Super Talk

Among the topics we'll be discussing are understanding First Nations members and their perceptions of superannuation and ways superfunds can provide better services to their First Nations members. Guest *Phil Usher, CEO of First Nations Foundation Host *Carlos Lopez, Policy Adviser, HESTA

Among the topics we'll be discussing are the relevance of the circular economy for investors, how Federated Hermes considers this in its engagement with companies, which sectors to focus on, the apparel sector, and how the impact on companies is measured. Guest *Lisa Lange, Associate Director in the EOS Stewardship team at investment manager Federated Hermes Host *Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Among the topics we'll be discussing are what a whole-of-fund view means, the benefits, internalisation, enterprise data management, bridging the gap between public and private assets, and much more. Guest *Peter Sherriff, Director of Product Strategy, APAC, Charles River Development (a State Street company) Host *Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Among the topics we'll be discussing are the future of smaller super funds, active versus passive investment, regulation, the performance test, retirement, sustainability, housing, and challenges for trustees. Guest * Garry Weaven, Senior Advisor with Tanarra Capital, Founding Executive Chair of Industry Fund Services and retired Chair of IFM investors and Industry Super Holdings Host * Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Among the topics we'll be discussing are the meaning of decarbonisation, how it is measured, the different portfolio approaches, the role of engagement, and much more. Guest: * Mitch Reznick – Head of Sustainable Fixed Income at Federated Hermes Host: * Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Among the topics we'll be discussing are policy surprises, investment assumptions, the Reserve Bank of Australia and the role of bonds in an investment portfolio. Guest *Steve Major, Global Head of Fixed Income Research, HSBC Host *Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Among the topics we'll be discussing are what's on the regulatory radar for super fund executives this year and where the unlisted asset valuations debate may be leading us, including the implications and challenges for the industry. Guests: * Daniel Di Stefano, Product Manager, APAC Asset Servicing at State Street * David Grose, Head of Alternatives – Australia at State Street Host: * Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Can trustees be doing more to ensure that members who may be experiencing cognitive decline are provided with the best support mechanisms to access financial services? ' Guest: * Dr Diane Hosking, Senior Research Officer, National Seniors Australia and Ian Yates AMO, Chief Executive, COTA Host: * Sonia Hunyadi, Government Relations and Policy Advisor, AIST

Among the topics we'll be discussing are rise of the ‘whole' employee, employee well-being, employee satisfaction, loyalty and retention risk, and the role of employers. Guest Andre Purtell, Head of Research and Insights at life insurance provider MetLife Australia. Host Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Among the topics we'll be discussing are technology enablers, member experiences, finding the best balance and how to inject operational expertise into digital transformation. Guest Amalie White, Head of BPO Operations at SS&C Technologies, a global provider of services and software for the financial services and healthcare industries. Host Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Among the topics we'll be discussing are what is digital transformation, the difference between transformation and evolution, why it matters and what your business should be doing today. Guest Shaun McKenna, Senior Director of APAC at SS&C Technologies, a global provider of services and software for the financial services and healthcare industries. Host Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Today we'll be discussing the outlook for sustainable investment funds, how they can adapt to an inflationary environment, greenwashing, divestment versus engagement, and much more. Guest Martin Todd, Portfolio Manager, Sustainable Global Equity, Impact Opportunities at Federated Hermes Host Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Among the topics we'll be discussing are the challenges and opportunities on the road to Net Zero, including the energy transition, the role of natural capital in an investment portfolio, and the growth of environmental markets and how fund managers can leverage them. Guest Andrew Saunders, Head of Natural Climate Solutions at QIC. Host Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Today we'll be discussing digital transformation, what it means for trustees, why it is important, the role of change management and much more Guest Chris Randle, Principle Consultant at IQ Group Host Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Three senior industry figures discuss the evolution of superannuation since it became compulsory in 1992, at the AIST Conference of Major Superannuation Funds (CMSF). Guests Anne-Marie O'Loghlin, Chair of TelstraSuper Elana Rubin, Non-Executive Director, Slater & Gordon and Telstra, and former Chair of AustralianSuper Garry Weaven, Senior Advisor, Tanarra Capital, founding Chair of Industry Fund Services and former Chair of IFM Investors Pty Ltd and Industry Super Holdings Ltd Facilitator Ali Moore, broadcaster and journalist

Gerard looks back on the history of compulsory super, including the equal representation model, sector jargon, the evolution of investments, outperformance by profit-to-member funds, how they have held companies to account for their performance, and their fees. Guest Gerard Noonan, former Chair of Media Super, President of AIST and the Australian Council of Superannuation Investors, member of the Board of Innovation Australia, and newspaper editor and award-winning journalist. Host Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Today we'll be discussing the benefits of improving the diversity, equity and inclusion of an organisation, with MetLife Australia's Mary Gabriel and Alex Hunter Guests Mary Gabriel, Senior Client Relationship Manager, Corporate Markets with MetLife Australia and Chair of its Diversity Equity Inclusion (DEI) Committee Alex Hunter, MetLlife Australia's Talent Acquisition Manager* Host Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST * at 12 March, when the podcast was recorded.

Today we'll be discussing ESG performance measurement and data collection, the pressure on private companies to respond to surveys, and the importance of adopting common performance metrics, with Goldman Sachs Asset Management's Letitia Webster Guest Letitia Webster, Managing Director and Head of Sustainability for Private Investing at Goldman Sachs Asset Management Host Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Today we'll be discussing what natural capital is, how accounting practices and financial disclosures have evolved in relation to it, what role the financial sector plays, and how it is evaluated, with Western Asset's Brishni Mukhopadhyay. Guest Brishni Mukhopadhyay, ESG Product Specialist, Western Asset Host Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Today we'll be discussing how digitisation is driving rapid technological development across the investment industry with State Street Digital's Irfan Ahmad, and learning about the opportunities provided by digital assets. Guest Irfan Ahmad, APAC Product Lead, State Street Digital Host Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Today we'll be discussing the role of insurance in helping super funds engage with their members, the link between wealth and health, including mental health, and related issues with Matt Lippiatt from MetLife Australia and Dr Lorelle Drew from MetLife's Virtual Care service, Teladoc Health. Guest Matt Lippiatt, Head of Customer, Strategy and Propositions at MetLife Australia Dr Lorelle Drew, Psychiatrist with Teladoc Health Host: Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Today we'll be discussing the highlights of State Street's recent growth study, which explores the key opportunities and challenges for growth across the investment industry in 2022, and looks in more detail at the priorities of asset owners across the globe and how they will achieve them. Babloo Sarin, Head of Asset Owners & Official Institutions Asia Pacific for State Street, outlines the findings of this study. Guest Babloo Sarin, Head of Asset Owners & Official Institutions Asia Pacific, State Street Host: Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

Please note, this interview was recorded prior to, and therefore does not mention, Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Today we'll be discussing the outlook in 2022 for real assets such as property and infrastructure, the macro-economic factors driving these assets, what the future holds for the various market segments, and what impact ESG considerations are having on the decisions made by investors. Justin Curlow, Global Head of Research & Strategy at AXA IM – Real Assets, discusses how he sees this important market segment for investors globally, including in Australia. Guest Justin Curlow, Global Head of Research & Strategy at AXA IM – Real Assets Host: Garry West, Senior Manager, Media and Communications, AIST

This a is a section of the audio from the first of AIST's Climate Risk Masterclass series recorded on 17 November 2021. The series is made up of three Masterclasses undertaken in partnership with the Institute for Sustainable Futures at the University of Technology, Sydney. In this snippet you will hear part of the Honourable Bob Carr's presentation addressing issues emerging from COP26 and the impact on investors. To experience the full Masterclass series register at https://www.aist.asn.au/Library/Education/AIST-IFS-Climate-Risk-Masterclass-Series/MCS171021 Guest The Honourable Bob Carr, Industry Professor (Business and Climate Change), UTS; Former Premier of NSW and Australian Foreign Minister

The key messages from COP26 are still fresh and the challenges of tackling climate change is high on everyone's agenda. This podcast discusses what institutional investors, including super funds, can do to assist in carbon transition. As long term investors, super funds need to adapt their approach as the global economy shifts to a net zero focus. Chris Iggo, Chief Investment Officer for Core Investments at AXA Investment Managers shares his thoughts on this important topic. Guest Chris Iggo, Chief Investment Officer for Core Investments at AXA Investment Managers. Host Mel Birks, General Manager Advocacy, AIST

It's well accepted that climate change presents a significant risk for long term investors and that they need to consider both the risk and opportunities the transition to a low carbon economy creates. But what practical role can investors have in reducing climate risk in their equity portfolios? Dr Wilma de Groot, Portfolio Manager, Managing Director, Head Quant Equities Portfolio Management at Robeco provides her thoughts on how direct voting and engagement can be the most effective way to achieve meaningful change. Dr de Groot also discusses her recent research into voting patterns of US asset managers in relation to environmental proposals. With thanks to Stephen Dennis, Head of Robeco Australia, for his assistance with this episode. Guest Dr Wilma de Groot, Portfolio Manager, Managing Director, Head Quant Equities Portfolio Management at Robeco Host Mel Birks, General Manager, Advocacy, AIST This document is distributed in Australia by Robeco Hong Kong Limited (ARBN 156 512 659) (‘Robeco') which is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) pursuant to ASIC Class Order 03/1103. Robeco is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission under the laws of Hong Kong and those laws may differ from Australian laws.

The Your Future, Your Super legislation announced in the 2020 Federal Budget and currently before Parliament proposes the most significant changes to superannuation since the system started. Although there is widespread support for the intent of the legislation, which is to reduce multiple accounts, address super fund underperformance and improve transparency and accountability, the approach proposed in the legislation is another matter. A broad range of submitters on the legislation have voiced profound concerns that not only will the legislation fail to reach its objectives, it will actually make outcomes worse for members. These concerns are heightened by the fact that the legislation departs significantly from Productivity Commission and Royal Commission recommendations and delegates significant power to the regulations, which are yet to be released. This episode is the audio from a webinar recorded on 29 March 2021 where our panel of experts break down the ramifications for trustees. Speakers * Peter Burn – Chief Policy Adviser, Ai Group * Anna Engwerda-Smith – Director of Policy and Research, IFM Investors * Dr Pamela Hanrahan – Professor of Commercial Law and Regulation, UNSW Business School Host * Eva Scheerlinck, Chief Executive Officer, AIST

Legislation currently before Parliament proposes to amend the ‘best interest duty’ to ‘best financial interests duty’ and will fundamentally change the role of super fund trustees. The draft bill reverses the burden of proof, putting the onus the trustee to prove it discharged its duty rather than on the regulator to prove they did not, as the law currently stands. It also allows regulations to be made banning certain payments or investments - regardless of whether the activity is in the best financial interests of members. These proposals are part of the Your Future, Your Super package announced in the 2020 Federal Budget. If it passes Parliament, the changes will take effect on 1 July 2021. These are profound and significant changes. This episode is the audio from a webinar recorded on 10 February where our panel of experts break down the ramifications for trustees. Speakers Natalie Cambrell. Principal Solicitor, KHQ Lawyers Scott Connolly, Assistant Secretary, ACTU Peter Burn, Chief Policy Advisor, Ai Group Christian Gergis, Head of Policy, Australian Institute of Company Directors Host Eva Scheerlinck, Chief Executive Officer, AIST

Millions of Australians are diagnosed with cancer every year and while survival rates are improving, it is an overwhelming and distressing experience. AIA is working with CancerAid to help its members living with cancer, to assist them to gain greater control over the disease. In this podcast Simonie Fox from AIA and Dr Jonny Lo from CancerAid, discuss the work they are doing to help members better manage their care and share insights into some recent research CancerAid has undertaken. Guests Simonie Fox Head of Shared Value Partnerships, AIA Australia Dr Jonny Lo, MBBS (Hons), PhD Strategy Lead at CancerAid, Host Mel Birks General Manager, Advocacy, AIST

Emerging Market Debt is a rapidly growing investment class but there remain a number of myths about it. Rodica Glavan, Head of EM Corporate Fixed Income at Insight Investment helps bust myths about its size, growth and characteristics. She shares her insights on how EMD has fared throughout COVID, the impact of the change of Government in the US, why EMD has lower leveraging that other similar assets classes in non EM markets and who’s investing and why. Guest Rodica Glavan, Head of EM Corporate Fixed Income at Insight Investment Host Mel Birks, General Manager, Advocacy, AIST

2020 has been a year like no other with a global health crisis, the continuing saga of Brexit, a US election and an increasingly assertive China. Reflecting on the forces that have impacted the market and economies around the world, Wouter Sturkenboom, Chief Investment Strategist, Europe and Asia with Northern Trust shares his insights on these global forces. He also provides his thoughts on what lies ahead in 2021 for institutional investors in Australia. Guest Wouter Sturkenboom, Chief Investment Strategist, Europe and Asia with Northern Trust Host Mel Birks, General Manager, Advocacy, AIST

The use of private debt is higher in Europe than in other regions of the world but what does this mean for Australian Super fund investors? In this week’s episode Patrick Marshall, Head of Private Debt and CLOs at Federated Hermes, shares his insights on the rewards and risks Australian Institutional investors should be alert to when thinking about investing in European Private Debt. He answers key questions such as why is loan origination so critical? And why is experience in restructuring so important? He also provides his thoughts on how private debt fared in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. Guest Patrick Marshall, Head of Private Debt and CLOs at Federated Hermes Host Mel Birks, Head of Advocacy, AIST

The coming years will be crucial for overcoming the impacts of 2020 to ensure that the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals remain on track as we approach the target date of 2030. In this week’s podcast, we speak with Guido Moret, Head of sustainability integration, fixed income at Robeco to get his insights into the Sustainable Development Goals, the role that investors play in addressing the goals and the way in which SDGs interact and intertwine with ESG and impact investing approaches. With thanks to Stephen Dennis, Head of Robeco Australia, for his assistance with this episode. Important Information This document is distributed in Australia by Robeco Hong Kong Limited (ARBN 156 512 659) (‘Robeco’) which is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) pursuant to ASIC Class Order 03/1103. Robeco is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission under the laws of Hong Kong and those laws may differ from Australian laws.

It’s been just over a week since the US Presidential Election and only days since it became clear Biden will be the next President of the United States. What impact has the tumultuous election had on markets? What sectors are likely to experience tailwinds under the new administration and which ones headwinds? Will the US’s relationship with China change substantially and what role does the new President’s approach to Climate Change play? In this week’s podcast we speak with Jim McDonald, Chief Investment Strategist with Northern Trust, based in Chicago. He shares his insights and predictions for the market and economy and highlights areas super funds and other institutional investors should be alert to. Guest Jim McDonald, Chief Investment Strategist, Northern Trust Host Mel Birks

What are the benefits of injecting empathy into financial services such as insurance and superannuation? AIA Australia’s Simonie Fox joins us to discuss the impacts that the COVID pandemic has had on people’s health and wellbeing, as well as the ways that super funds and insurers need to be engaging their customers during a critical and stressful time. We cover health and wellbeing impacts, the ways in which AIA are promoting better health outcomes, the role of telehealth and digital consultation, and the ways in which super funds can support members’ mental health during the claims process. Guest Simonie Fox, Head of Shared Value Partnerships, AIA Australia Host Tyrell Mills, AIST

Today we are looking at investment considerations in a low yield environment. With returns and markets expected to be lower for longer, how should investors be positioning themselves to make the most of a downturn in markets? To help us understand these considerations we speak with Sebastian Mullins, Multi-asset Fund Manager from Schroders. Sebastian covers expectations on returns in the current climate, the larger macroeconomic influences that are affecting returns and growth. Sebastian also gives his thoughts on investing in lower return environments and what his expectations are for the short and medium term. Guest Sebastian Mullins, Multi-asset Fund Manager, Schroders Host Tyrell Mills, Media and Content, AIST

How has COVID-19 changed the landscape for impact investing? We’re joined by Nuveen Co-Head of Impact, Rekha Unnithan for a discussion on the role that impact can play in shaping a better post-COVID world. We also cover the specific private equity investments that are seeing strong growth in the impact space, and Rekha’s views on the importance for resource efficiency and inclusive growth. Guest Rekha Unnithan, Co-Head of Impact, Nuveen Host Tyrell Mills

This week we continue our discussion on cash assets and liquidity strategies with Daniel Gerard, Senior Strategist of Global Markets and Raf Choudhury, Senior Investment Strategist from State Street Global Advisors. This episode takes a particular look at liquidity and solvency issues, as well as how super funds have approached liquidity demands in 2020.

In this edition of the SuperTalk podcast we join forces with State Street’s Engage podcast to have a chat about cash portfolios with Daniel Gerard, Senior Strategist of Global Markets and Raf Choudhury, Senior Investment Strategist. Throughout the Covid-19 economic crisis there has been a need for liquidity, and it has been interesting to see the ways in which investors have used cash assets to navigate such an uncertain and volatile year. Dan and Raf provide their takes on the short term and log term considerations for cash and liquidity in the current environment. Guests Daniel Gerard, Senior Strategist of Global Markets, State Street Global Advisors Raf Choudhury, Senior Investment Strategist, State Street Global Advisors Host Tyrell Mills, Media and Content, AIST

What do we mean when we talk about impact investing? Surprisingly, not everyone is on the same page. Jonathan Dean, Head of Impact Investments at AXA IM joins us to provide an understanding of impact investing that focusses on identifying issues and investing in practical solutions. We also cover the need for global thinking on impact investments, the role that impact will play in post-COVID economic rebuilding and the concept of impact-washing. Guest Jonathan Dean, Head of Impact Investments, AXA IM Host Tyrell Mills, Media and Content, AIST

Australia’s Modern Slavery Act 2018 has brought modern slavery risks and reporting into sharper focus for institutional investors. With super funds required to report annually on their risks and exposure to modern slavery, we soke with Hannah Shoesmith to get an insight into how Modern Slavery laws and reporting requirements have been working in the United Kingdom, where a law has been in place since 2015 Guests Hannah Shoesmith, Associate Director, EOS, Federated Hermes, International (UK) Host Tyrell Mills, Media and content, AIST

With super funds eager to continue improving their data management systems, we sit down with a panel of data experts from J.P. Morgan, HESTA, AustralianSuper and the Accident Compensation Corporation (NZ) to get an insight into how they are building better systems. We cover the data needs for internalising investment teams, communicating with board members, and how data systems have helped funds navigate market volatility in 2020. Plus, we look to the horizon with what key data system considerations will be front of mind in the coming year. Guests Stuart Bain, Investment Operations Manager, Accident Compensation Corporation (NZ) Vicki Martyn, Principal, Data Services, AustralianSuper Stephen Reilly, Chief Operating Officer, HESTA Jane Dauparas, Data Management Product Lead, J.P. Morgan Host Tyrell Mills, Media and content, AIST

Trade relations between China and the US have seen further pressure in 2020 with COVID-19 and the approaching US election. Luis Oganes, Managing Director and the Head of Currencies, Commodities and Emerging Markets Research from J.P. Morgan joins us for a discussion on the geopolitical impact to investments from global trade tensions.

We've previously looked at how specific investment assets have fared during 2020, but this week we are looking at how the investment teams themselves have coped with the pressures of the COVID economic crisis. QIC’s Allison Hill and Susan Buckley joins us to discuss the qualities and processes needed to lead investment teams, and how their experiences from the GFC have shaped their approach to navigating the current situation.

How well are your real estate investment assets generating sustainable outcomes? We spoke with Chris Nunn, Head of sustainability for the real estate business at AMP Capital, to get an insight into how climate change risks are present in real estate assets, as well as an overview of AMP Capital's climate strategy to 2030.

Retirement system inequity that existed prior to the COVID pandemic has been further impacted in 2020. We sit down with AIST Head of Advocacy, Mel Birks for a deep dive into AIST's pre-Budget submission that lays out the impact of the COVID Super Gap.

With A-shares becoming more accessible for western investors, Chinese equities are offering diversification and opportunities to access equity growth that is being spurred on by China’s growing middle class. We spoke with Robeco Head of Research, Jie Lu who says the Chinese equity market is now too big to ignore. With thanks to Stephen Dennis, Head of Robeco Australia, for his assistance with this episode. Important Information This document is distributed in Australia by Robeco Hong Kong Limited (‘Robeco’) (ARBN 156 512 659) which is exempt from the requirement to hold an Australian financial services licence under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) pursuant to ASIC Class Order 03/1103. Robeco is regulated by the Securities and Futures Commission under the laws of Hong Kong and those laws may differ from Australian laws. This document is distributed only to “wholesale clients” as that term is defined under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth). This document is not for distribution or dissemination, directly or indirectly, to any other class of persons. It is being supplied to you solely for your information and may not be reproduced, forwarded to any other person or published, in whole or in part, for any purpose. This document has been prepared on a confidential basis solely for the recipient and is for information purposes only. Any reproduction or distribution of this documentation, in whole or in part, or the disclosure of its contents, without the prior written consent of Robeco, is prohibited. By accepting this documentation, the recipient agrees to the foregoing. This document is intended to provide the reader with information on Robeco’s specific capabilities, but does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell certain securities or investment products. Investment decisions should only be based on the relevant prospectus and on thorough financial, fiscal and legal advice. The contents of this document are based upon sources of information believed to be reliable, but no warranty or declaration, either explicit or implicit, is given as to their accuracy or completeness. This document is not intended for distribution to or use by any person or entity in any jurisdiction or country where such distribution or use would be contrary to local law or regulation. Neither the Robeco Capital Growth Funds or other Robeco Funds (the “Fund”), its investment manager nor any of their associates, nor any director, officer or employee accepts any liability whatsoever for any loss arising directly or indirectly from the use of this document. Investment Involves risks. Historical returns are provided for illustrative purposes only and do not necessarily reflect Robeco’s expectations for the future. The value of your investments may fluctuate. Past performance is no indication of current or future performance.

Investment specialist Adam Kibble from Insight Investment provides an overview of how foreign currency has performed in 2020. Adam discusses the importance of foreign currency as a diversification asset during periods of equity market weakness, as well as how active management of foreign currency can provide liquidity solutions.

With growing calls form the agriculture industry for greater investment from the superannuation industry, we speak with Westchester CEO, Martin Davies about the opportunities for institutional investors.

A discussion with Schroders' Investment Director of Alternatives, Claire Smith, who provides an update into how private equity investments have been faring, as well as providing an insight into how private equity aligns with superannuation fund investment timeframes.

Part two of our discussion with Literacy For Life Foundation executive director, Jack Beetson, where he takes questions from AIST staff on topics such as the resistance he encountered early on, creating a safe environment for learning, resiliance and who inspires him to do the work that he does.