financial Group transition and ongoing service of the super fund, which includes one-on-one sessions, presentations and information seminars and is staffed by a national team with a presence in all the key states. We've got one of the largest corporate super teams in the market. "Many top candidates are actively engaged in their super and Asgard offers them the opportunity to take control of it by allowing them to invest in over 350 managed funds, the top 300 ASX shares by market cap and term deposits – plenty of choice for employees who want to make an active choice about where their retirement funds are invested," she says. According to Michaela, in the current climate of continuing market volatility, employees are more conscious than ever of the need to think strategically about their future and how managing their corporate super fund can directly impact on life after employment. "Some of our employers are thinking of other options for their employees, for example paying more than the mandated nine per cent super guarantee contribution, and paying super while employees are on parental leave." During her years working in the super industry, Michaela says that the landscape is very different now to when she began back in 2000 – and changes will continue to occur. "The horizon is shifting," she says. "The Federal Government has begun to release detail on reforms to the industry – such as 'Stronger Super' – which aims to make the system more efficient and to maximise retirement income. "We are pro-actively working with Treasury and the Government to assist in shaping the future of super, and helping to maximise funds to ensure a more comfortable retirement for all investors." For a consultation, contact Philip Adams, Senior Super Consultant, on Philip.Adams@BTFinancialGroup.com This information has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Because of this you should, before acting on this information, consider its appropriateness, having regard to your objectives, financial situation and needs. www.stgeorge.com.au/george George 37