Chant West: Superannuation research and consultancy firm

Chant West provides research and ratings on Australia’s superannuation and pension funds to the funds themselves, financial advisers, media, consumers.

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Alison Banney

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Founded in 1997, Chant West is one of Australia’s leading superannuation and pension fund research firms, and is part of FE fundinfo. Chant West holds a large amount of up-to-date data on the funds it researches, including but not limited to fees, funds under management, insurance, asset allocation membership numbers and investment returns.

The database is used for the benefit of financial advisers, organisations, consumers and the super and pension funds themselves. Chant West is also regularly relied on and considered to be a highly-credible source of data in the media, due to the scale and quality of the data it offers.

What products does Chant West provide?

Chant West provides yearly ratings of super and pension funds as well as annual awards. It also publishes regular research into each fund’s ongoing investment returns.

Annual super and pension fund ratings

Chant West conducts comprehensive research in order to rate the funds each year, with each fund receiving a rating from one apple (the lowest) to five apples (the highest). The idea of the apple is that Chant West is “comparing apples with apples”, and is providing a fair and accurate comparison of the market based on its many research points.

The primary areas that Chant West considers when allocating the ratings are investments, member services, fees, insurance and organisational costs. It takes into account the expertise of the investment managers, its investment governance framework, and the structure of the investment options, and investment performance.

Super and pension fund awards

Chant West conducts annual awards for super and pension funds, based on the research it conducts and the rating it allocates. The awards cover a range of categories, including Super Fund of the Year, Specialist Fund of the Year and Pension Fund of the Year.

Finalists are chosen in each category, and the winners are announced at an awards ceremony and published on Chant West’s site. All of the funds that Chant West researches are automatically entered into the awards each year.

Super and pension fund investment returns

Chant West also provides data on the investment returns of the funds it researches. Within each super fund’s different investment options Chant West provides the investment performance over different periods, from the past year to the past 10 years.

Who uses the research by Chant West?

  • Financial advisers. Financial advisers use the research provided to help inform their product recommendations and product replacement advice for clients.
  • Super funds. Super and pension funds rely on the data to see how they compare to competitors, and how their competitors are performing.
  • For consumers. Chant West publishes its Apple ratings to help Australian consumers compare super funds and find one that’s right for them. The ratings let consumers see how their fund is rated compared with others in the market.
  • Media. Financial media rely on Chant West data as an accurate, credible source of up-to-date information, and regularly reference its research.

How does Finder compare super funds?

Chant West is one of several research houses whose ratings and awards can help you narrow down your options when comparing super funds. The fees and performance figures in our comparison table are supplied by SuperRatings, as explained in the table's "How we picked these" note.

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16 of 565 results
Finder Score Last 1 year performance (p.a.) Last 3 year performance (p.a.) Last 5 year performance (p.a.) Last 10 year performance (p.a.) Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
9.2 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+6.95%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+13.99%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$172
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Compare product selection
9.6 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+9.31%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+16.95%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+11.77%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+12.92%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$611
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
9.7 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+7.94%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+13.34%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.23%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+8.84%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$328
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Compare product selection
Aware Super logo
9.9 Excellent
Aware Super International Shares
Finder AwardIndustry fundHigher risk
9.9 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+9.29%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+17.66%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+11.99%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+13.14%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$167
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Compare product selection
Hostplus logo
9.9 Excellent
Hostplus - International Shares - Indexed
Industry fundHigher risk
9.9 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+9.75%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+17.06%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+11.89%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$144
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Compare product selection
Vanguard logo
9.8 Excellent
Vanguard Super SaveSmart - International Shares (Hedged)
NewHigher risk
9.8 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+14.9%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+18.64%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$280
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Compare product selection
Vanguard logo
9.8 Excellent
Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 48
NewLifestageHigher risk
9.8 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+7.34%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+13.29%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$280
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Compare product selection
Virgin Money Super logo
9.7 Excellent
Virgin Money LifeStage Tracker Born 2014-2018
LifestageHigher risk
9.7 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+7.3%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+13.33%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.47%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$358
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Compare product selection
Virgin Money Super logo
9.7 Excellent
Virgin Money LifeStage Tracker Born 1974-1978
LifestageHigher risk
9.7 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+7.31%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+13.35%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.43%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$358
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Compare product selection
Virgin Money Super logo
9.7 Excellent
Virgin Money LifeStage Tracker Born 1979-1983
LifestageHigher risk
9.7 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+7.32%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+13.33%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.39%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$358
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Virgin Money Super logo
9.7 Excellent
Virgin Money LifeStage Tracker Born 1984-1988
LifestageHigher risk
9.7 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+7.26%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+13.27%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.4%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$358
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Compare product selection
Vanguard logo
9.7 Excellent
Vanguard MySuper - Lifecycle Age 47 and under
NewLifestageHigher risk
9.7 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+7.59%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+13.6%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$280
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Hostplus logo
9.7 Excellent
Hostplus Indexed Balanced
Finder AwardIndustry fundHigher risk
9.7 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+7.59%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+12.42%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.01%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+8.56%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$149
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Virgin Money Super logo
9.7 Excellent
Virgin Money LifeStage Tracker Born 1989-1993
LifestageHigher risk
9.7 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+7.24%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+13.2%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.38%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$358
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Virgin Money Super logo
9.7 Excellent
Virgin Money LifeStage Tracker Born 1994-1998
LifestageHigher risk
9.7 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+7.19%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+13.11%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.34%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
N/A
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$358
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
Hostplus logo
9.7 Excellent
Hostplus International Shares
Industry fundHigher risk
9.7 Excellent
Last 1 year performance (p.a.)
+13.29%
Last 3 year performance (p.a.)
+17.07%
Last 5 year performance (p.a.)
+8.95%
Last 10 year performance (p.a.)
+11.49%
Fees on $50k balance (p.a.)
$484
Go to siteView details
Compare product selection
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Showing 16 of 565 results

The information in this table is based on data provided by SuperRatings Pty Limited ABN 95 100 192 283, a Corporate Authorised Representative (CAR No.1309956) of Lonsec Research Pty Ltd ABN 11 151 658 561, Australian Financial Services Licence No. 421445. In limited instances, where data is not available from SuperRatings for a product, the data is provided directly by the superannuation fund.

*Past performance data and fee data is for the period ending September 2026

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© Chant West Pty Limited (ABN 75 077 595 316) 2012. The data provided by Chant West is based on information supplied by third parties. While such information is believed to be accurate, Chant West does not accept responsibility for any inaccuracy in such information. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Any ratings that form part of the data provided by Chant West are subjective ratings only.

The data provided by Chant West does not contain all of the information that is required in order to evaluate the nominated service providers, and you are responsible for obtaining such further information.

The data provided by Chant West does not constitute financial product advice. However to the extent that this data may be considered to be general financial product advice, Chant West warns that: (a) Chant West has not considered any individual person’s objectives, financial situation or particular needs; (b) individuals need to consider whether the advice is appropriate in light of their goals, objectives and current situation; and (c) individuals should obtain a product disclosure statement from the relevant fund provider before making any decision about whether to acquire a financial product from that fund provider. A Financial Services Guide has been made available by Chant West through its website at www.chantwest.com.au/financial-services-guide.

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Written by

Editorial Manager, Money
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Alison is an editor at Finder and a personal finance journalist with over 10 years of experience, having contributed to major financial institutions and publications such as Westpac, Money Magazine, and Yahoo Finance. She is frequently quoted in media outlets like SmartCompany and SBS, offering expert insights on superannuation and money management. Alison holds a Bachelor of Communications in Public Relations and Journalism from the University of Newcastle, and has earned three ASIC RG146 certifications in superannuation, securities and managed investments and general financial advice, ensuring her expertise is fully aligned with ASIC standards. See full bio

Alison's expertise
Alison has written 592 Finder guides across topics including:
  • Superannuation
  • Savings accounts, bank accounts and term deposits
  • Budgeting and money-saving hacks
  • Managing the cost of living
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