Episode 7 - Navigating NPP and Payday Super: what super funds need to know

#7. Co-hosts Sarah Penn and Neil chat with Marnie Ryan, head of product innovation and enablement at AP+ (formerly NPP Australia). We cover:

• NPP and Superannuation: From 1 July 2026, funds must accept real-time payments via the New Payments Platform (NPP)—mandatory, and separate from Payday Super legislation.
• Modernising Payments: Transition away from BECS is set for 2030. Super funds need to get ready to shift from batched, delayed payments to instant, always-on transactions.
• Reconciliation Revolution: NPP upgrades solve historic problems with payment reference numbers, making reconciliation faster and easier—especially important for super contributions.
• Pilot Programs in Action: Leading funds and clearinghouses are already piloting real-time payments, so the future is now.
• Fraud and Security: New features like confirmation of payee and PayID add extra layers of trust and validation for fund rollovers and member withdrawals.
• Getting Ready: Execs should engage tech, ops, and employer services teams now. Start talking to your bank and payment partners to understand your platform readiness.
• Member Experience: Real-time payments create new member expectations. Faster clearing and instant notifications can improve trust and encourage members to check contributions more often.
• Innovation Pipeline: Expect more streamlined experiences with products like PayTo, reducing manual entry and making top-ups or pension drawdowns seamless—24/7, even at year-end crunch time.

Key takeaway: Don’t wait for legislation—engage with your banking and payment providers now to be NPP-ready before the 2026 deadline.