Why is your capital going offshore to be invested in US infrastructure

Australia’s $4.5 trillion superannuation fund will go global as more than $41 billion has been invested across the United States. Can you benefit from retirement?

Many of us simply schedule and forget about our super, letting it run quietly in the background. But what most of us may not know is that, our high savings are making waves on the international stage.

This week, the movers and shakers from Australia’s biggest super funds are heading out to explore new investment opportunities that could see our retirement savings grow by billions of dollars.

The 2026 Australian Superannuation Investment Summit will visit San Francisco, Washington DC, and New York.

The team sits down with business leaders, state governors, and technology experts to identify long-term investment strategies.

New South Wales Treasurer Daniel Mookhey will attend the roadshow along with ambassador and former prime minister, Kevin Rudd.

Each week, about $4.5 billion flows into our largest domestic system, making it one of the fastest-growing pension pools in the world.

Australia’s sovereign wealth fund currently holds about $4.5 trillion, which is expected to almost double to $8.3 trillion by the early 2030s, according to estimates by the Council of Senior Members.

It’s that healthy growth that makes Australia’s retirement savings industry so powerful overseas.

“Superannuation is increasingly part of the modern conversation, and it offers millions of Australians working at that table with countries around the world, including the US, UK, Canada, and many others,” said IFM Investors global head David Whiteley.

Australian superannuation funds are a major source of global influence. Image: Getty

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“As Australia’s super pool grows, so does its voice – and turns retirement savings into a source of global influence, economic confidence, and long-term benefits for members.”

Why do our super funds invest abroad?

Although it seems that super funds can be used locally – such as building new homes – super funds are not limited to investing in local areas.

Spreading the total investment of pension funds around the world helps diversify portfolios beyond local economic options and can deliver stable long-term returns for members.

The US is already an important source of Australian retirement income. About $45 billion in savings has already been invested in American assets including electricity networks, toll roads, and airports.

These highly reliable types of investments are popular because they often produce a diversified income stream that supports retirees for decades to come.

Promoting international investment

One of the main themes of the major conference will be to encourage new investment through a concept known as ‘asset renewal’.

Simply put, asset recycling involves governments selling or leasing existing infrastructure to long-term investors such as pension funds. The profits then go on to build new infrastructure, such as hospitals, schools or transport networks.

Mr Whiteley says the tour will highlight the size of Australia’s capital and its potential for overseas investment.

The US Federal Reserve building in Washington DC. Image: Getty

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“This conference is an opportunity to raise awareness among US policy makers and business leaders about Australia’s rapidly growing pool of long-term capital in search of new investment opportunities for the benefit of their members,” he said.

What does this mean for Australians?

While the strong hold may sound like a tough meeting between suits, the ultimate goal is simple – to help everyday Aussies grow their retirement savings.

Investment in infrastructure is growing in popularity around the world. Total investment by global pension funds in US infrastructure alone could grow to $96 billion by 2035 according to a study by IFM investors.

For Australia’s major currencies, this represents an opportunity to increase investment while strengthening ties with major economies.

This article originally appeared on Mortgage Choice and has been republished with permission.