The super industry must communicate a richer picture, in intuitive terms, of superannuation and retirement, as the framing of these concepts plays a fundamental role in the way Australians understand and behave during their life cycle.

The SMSF Association has flagged it is now time for continued modifications to the superannuation system to cease in order for the industry to prove its integrity and build trust with Australians and SMSF trustees.

Spring FG believes it will emerge as a leading competitor in the SMSF space as there is strong client demand for full financial services.

Portfolio management software provider Sharesight will continue to seek opportunities to build out its partnerships this year, following the recent addition of Esuperfund and Ebroking.

Superannuation funds continue to leak from Australian Prudential Regulation Authority-regulated funds into SMSFs in gross and net terms, demonstrating no loss of appeal, according to industry body SPAA.

A family discretionary trust is a more sensible vehicle for investors to use when looking to involve family members, such as children, and would work well alongside an SMSF, rather than as a substitute, according to HLB Mann Judd.

SMSF investors have shifted their approach to international investments, showing a willingness to use and pay for good management capabilities, instead of choosing options with the lowest management fees.