The incoming changes to the asset test for the age pension and its effect on their SMSF clients have been top of mind for advisers, with demand and queries for strategies to reduce their impact high, according to Colonial First State (CFS).

There will be three likely impacts for SMSF investors or investors generally as a result of Donald Trump being elected United States president: commodity price rises, higher inflation and a lower Australian dollar.

The method by which the transfer balance cap is applied to couples in certain financial situations is unfair, according to a superannuation and estate planning legal expert.

The arrival of transferable custody receipts (TraCR) in the Australian market early next year will provide a new and significant investment opportunity for SMSFs to own and trade the top United States-listed companies on an Australian exchange in Australian dollars.

The SMSF Association has welcomed the introduction to Parliament of the federal government’s superannuation legislation, which contains improved transition measures.

The SMSF Owners’ Alliance (SMSFOA) has warned the federal government’s approach to superannuation reform and Labor’s latest backflip on super have created a loss of faith and confidence in the system.

Treasurer Scott Morrison has today introduced three superannuation-related bills to Parliament – the Superannuation (Objective) Bill, Fair and Sustainable Superannuation Bill and Excess Transfer Balance Tax Bill – which contain improved transition measures.

The draft superannuation measures have underlying complexities that will make it harder for SMSF trustees to comply under the new regime.

There is a realistic possibility transition-to-retirement (TTR) strategies could be eliminated entirely due to the added complexity associated with them as a result of the changes to the superannuation rules to be introduced from July 2017, according to a retirement savings technical expert.