SMSFs looking to make non-concessional contributions (NCC) ahead of the new super rules must consider other structures or avenues besides superannuation and pure cash holdings in order to increase their balances, according to an industry executive.

The latest joint research from SuperConcepts and the University of Adelaide’s International Centre for Financial Services has determined the SMSF asset balance at which investment returns generated significantly improve for members.

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission’s (ASIC) announcement at last month’s SMSF Association National Conference that it will be conducting a shadow shopping exercise on SMSF advice has been met with a mixed reaction from sector practitioners.

The SMSF Association and Financial Services Council (FSC) are joining forces for a conference that will explore why women retire with substantially lower superannuation balances than men.

Understandably, trustees of new SMSFs are typically full of enthusiasm about what can be achieved. It’s largely why many follow the self-managed route in the first place.

The head of a global asset management firm has refuted the federal government’s belief superannuation is a great source of revenue and questioned its use of this notion as the justification for the constant changes being made to the retirement savings system.

The Australian superannuation system has many fine qualities, but if you were asked to rate it on the basis of trust – on a score of 1 to 10 – what would you give it?

The SMSF Association has called for adequacy to be included in the superannuation objective, labelling the concept fundamental to achieving a secure and dignified retirement.

The SMSF Association has advised SMSF specialists to quickly digest the details of the federal government’s superannuation legislation, which was passed by both houses unamended on 23 November.