Pension fund of the year 2025: What makes a winner?

Since the introduction of compulsory super in 1992, the focus of our superannuation system – from the media, government, regulators and super funds themselves – has been on the accumulation phase.

There is applause and awards for the funds that deliver the best returns for members as if it’s a race past the post; the post being the day you retire and count your winnings. But that’s just the beginning.

While building your nest egg is important, the real challenge begins once you start drawing on it to pay for your living expenses in retirement. You want your money to last the distance and be invested in a way that gives you peace of mind.

That’s why your choice of pension fund is so important; because there are real differences in the strategies, products and services on offer.

What makes a winning pension fund?

The theme of Chant West’s 2025 super fund awards was ‘Building a better retirement system’, in recognition of the need for more awareness of and action on the retirement phase of super.

Chant West general manager Ian Fryer said, “We shouldn’t be talking so much about the superannuation system but about the ‘retirement system’ – that is what our industry is all about – income in retirement!

“’Building’ reflects that it’s going to take time to go where we need to be, it’s a process. We need to make sure that members have all the tools they need, be that the right products and investments, or the full range of advice and guidance services, to facilitate every one of our members getting the most out of their super in retirement.

“This year’s awards showcase those funds who are embracing the necessary innovation, critical thinking and change required to ensure more Australians enjoy a financially secure retirement”.

SuperRatings executive director Kirby Rappell said SuperRatings has changed the name of this award category from Pension Fund of the Year to Retirement Offering in recognition of the fact that the best pension products offer more than retirement income. “They also need to include tools, advice, help and guidance for members,” he says.

Pension funds of the year