The Story of GNGB: Strengthening the Backbone of Australia’s Superannuation Network

The Gateway Network Governance Body Ltd (GNGB) was created with a clear purpose: to safeguard the integrity, security, and efficiency of the Superannuation Transaction Network (STN). As an industry-owned, not-for-profit organisation, GNGB exists to ensure that every digital transaction supporting Australia’s superannuation system moves smoothly, securely, and reliably.

How It Began

In 2010, the Australian Government announced the landmark Stronger Super reforms, widely known as SuperStream. These reforms were designed to modernise superannuation by digitising key processes and improving how data flowed between employers, funds, and service providers. The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) developed the Superannuation Data and Payment Standards 2012—rules that set the foundation for sending member registrations, contributions, and rollovers electronically.

To power this digital transformation, the industry needed a secure network capable of handling millions of transactions every month. That network became the Superannuation Transaction Network (STN), a system made up of specialist Gateway Operators who receive, route, and exchange mandated superannuation data.

While the reforms regulated funds and employers, the Government recognised that intermediaries such as gateways should not be directly regulated by government. Instead, a dedicated governance framework was needed to oversee standards, performance, data integrity, and network reliability.

The Establishment of GNGB

In early 2014, the Assistant Treasurer, Senator Arthur Sinodinos, asked the ATO to take interim stewardship of the gateway network while industry worked together to design a long-term governance model. The directive was clear: create a self-regulated, industry-funded body that could take responsibility by 1 July 2016.

The result was the formation of the Gateway Network Governance Body Ltd (GNGB). Built by industry, for industry.

Since its inception, GNGB has guided the STN through continued growth and constant change, helping the network adapt to evolving legislation, technology, and economic pressures.

Continuing to Grow and Evolve

As cyber threats escalated globally, GNGB and its members recognised the critical role of collaboration in protecting the superannuation ecosystem. In 2018, the GNGB Security Committee was established to lead information-security initiatives, promote threat awareness, and strengthen collective resilience across the industry.

Today, GNGB’s member organisations and co-sponsors remain united in a shared mission: to ensure superannuation transactions remain secure, efficient, and reliable – so that Australian workers can depend on the financial future they are building.

Looking Ahead

GNGB continues to drive improvement across the STN and champion cooperation across government, regulators, technology providers, and superannuation funds. As reforms progress and cybercrime intensifies, our work has never been more important.

Together, we’re protecting more than data, we’re helping safeguard Australia’s retirement savings. And ensuring the super system remains fit for purpose, delivering value for everyday Australians.