Super outflows outweigh inflows

Mike Taylor

Managing Editor and Publisher

29 May 2026

The changing shape of Australia’s superannuation sector has been underscored by the latest data revealing a small quarterly reduction in total superannuation assets and a 13.6% increase in in lump sum payments.

The data reveal that total contributions were outweighed by benefit payments.

The March quarter superannuation data compiled by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) showed total superannuation assets decreased by one per cent over the quarter to $4.4 trillion of which $3.1 trillion was in APRA-regulated funds.

The data show total contributions increased by 11.3% to $226.1 billion in the year ending in March 2026 with employer contributions increasing by 8.4% over the year to $159.8 billion.

It said member contributions increased by 19.1% over the year to $66.3 billion.

Benefit payments increased by 12.3% to $143.5 billion in the year ending in March 2026. This increase was the result of lump sum payments rising by 13.6% to $79.7 billion and pension payments increasing by 10.7% to $63.8 billion.