Super members ease off COVID-19 queries


Superannuation members have diverted their attention to rebuilding their balances from COVID-19 related issues, according to AMP.
AMP’s data on its financial adviser clients found that during the month of May, queries on voluntary concessional and non-concessional super contributions were the most common topic dealt with by advisers. This was compared to April when advice on early access to super was most in demand.
Calls about COVID-19 stood at 9% in May, well down from the 24% in April.
AMP said the top client issues dealt with by advisers in May 2020 were:
- Concessional super contributions;
- Non-concessional super contributions;
- Dealing with a death benefit;
- Concession cards; and
- Early release of super.
AMP technical strategy manager, John Perri, said: “Not everyone has the funds to contribute more to super at the moment, but it’s encouraging to see more Australians turning their minds to rebuilding their superannuation and retirement balances.
“Recently introduced changes, such as the relaxation of the rules on concessional contributions, are encouraging people to make additional contributions where they can.”
Recommended for you
The Federal Court has frozen the assets of two individuals, Ferras Merhi and Osama Saad, for their connections to the troubled Shield Master Fund.
The Finance Union Sector has criticised AMP’s decision to move jobs offshore and questioned “what they will strip away next” in the ongoing business simplification.
Count is looking to adviser recruitment, acquisition of financial planning fee parcels, and cross-selling to accounting clients to improve its financial planning revenue as well as a fourfold M&A strategy.
The Perth-based wealth management firm has formed a strategic partnership with an accounting business in Brisbane, signifying its expansion into Australia’s east coast.