Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.
Specialist retail fund
AESF is a specialist super fund for overseas pension transfers, Australian expatriates and Australian residents, with multi-currency investment choices.
The May 2026 PDS includes Australian residents, expatriates and people considering overseas pension transfers. UK tax-relieved transfers have additional eligibility conditions.
Closed public sector scheme
DFRDB is a closed Defence pension scheme with benefits determined by salary and service rules.
The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners.
Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.
The costs and returns belong to the selected product, option or lifecycle stage.
Source: APRA Comprehensive Product Performance Package 2026, published 28 August 2026. Fees reflect the reporting year to 30 June 2026, are net of tax, use standard arrangements and exclude member-activity fees. Dollar figures are rounded. They are not a current quote. Check the latest PDS for changes, insurance premiums and any separately charged advice.
Returns are annualised historical results. Different return bases, risk levels and periods cannot be treated as interchangeable. MySuper net returns use a $50,000 representative balance even when you change the fee balance. A lifecycle stage return does not track a person moving between stages. Missing figures mean not reported, not zero. Past returns do not predict future returns. Read our method and APRA's definitions.
| What to compare | Australian Expatriate Superannuation Fund | DFRDB |
|---|---|---|
| Membership and access | The May 2026 PDS includes Australian residents, expatriates and people considering overseas pension transfers. UK tax-relieved transfers have additional eligibility conditions. Sources123 | The scheme serves eligible existing members and pensioners. Sources1 |
| Accounts and products | Personal Super and Personal Pension. Sources123 | Defence Forces Retirement and Death Benefits Scheme. DFRDB pension and scheme benefits Separate MilitarySuper ancillary account where eligible Sources1 |
| Investment choices | Members can access investment and cash choices in multiple currencies through the platform. Sources123 | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. |
| Insurance | Existing insurance arrangements should be checked with the fund. Older application forms describe cover that should not be assumed to be available on the same terms today. Sources123 | Serving members have built-in death and invalidity protection. Sources1 |
| Retirement income | Personal Pension provides an income stream when the member meets the relevant access rules. Sources123 | Service and super salary affect retirement pay. Eligible members can consider a pension and an optional lump-sum commutation under scheme rules. Sources1 |
| Advice and support | Overseas pension transfers need advice that addresses both countries' rules and the member's residency. IVCM's product support does not decide whether a transfer is right for you. Sources123 | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. |
| Fee details to check | The PDS example assumes no QROPS or foreign-currency holdings. Transfer, currency and specialist administration costs can therefore change the actual total. Sources123 | This detail has not been verified for this profile. Check the current product documents. |
| Comparing investment performance | Compare the selected investments, currencies and net costs. Currency movements can alter both investment results and tax calculations. Sources123 | Keep the pension and ancillary accumulation account separate. Sources1 |
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
Relevant for people investigating a cross-border pension transfer, rather than a routine domestic fund comparison.
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
THE SUPERGURU VIEW
DFRDB belongs in an explanation of retirement entitlements. It does not belong in a league table of funds to switch into. The value of pension income and any commutation decision needs individual calculation.
Sources1
Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.
Use the membership rules to establish which accounts are available to you. Then compare the total price of the investment option and cover you need. A lower fee or higher historical return alone does not tell you which fund is suitable.
Ask both funds to confirm insurance acceptance, exclusions, waiting periods and whether cover would change when you leave your employer. Obtain advice before giving up a defined benefit or an insurance policy you may not be able to replace. ASIC Moneysmart explains the comparison checks.
Read the full Australian Expatriate Superannuation Fund profile · Read the full DFRDB profile · Choose another comparison
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.
Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.