AustralianSuper has implemented a new investment data system to provide a unified view of the superannuation fund’s total portfolio as the A$438 billion ($307.07 billion) fund expands its global operations.
The new whole-of-fund investment book of record consolidates information on investment positions, transactions, exposures and portfolio structures into a single, record, giving investment teams a more consistent view of the portfolio throughout the day.
The system uses FINBOURNE Technology’s LUSID platform, configured to support AustralianSuper’s investment approach and adapt as its portfolio and operational requirements evolve.
AustralianSuper senior director of operating model Andrew Byron said the platform would provide teams with more timely information to assess opportunities and risks across the fund.
“This is a really groundbreaking move forward for the fund and will give the global investment team a distinct market advantage,” Byron said in a statement.
The new operating model is also intended to reduce duplicated work and manual data reconciliation, allowing investment teams to spend less time consolidating information and more time analyzing it.
By bringing investment data into a common record, AustralianSuper expects to strengthen governance and performance analysis while improving the consistency of information used across its operations.
The platform also provides a foundation for greater automation and analytics, with the fund able to introduce new capabilities without creating separate data sources or adding unnecessary complexity.
“It’s a really important step in strengthening how we manage investments on behalf of members,” Byron said.
He said the system would help the fund operate more efficiently as it grows, while providing greater flexibility to respond to changing investment needs.
AustralianSuper manages retirement savings for more than 3.8 million members across more than 500,000 businesses.
Byron added that the investment in infrastructure and investment operations will lead to better information, stronger oversight and more efficient portfolio management to support members’ long-term retirement outcomes.
A version of this article originally appeared in our sister publication, Financial Standard, which like CIO is owned by ISS STOXX.
Tags: Australian Super, data and investment analysis, Information Technology, Investment Management, Portfolio Management, Technology