Younger people are becoming more attracted to SMSFs and are showing a greater level of engagement, debunking the myth that an interest in retirement comes later in life, a Macquarie Bank and SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA) study has revealed.

Financial adviser exchange-traded fund (ETF) usage has doubled in the past year, almost exclusively driven by their SMSF clients.

Software provider Sharesight has experienced a lift in interest for its automated, cloud-based portfolio management system from accountants looking after SMSF portfolios.

BGL Corporate Solutions has signed an agreement with online peer portfolio comparator, SelfWealth, allowing clients to liken the performance of their SMSFs to others.

The demand for hybrid securities remains stronger than ever and continues to play out as an important trend for SMSF investments in 2013.

Advisers could use several strategies in situations where SMSF trustees decide to leave the country to avoid their fund becoming a non-Australian superannuation fund.

There were many opportunities and alternatives for SMSFs entering into transactions with related parties, however, it was critical for advisers to be aware of the risks and the possible breaches they would need to manage.

The SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia’s (SPAA) chief executive has been appointed to the association’s board.

BT Investment Management (BTIM) has revealed it will concentrate on product offerings for the SMSF market, as it looks to blend investment bank innovation with its asset management capability.