* Kiwibank will, one day soon, close its AMP-managed scheme and attempt to transfer members across to the Gareth Morgan-branded unit;
* ASB has chosen to shutter its also-ran scheme, FirstChoice; and,
* In line with its broad brand right-sizing, ANZ will bring the green National Bank KiwiSaver under its blue roof.
But as well as these fairly major revamps a number of smaller schemes are also due to exit the market. Firstly, the tiny MSF KiwiSaver scheme, offered by Auckland-based firm Mutual Superannuation Fund, has filed its final accounts.
The demise of the MSF scheme is no surprise (it's been reported several times) and the wind-up accounts show why. In the 15 months to the end of September last year, MSF managed to accrue just a further $5,586 in funds, closing out the period with a grand total of $46,012 (attributable to six members).
Likewise, the PSBG (Professionals Superannuation and Benefits Group) will also hand in its KiwiSaver credentials. While the PSBG website appears to have disintegrated, as last reported its KiwiSaver scheme had about $1.7 million and 130 members. After five years in operation you can see why PSBG called it quits.
Also recently-closed are four other workplace-based KiwiSaver schemes: Ecolab, Stevenson Group, Hexion and the New Zealand Maritime Officer, which peaked with funds under management of about $245,000, $572,000, $412,000 and $192,000 respectively.
While the wind-ups make sense, they're another reminder that employers are increasingly distant from the KiwiSaver choices of their employees.
