
Going global: Unlocking the growth potential of Australian pension capital
23.02.2025 - 11:14
In partnership with IFM Investors and Super Members Council, Mandala has developed a landmark report highlighting the growing contribution that Australia’s retirement savings and pension system has on investments globally. Australia has one of the world’s largest pools of retirement savings with the country’s pension assets totalling approximately US$2.8 trillion. Australian pension funds are forecast to invest trillions of dollars in international markets by 2035 as they scour the globe to deliver the best investment returns for their millions of members, with the US coming out as the top investment destination. According to this new report, Australian pension fund investment in the US is expected to more than double over the next decade - from US$400 billion to over US$1 trillion.
Australia has built one of the world’s most successful pension systems. The country’s pension assets total approximately US$2.8 trillion, making it one of the largest and fastest growing pools of retirement savings in the world.
As the system has grown and matured, Australian pension funds have been increasingly investing in international markets to help diversify their portfolios, manage risks and deliver healthy long-term returns for their members. Large institutional pension funds are now investing nearly half their assets in international markets, with nearly US$800 billion currently invested outside of Australia.
This report sets out what that may mean over the next decade as the pool of retirement savings continues to grow and as funds continue to look globally for the best investment opportunities. International investments have already increased 2.6 times since 2014. Based on existing trends, this report forecasts that Australian pension funds will have over US$2.6 trillion invested outside of Australia by 2035. As the world’s largest and most dynamic economy, the US is expected to be the top destination for this investment. Over the next decade, total investment in the US is expected to more than double from US$0.4 trillion to US$1 trillion.
Most of the current investment in the US is in equities and bonds, although Australian pension funds, led by the large ‘industry’ or ‘profit-to-member’ funds, already have significant investments in US infrastructure, real estate, and private equity. These funds have decades of expertise in infrastructure and other private markets, and have established themselves as valuable investment partners, providing a critical supply of long-term and value-adding capital.
This report sets out estimates of Australian pension funds’ current global and US exposures in these private markets and looks at the opportunity to expand and accelerate investment over the next decade.
Based on existing trends, Australian pension fund investments in US private markets are expected to grow from US$50 billion today to US$140 billion by 2035. However, with deeper collaboration and partnerships between Australian pension funds and US governments, investors, and other stakeholders, this could be US$240 billion or more. That would see, for example, Australian pension fund investment in American infrastructure increasing from US$20 billion today to US$110 billion, across roads, ports and logistics, data centres, energy, telecommunications networks and more.
The opportunity is clear: forging stronger partnerships between Australian pension funds and US partners has the potential to deliver healthy returns for Australian workers and help drive US growth, jobs, and infrastructure.
Read the full report here.
Read our latest posts

Reducing out-of-pocket costs for Australian healthcare consumers
In partnership with Private Healthcare Australia (PHA), our latest report reveals the increasing strain of out-of-pocket healthcare costs on Australian consumers. Without urgent action, these costs could reach $1.6 billion by 2030, driven by limited competition, lack of price transparency, and weak consumer protections. Costs have already surged 12% in the past year, and 330,000 Australians are expected to delay care due to affordability concerns. Transparent pricing and stronger protections could save consumers millions. Read our full analysis to understand the challenges—and the solutions—that could make healthcare more accessible for all.
27 Mar, 2025

The Social Dividend: An Actuarial Case for Higher Income Support
Our new report explores the full impact of increasing JobSeeker—not just the economic benefits, but also the significant social returns and efficiency savings. Using actuarial techniques, micro-data analysis, and leading econometric research, we quantify the broader benefits of raising JobSeeker to 90% of the Age Pension. Our findings show that every $100 invested delivers a $24 social return, improving health outcomes, reducing justice system interactions, and lowering long-term welfare dependence. Importantly, the efficiency savings outweigh any potential reduction in job search intensity. This report provides new insights into why increasing JobSeeker is both a smart investment and a necessary reform.
27 Mar, 2025

20-years of Fitted for Work driving employment success
To mark 20 years of Fitted for Work, Mandala Partners conducted an economic analysis to quantify the organisation’s impact. Our findings show that for every $1 invested, Fitted for Work delivers $2.19 in immediate economic benefits, unlocking $86 million in value over two decades by supporting 45,000 clients. The analysis highlights that Fitted for Work reduces job search duration by half compared to the national average, significantly improving employment outcomes. Notably, the organisation has expanded its support for older women, addressing a critical and growing need in the community.
27 Mar, 2025

The value of shifting to four-year parliamentary terms
This research quantifies significant benefits of extending Commonwealth House of Representatives' terms from three to four years. While Australia's states and territories have adopted four-year terms, the Commonwealth remains among only eight countries globally with three-year or shorter terms.Our analysis shows potential gains of $59-71 billion over 20 years through reducing election frequency. Benefits include $4.6 billion in avoided direct costs, $40.7 billion in enhanced business investment from reduced electoral uncertainty, and $14-26 billion through improved government policy.
17 Mar, 2025