Superannuation statistics 2026
There are 23.6 million superannuation accounts in Australia with assets totalling $4.77 trillion, as at the June 2026 quarter.
Key takeaways
- Australia's superannuation assets totalled $4.77 trillion as at the June 2026 quarter.
- Around half of super fund investments are now held overseas, up from around 35% a decade ago.
- Just 12% of Australians make additional super contributions to reduce their taxable income.
- 30% of working Australians aged 30+ say they won't be able to afford to retire at 67.
There are 23.6 million superannuation accounts in Australia from a total of 81 fund providers (excluding funds with less than seven members) as at 30 June 2025, with assets equalling $4.77 trillion as at the June 2026 quarter. The top asset allocations across all funds are international shares (32%), Australian shares (23%) and fixed interest (18%).
We used data from Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker, The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia (ASFA), APRA and the ATO to explore the state of superannuation in Australia and how Australians interact with their funds.
How much money is in superannuation?
According to APRA, as at the June 2026 quarter the superannuation industry holds $4.77 trillion in assets: $3.41 trillion in APRA-regulated funds, $187.8 billion in exempt public sector schemes and $60.7 billion in life office statutory funds, with self-managed super funds (SMSF) totalling $1.11 trillion.
What assets are super funds investing in?
Total investments by APRA-regulated super funds totalled $3.41 trillion as at the June 2026 quarter.
International shares (32%) and Australian shares (23%) are the top asset allocations, followed by fixed interest (18%).
How much super is invested overseas?
Australia's superannuation system is the fourth-largest pool of retirement savings in the world, and it has long outgrown the local market. According to ASFA, around half of institutional super fund investments are now held overseas, up from around 35% a decade ago.
International shares have driven much of that growth, climbing from 17% of total investments in September 2013 to 31% in September 2025 - an increase from $184 billion to $942 billion. The majority of offshore listed assets (61%) are invested in the US, and the trend shows no sign of slowing, with 63% of super funds expecting to increase their international exposure over the next 2 years.
How many Australians have superannuation?
According to Finder's Consumer Sentiment Tracker, 74% of Australians had a superannuation fund as of May 2026. Australians are more likely to have a a mobile phone plan (90%), electricity plan (90%) savings and transaction account (85%), broadband (79%) and car insurance (75%) than a super fund.
Those living in metropolitan areas (78%) are more likely than their regional counterparts (68%) to have a super fund, and higher income earners are substantially more likely to have a super fund. Only half (53%) of Australian adults with a household income of less than $50,000 per year have a super account, compared to 90% for those earning above $100,000.
How does superannuation compare between men and women?
According to the ATO, as of June 2023 the average super balance for women aged 65-69 was $392,274, compared to $448,518 for men. These figures indicate many Aussies are set to retire with less than ASFA's comfortable retirement standard of $630,000 for a single person (ASFA Retirement Standard, March 2026 quarter).
The gap is largely driven by parenthood. ASFA research from March 2026 found women aged 45-49 with at least one child have an average super balance of $161,277, compared to $271,607 for men with at least one child. The same research found divorced women aged 50-59 have a median super balance of $120,000 compared to $150,000 for divorced men the same age - and around 43% of these women are renting, roughly twice the national rate for their age group.
Overall, 1 in 5 (20%) Australians say they won't have enough in super or other investments to get by in retirement, and a further 27% aren't sure whether they will. Just 24% are confident they'll be able to live comfortably.
The traditional retirement age is also looking shaky. A Finder survey from February 2026 found 30% of working Australians aged 30 or older say they won't be able to afford to retire at 67 - the equivalent of 3.3 million people. Women are worse affected, with 37% saying they won't have enough to retire at 67, compared to 24% of men.
Gen X are the most anxious when it comes to their retirement needs, reporting they need on average $1.9 million to feel wealthy. On the other hand, baby boomers feel they only need $987,000 to feel wealthy.
How many people make additional super contributions?
According to APRA, Australians added $236.3 billion to their super in the year to June 2026. Member contributions made up 30% of the total, with employer contributions making up the remaining 70%. The superannuation guarantee - the minimum employers must pay - rose to 12% of wages on 1 July 2025.
A Finder survey from June 2025 found just 12% of Australians make additional contributions to their super to reduce their taxable income, while 1 in 3 (34%) say they aren't planning to. A further 11% are actively planning to start and 13% are considering it but haven't made a firm plan yet.
Are you planning to make additional super contributions to reduce your taxable income in the next 12 months?
Compare superannuation funds
Sticking with an underperforming or high-fee super fund could be draining money from your retirement fund. To set yourself up to live comfortably in retirement, compare super funds with Finder.
More resources on Finder
Ask a question
More guides on Finder
-
How much super should I have?
The average super balance is $154,350. Compare your super balance against the average balance for your age group to see if yours is on track.
-
Worst performing super funds in Australia
Here’s a current list of the worst-performing super funds in Australia and steps for how to switch to a better fund.
-
AustralianSuper vs Rest Super
AustralianSuper and Rest are two popular industry super funds, but how do they compare on fees, performance and investment options?
-
AustralianSuper vs Hostplus
Can't decide between AustralianSuper or Hostplus? We've compared their fees, performance and investment options side-by-side to help you choose.
-
Best super funds in Australia 2026
We've analysed Australian super funds to find the best-performing super funds, the best industry super funds and the best super fund for low fees. Find the right super fund for you.
-
Best Industry Super Funds
Find out what industry super funds are and how they’re different to retail super funds, and compare funds using our comparison tool.
-
Superannuation beneficiary rules
Steps to choose a beneficiary for your superannuation fund proceeds in the event of your death.
-
Media Super: Investments, performance and fees
Media Super is an industry fund for employees in Australia’s print, media, creative or digital sectors. See investment options, fees and performance here.
-
AusFoodSuper: Performance and fees
AMIST is an industry super fund for employees in the meat industry that's been operating for more than 25 years. The fund is open to all members.
-
CareSuper: Performance, features and fees
CareSuper is an industry super fund. Learn about MySuper and retirement pension products from CareSuper.