The Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) and the United Kingdom-based Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) have amalgamated their operations to become the IPA Group.

SMSFs are having their tax obligations made easier as a result of the increased employment of technology, according to platform provider Hub24.

Financial advisers need to communicate the value they can add in a more effective manner in order to service a larger number of SMSF clients, according to ING Direct business and savings manager Tim Hewson.

The inclusion of hedge funds in an SMSF portfolio could be beneficial as they provided greater degrees of diversification and lessened the impact of market volatility for fund members, according to a global fund manager.

Count Financial launched an online facility today that will assist accountants who are considering obtaining an Australian financial services licence (AFSL) to provide financial advice to SMSF clients in gaining a better practical understanding of what the process involves.

Providing monetary compensation to accountants who provide client referrals is a practice financial planners should not reject as it can establish the most effective path to signing up new clients, according to the head of an advisory firm.

The ability for SMSFs to refund non-concessional contributions cap (NCCC) breaches when the yearly $180,000 limit was exceeded would be a more practical application of the rule, according to a superannuation industry technical expert.

Criticism is often directed towards SMSFs on the premise trustees are acting in a selfish and self-serving manner, but this perception ignores their obligations to serve all members of the fund, according to the SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA).

Former Macquarie Group SMSF division director Sarah Penn has launched a consultancy business for all financial services firms wanting to obtain greater traction in the sector through a better understanding of how it works.