From 5 July, any party seeking to acquire greater than a 15 per cent stake in an RSE licensee must apply to APRA for approval. The new process stems from the passage in April of , and brings APRA’s change of ownership powers in superannuation in line with the banking and insurance sectors.
Deputy Chair Helen Rowell said APRA actively sought these powers to better protect the interests of superannuation members.
“APRA has held longstanding concerns about the ability of parties to gain control of a superannuation licensee through the ‘back door’, without meeting the requirements of a stringent approval process,” Mrs Rowell said.
“These concerns were heightened after this loophole contributed to the fraud that precipitated the collapse of Trio Capital in 2009. The closure of this legislative gap will ensure anyone seeking to acquire a substantial stake in an APRA-regulated superannuation licensee is subject to rigorous regulatory scrutiny.”
Before granting approval to a new applicant, APRA must be satisfied the revised ownership structure will not impede the ability of the RSE licensee to meet its obligations under the , including by prioritising the best interests of members.
The Change of Control application form seeks information about the applicant, including their motivation in seeking to acquire a stake in the RSE licensee.
The two week consultation period is now open.
Copies of the draft application form and accompanying guide are available on the APRA website .
