UniSuper logo

UniSuper

Melbourne, Australia1200 employees, since 2000

Quick Intro

UniSuper, accessible at unisuper.com.au, is an Australian superannuation fund primarily serving the higher education and research sector. It provides superannuation services, financial products, retirement planning, investments, and insurance to its members. With over 647,000 members and approximately $139 billion in funds under management, UniSuper is one of Australia's largest superannuation funds[3][5].

superannuation retirement financial advice investment

Business Model

UniSuper's primary revenue streams are not explicitly detailed on their website, but their investments generate returns through various asset classes. These include:

  • Property Investments: Significant holdings in shopping centers like Karrinyup and other real estate assets[2].
  • Infrastructure Investments: Substantial stakes in companies like Transurban, which owns toll roads[2].
  • Equity and Bond Investments: Diversified portfolios in Australian and international shares, bonds, and other financial instruments[3][4].

Their investments are diversified across multiple sectors, including real estate, infrastructure, healthcare, and financial markets, indicating a robust diversification strategy[3][4].

Financials

Revenue Streams and Growth

  • UniSuper manages approximately $127 billion in assets as of June 30, 2023, making it the fourth largest fund in Australia by total assets.
  • The company has experienced an impressive 18-fold increase in profits over the past five years, with an expected profit topping $US 70 billion next year.
  • The fund has performed well with above double-digit annualized returns over the past decade.
  • Current investment strategies heavily emphasize exposure to technology companies, which constitute a significant portion of total market assets.

Profitability Metrics

  • Positive profit trajectory, underscored by a healthy accrued benefit index (ABI) estimated at 133%, indicating strong financial health.
  • Investment returns are subject to fluctuations based on individual investment options, with many options returning significantly well. For example, global companies in Asia and international shares recorded returns over 20%.
  • Notably, unlisted infrastructure returned 9.1%, demonstrating effective portfolio allocation despite lower returns from unlisted property (-5.9%).

Strategic Initiatives

  • UniSuper is pivoting its investment strategy towards de-risking the portfolio by offloading volatile listed shares and increasing investments in unlisted property, infrastructure, and bonds.
  • The fund is targeting companies that derive at least 40% of their revenues from environmental fields, such as renewable energy and electric vehicles.
  • Continued focus on sustainable and environmental investing options to adapt to changing market expectations.

Biggest Challenges

  • High market valuations in the tech sector pose a significant headwind that could impact future growth and returns.
  • Increased competition from emerging tech companies may challenge profitability, especially as firms such as Intel and NVIDIA are investing heavily in technology improvements.
  • Geographic concentration risk; an overweight position in Australian resources has added volatility and underperformance relative to peers in diversified sectors.
  • Navigating the uncertainties of AI-related investments, with mixed performances from tech giants which also creates unpredictability in choosing specific companies to invest.

Target Customers

UniSuper's target market includes Australians aged 15 and above, particularly those seeking to grow their superannuation savings with flexible investment options and insurance. The Personal Account is designed for individuals who want to manage their super savings actively but not for regular income drawdown or direct investment[1][2]. The Lifetime Income product targets current UniSuper members seeking a secure, indexed income stream for life, typically those who have reached preservation age and have a minimum of $25,000[3]. UniSuper generally serves individuals across various career stages, emphasizing long-term retirement planning and financial protection[5].

Main Competitors

UniSuper's primary competitors include Household Capital, Intello, smartMonday, and other superannuation funds like Rest and Netwealth Group. These competitors differentiate themselves through various offerings:

  • Household Capital focuses on household loans and equity release services.
  • Intello specializes in Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) services.
  • smartMonday offers a range of superannuation and investment services.
  • Rest emphasizes responsible investing with a focus on ESG practices.
  • Netwealth Group provides comprehensive investment and wealth management services.

UniSuper stands out by catering specifically to the higher education sector with tailored benefits and strong long-term performance[1][3].

Office Locations

Overview of UniSuper's Workforce and Offices

UniSuper is an Australian industry superannuation fund primarily focused on providing superannuation and retirement planning services. It operates mainly within Australia, with its headquarters located in Melbourne, Victoria[2][5].

Workforce Globality

UniSuper's workforce is not globally distributed; it operates primarily within Australia. The company employs approximately 900 people, according to recent data[5]. While UniSuper does not have a global workforce, its leadership team includes individuals with international experience, such as John Pearce, who has worked in Asia[4].

Office Locations

UniSuper's main office is in Melbourne, Victoria, at 385 Bourke Street[2]. There is no indication of international offices, as the company's operations are centered in Australia.

Diversity and Culture

Despite not being globally distributed, UniSuper fosters a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. The company emphasizes employee empowerment, flexibility, and a sense of community, which are valued by its employees[3].

Tech Stack

The foundational technologies for UniSuper include:

  • Microsoft Azure for cloud operations.
  • Microsoft Office 365 and Telstra Calling for communication and collaboration.
  • Microsoft Azure Monitor for application performance management.
  • Genesys Cloud CX for call center operations.
  • Adobe Acrobat Reader for accessing PDF documents on their website[1][2][4].
Outlook JQuery 2.1.1 Microsoft Application Insights Genesys Genesys Cloud CX Platform Salesforce Salesforce Live Agent AppDynamics Facebook Custom Audiences Optimizely Feedbackify Mobile Friendly Cedexis Radar Facebook Login (Connect) Adobe Media Optimizer Facebook Widget CrazyEgg DoubleClick Floodlight Google Play Google Tag Manager Google Maps Linkedin Marketing Solutions Google Analytics Google Font API Vimeo SiteCore Quantcast ASP.NET Incapsula

Products and Services

UniSuper offers several key products and services:

  • Superannuation Fund Management: Helps individuals manage their retirement savings.
  • Investment Management: Provides investment options to grow retirement funds.
  • Financial Advice: Offers personalized advice on retirement planning, investments, and insurance.
  • Insurance Services: Includes death, total and permanent disablement, and income protection insurance.

These services solve problems such as:

  • Retirement Planning: Assists in planning and securing a stable financial future.
  • Financial Complexity: Simplifies investment and insurance decisions through expert advice.
  • Risk Management: Protects against financial risks through insurance options.