SMSF trustees may consider increasing the diversity of their portfolios through investing in an overseas property. While this strategy may appear sound on the surface, Daniel Butler warns there are numerous elements to consider when assessing such a course of action.

Traditionally, SMSF trustees have effected insurance for members under a self-insurance model. This involves the SMSF trustee to take out, say, death insurance on a particular member. In the event of a claim, the insurance proceeds are allocated to the relevant member’s account in the fund.

he use of gearing within SMSFs is sparking increased interest. Daniel Butler and Tina Conitsiotis detail some of the tips and traps associated with this type of strategy.