There are many reasons why SMSF trustees put their hands inside the SMSF cookie jar and help themselves. The most common ones are a failing business that requires a cash-flow injection or being in desperate need of funds to meet everyday financial commitments.

Revenue and Financial Services Minister Kelly O’Dwyer has revealed the consultation process regarding exposure draft legislation for the proposed changes to the superannuation framework will begin very soon. “Consistent with usual practice, we will listen carefully to advice on the design of the legislation,” O’Dwyer told the Financial Services Council Leaders Summit 2016 in Melbourne. […]

The SMSF Association is of the firm opinion SMSFs are the best structured retirement savings vehicle to accommodate the proposed changes to the system announced in the 2016 federal budget.

The SMSF Owners’ Alliance (SMSFOA) has labelled reports that the Turnbull government may contemplate an exemption to super contributions from lottery wins as “farcical” and, if true, “deeply unfair”.

The latest Investment Trends industry research conducted on behalf of Vanguard Australia has shown SMSF trustees feel they have an unmet need around investment advice.

The listed investment companies (LIC) sector reached a total market capitalisation of $28.8 billion as at 30 April 2016, according to the latest review from Zenith Investment Partners. The research house’s “2016 Listed Investment Company Sector Review” revealed this was a slight increase from $27.8 billion the previous year, capping two years of very strong […]

The fixed nature of the government’s proposed $1.6 million transfer balance cap has come under fire for overlooking the significant repercussions it will have if major market fluctuations occur, including another global financial crisis (GFC)-like event.

Independent online platform ESIC Hub will begin to provide SMSFs with investment access to the new asset class of early-stage innovation companies (ESIC), which will also provide trustees with significant tax benefits.

A leading specialist law firm has recommended all SMSFs consider putting an enduring power of attorney (EPOA) in place as a solution to mental incapacity and repatriation.