The Chant West Awards, being held by virtual medium – webinar – on May 10, are, once again, dominated by not-for-profit super funds in terms of the nominations. But not all of them are such. Commercial funds are coming back, it would seem. Especially in the innovative categories.

The list of finalists show the usual big 10 not-for-profits at both the fund of the year level and the investment returns level. But commercial funds are making headway in what might be called the future for super. This should be a wake-up call for the not-for-profit, for instance. The ‘Advised Product of the Year’ Award finalists include: AMP’s ‘MyNorth’, BT Panorama, CFS FirstChoice wholesale, HUB24, Macquarie, MLC and Netwealth. They produce, actually, all good products. And they also produce increasingly sophisticated institutional products.

Ian Fryer, the head of research at Chant West, who has been with the firm for about 15 years, says that sustainability is becoming more of an issue, and this will be a focus at this year’s Awards.

The Awards are being held via webcast Fryer says that in times like this, with increased volatility, there’s a greater need for leading funds to shine out. We are very proud to be able to help them do that.

For more info, go to: chantwest.com.au

– G.B.