The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced important updates to its Fund Validation Services (FVS) that will directly impact how superannuation funds and digital service providers manage their data and transactions. These changes are designed to improve efficiency, payment speed and data accuracy across the super system.
The new requirements will come into effect from 1 July 2026, but preparation should start well before then. Here’s a breakdown of what’s changing, why it matters and how you can get ready.
What’s Changing in the FVS Update Service
From mid 2026, the FVS Update (FVSU) service will begin collecting more detailed information whenever changes are made. Key updates include:
- Reason for USI closure: Funds will need to specify why a Unique Superannuation Identifier (USI) is being closed.
- Successor or intra-fund transfer details: If a USI is closing due to a transfer, funds must provide the ABN and USI of the receiving fund.
- New Payments Platform (NPP) readiness: The system will record whether a USI is ready to accept fast payments through the NPP including Pay ID where relevant.
- Streamlined contact information: A rationalised approach to contact details will make it easier to resolve Super Stream issues.
- Certification values: New certification options will support response messaging when closing a USI.
These updates are designed to improve transparency and create smoother processes for managing super fund changes.
Rollout Timeline
The ATO has set out a clear timeline to give funds and providers plenty of time to prepare:
- 17 October 2025: Changes become available in the External Vendor Testing Environment (EVTE).
- 1 July 2026: New FVS Update and expanded FVS Get services go live in production.
- 1 July 2027: The current FVS Get service will be decommissioned.
- 1 January 2028: The FVS List service will be phased out.
What Super Funds Should Do Now
While these updates won’t officially launch until July 2026, early preparation is critical. Here are five steps to consider:
- Engage your Digital Service Provider (DSP): Speak with your DSP to ensure they are aware of the changes and can support your fund’s transition.
- Review internal systems: Check that your processes, workflows, and applications can accommodate the new requirements.
- Make use of the testing environment: The EVTE will be available from October 2025, offering time to test and refine before go-live.
- Update training and documentation: Ensure your team is across the new data requirements, especially around USI management and fast payment readiness.
- Stay informed: The ATO will continue to release updated user guides and technical resources to assist with implementation.
Why These Updates Matter
These changes may seem technical, but they have real benefits for funds and members:
- Improved transparency: Capturing reasons for USI closure and successor fund details reduces confusion and makes rollover processes clearer.
- Faster transactions: Including NPP readiness within FVS will support faster, more efficient payments without relying on bilateral agreements.
- More reliable data: Closed USI data and future-dated changes give funds the ability to plan better and avoid misdirected rollovers.
- Simpler issue resolution: Streamlined contact information and certification options mean Super Stream issues can be addressed more effectively.
Final Thoughts
The upcoming FVS changes are a significant step in modernising Australia’s superannuation data framework. While the official start date is July 2026, funds and providers that plan ahead will be best placed to adapt smoothly.
At RG Partners, we work closely with super funds and professionals to help them navigate regulatory updates with confidence. If you’d like tailored guidance on preparing for these FVS changes or ensuring your systems are compliant and efficient get in touch with our team today.
Reference: ATO
