The SMSF Association has made its e-learning modules for the 2023 financial year available for practitioners servicing clients in the sector, covering issues such as the latest legislative changes, tax thresholds and industry developments.
The learning tool consists of nine modules in total with specific subjects such as the SMSF regulatory framework, investments, fund taxation and planning for life events being addressed.
“The nine e-learning modules, which underpin the association’s coveted SMSF Specialist Advisor (SSA) designation, are a relatively new addition to the SSA program,” SMSF Association deputy chief executive and director of policy and education Peter Burgess said.
“They are designed to support practitioners through this program, providing them with a comprehensive set of study notes and reference materials that can be retained after completing the program.”
According to Burgess, practitioners who have completed the SSA program since the e-learning modules have been included have been positive and have, in particular, been impressed with the depth and quality of content.
“As the industry benchmark and gold standard when it comes to the independent verification of SMSF advice competencies, there is an expectation that the SSA program is underpinned by up-to-date content, which is why the e-books and examination are updated every year with new versions published in early August,” he said.
He pointed out the program provides the type of specialist educational standards required when providing SMSF advice that is often outside the scope of other superannuation courses.
“The Productivity Commission has stated that advisers should undertake specialist training before providing SMSF advice, a sentiment echoed in FASEA’s (Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority) Financial Planners and Advisers Code of Ethics guide,” he noted.
Practitioners have been given the choice of two options to access the e-learning modules.
SMSF advisers looking to learn or refresh their knowledge about particular topics can buy the e-learning modules. Alternatively, the modules are provided as a complete set upon registration for the SSA program.
