SMSF members moving into retirement enjoyed healthy returns in the 2014 tax year, with the median balance rising 5.2 per cent even after pension drawdowns, according to a new report from Accurium.

SMSF investors were buying between $150,000 to $200,000 worth of gold for their portfolios as they recognised the advantages of investing in the asset class, according to a precious metal and gold bullion specialist.

The maths behind the total cost of delivery components for advice businesses reveals that the case for implementing exchange-traded fund (ETF) investments is compelling for advice firms, particularly those with SMSF clients.

Accountants can accelerate the process of locking in a licensing solution and begin to offer financial advice in just three months and be profitable from day one, according to an industry executive.

SMSF specialist advisers could be the beneficiaries of the continued strong attraction to SMSFs by younger Australians, however, their services were underused, according to a report from the SMSF Association and nabtrade.

The ATO recently clarified its view on whether an Australian super fund would lose its residency status if it paid a pension to a non-resident member.

Robo-advice is expected to have many effects on the SMSF industry, including the opportunity for SMSF advisers to increase business and client numbers.

The industry needed to move on from its fixation with an appropriate minimum balance to establish an SMSF and instead focus more on adviser competency.

Financial advice played a critical role in helping people reach their retirement goals, with advised investors most likely to make extra personal contributions to their super fund, according to a new report from State Street Global Advisors (SSGA).