Our Place in Super
How does Christian Super Compare?
That is one of the most common questions we are asked.
Although we’ve been around for over 20 years (as an employer based fund), we’re not yet well known to individuals in the wider Christian community because we only expanded into this sector in 2006.
Also, we’re an "Industry Fund" and such types have not generally been included in market research or on financial advisers’ lists, so you are unlikely to find us on published performance tables or ratings.
So where do we fit in? Let us give you some information that might help.
Certifications
Christian Super is one of only 300 or so trustees to be licensed by APRA under new strict Government regulations since 2006 (many funds wound up at that time). In terms of asset size, we are ranked around the middle of that group.
We are certified as an "Ethical Investment" by the reputable Ethical Investment Association.
SuperRatings is the only independent agency to have rated us so far, allocating us a SILVER rating for 2006/2007. This classifies Christian Super as "A reasonable value for money fund performing well in most assessment areas". Importantly, the rating process does not consider our major strength - Christian focused ethical investing.
Type of Fund
We are what is commonly classified as an "Industry Fund", also characterised as "non-profit" or "all profits to members" arrangement. Such funds are generally NOT considered by financial planners (as we do not pay commissions), an unsatisfactory situation that will hopefully change over time as advisers increasingly move to fee-based advice, and industry funds are included in market research.
We are a "Public Offer" fund which means that anyone can become a member. In fact, as far as we are aware (and apart from two Catholic funds) we are the only Christian based fund available to the public.
Ethical Investments
We are the only Industry Fund with an ethical screening approach across all its investments.
Investment Performance
We have a very diversified approach to investments, combining a variety of styles and managers to manage investment risk. Accordingly, we expect to be an above average or "second quartile" performer over longer periods, and this has been the case for most periods over the past 5 years. Please contact our National Office if you want a specific comparison against your current arrangements.
Fees and Charges
Our fees are comparable to most medium sized Industry Funds, and generally compare very well against retail master trusts and personal policies. Importantly, our fees remain low even if you are no longer employed with one of our registered employers (many master trusts move members from employer to individual sections that have higher fees and insurance premiums).