SMSF Association Media Release

31 October 2017

The SMSF Association, Australia’s leading body representing the self-managed super fund sector, today hosted a dedicated education event exclusively for SMSF trustees in Sydney. Over 150 delegates attended the event to hear about the latest trends in investment, regulation and technology for SMSFs.

SMSF Association CEO John Maroney says: “It is essential that people with an SMSF, or those considering setting up a fund, have as much access as possible to insights and commentary on SMSFs. Events such as this provide the ideal forum to listen and engage with industry experts and other like-minded SMSF trustees on a variety of issues.

“In addition to considering an array of different investment options, SMSF trustees have numerous obligations to ensure their fund meets the demands of superannuation and taxation legislation.

“With speakers from around Australia and overseas, the diverse program provided a unique opportunity for SMSF trustees to focus on some of the key industry trends now, including super reform, active versus passive investment, robo advice and property investment.”

The event featured a keynote address from the ATO’s Kasey Macfarlane, Assistant Commissioner, SMSF Segment, Superannuation. In addition to outlining her top tips for SMSF trustees, Macfarlane highlighted the vast number of tools and support that the ATO has available for the SMSF trustee community which can be found on their website.

Maroney says: “Our research shows that trustees are thirsty for information. A recent trustee survey found that the top two priority areas were education and information on SMSF structure and compliance, followed by access to different asset classes and SMSF service providers.”

“The more SMSF trustees understand about their fund, whether it be its investment strategy, compliance, auditing, estate planning, the better placed they are to ask the right questions of their advisor and therefore ensure they have a secure and dignified retirement.”

The SMSF Association will be rolling out a series of education events for SMSF Trustees around Australia.   More information is available at https://smsfconnect.com/events