A delegation of Australian superannuation fund leaders head to the UK later this month to explore investment opportunities which aim to boost the retirement savings of millions of working people and support economic growth, jobs and long-term investment in the UK.
The Australian Superannuation Mission is convening senior executives and investment officials from Australian funds and their UK counterparts, along with members of the UK Government, civil servants and regulators, for discussions that will aim to stimulate investment and drive down barriers to superannuation investment. The Summit will also be attended by several major Australian and British financial institutions.
The landmark summit recognises Australia’s superannuation system as one of the world’s fastest-growing and reliable pools of long-term capital, creating new opportunities for investments that help drive strong long-term net returns for working Australians’ retirement savings and support jobs and economic growth in the UK.
The UK faces an infrastructure funding requirement, with hundreds of billions needed over the next decade to modernise transport, energy, housing, and digital networks. Attracting long-term pension capital—like Australian superannuation—is central to the Government’s growth strategy, with Australia often cited as a model for how such investment can deliver infrastructure, create jobs, and grow retirement savings.
Every week, approximately A$4 billion (£2 billion) flows into Australia’s A$4.3 trillion (£2.1 trillion) retirement system, making it the fourth-largest pool of retirement savings globally. By the early 2030s, it is expected to become the second largest of its kind in the world.
Australia’s pension capital is already playing an increasingly important role in the UK economy, supporting thousands of jobs and boosting energy, transport, and social infrastructure. A prime example is a fund managed by IFM Investors' stake (alongside Manchester City Council and other Greater Manchester councils) in Manchester Airports Group (MAG), which owns Manchester, Stansted, and East Midlands Airports.
MAG is nearing completion of a £1.3 billion transformation of Manchester Airport, and plans are underway for a £1.1 billion expansion of Stansted Airport, expected to create over 5,000 jobs and double the airport’s annual economic contribution to £2 billion. The proposed investment includes a 14.3MW on-site solar farm, supporting the airport’s growing energy demands and contributing to the UK’s net zero ambitions.
The Mission underscores the growing partnership between Australian superannuation funds and the UK economy, highlighting the mutual benefits of long-term investment collaboration. It begins October 20 and will be held in London (day one) and Birmingham (day two).
Earlier this year, Australian super funds attended the Australian Superannuation Investment Summit in Washington DC. Currently, Australian funds invest almost half of their members’ retirement savings in global markets such as the US or the UK.
Quote attributable to IFM Investors Head of Global External Relations David Whiteley
“Industry super funds and IFM Investors are scouring the world for the best opportunities to grow members’ retirement savings – and as both countries work together to address critical infrastructure needs and drive sustainable growth, the Summit reflects the growing global influence of Australia’s super system.”
Quote attributable to Super Members Council CEO Misha Schubert
“Australia’s super system is the envy of the world, with major global economies competing for Australia’s growing pool of super capital, and millions of working Australians benefitting from investments that deliver more money to their retirement savings.”
Quote attributable to Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia CEO Mary Delahunty
“The UK is home to one of the deepest capital markets in the world, and has a flourishing private investment landscape, a common rule of law and familiar regulatory settings. Aussie super funds are providers of capital to international economies and we look for offshore opportunities to diversify and grow member returns. This is a key element of giving working Australians the best chance at a dignified retirement.”
Contact details:
Media contacts
IFM Investors: Patrick Lane 0437 884 010 | [email protected]
Super Members Council: Mike Dolan 0474 909 471 | [email protected]
Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia: Scott Roberts 0451 949 300 | [email protected]