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.

Political parties that continued to pursue super policy changes would do so at their own electoral peril, as demonstrated by the clear message from the recent election result, according to an industry executive.

Knowing which assets to leave or switch back to the accumulation side of an SMSF is crucial for the optimal tax effectiveness of the fund in light of the proposed $1.6 million transfer cap, an SMSF expert has said.

The corporate regulator has revealed as many as 582 applications for licences are pending approval and flagged expected delays with processing as the accountants’ exemption officially ticked over into the new regime on 1 July.

The United States private rental apartment sector was providing investors with twice the rental yield and less associated risk compared to the Australian investment apartment sector, according to global investment manager Spire Capital. Spire Capital said it had invested in a $5 billion portfolio of private rent seniors housing and multifamily apartment communities, demonstrating “stabilised […]

The proposed reduction in the concessional superannuation contributions caps could have flow-on consequences for SMSF trustees in regard to risk cover if that type of insurance is currently held within the fund, a retirement savings legal expert has warned. “That $25,000 cap going forward has got to have 15 per cent tax taken off it, […]

SuperConcepts has launched its first education initiative for trustees via an online education course, which will help simplify the way trustees learn about the requirements and responsibilities of running their SMSF. Although specifically designed for SMSF trustees who receive an ATO education direction, the course is also available to anyone who wants to learn more […]

Active small-cap funds continued to experience a strong year compared to the index despite dropping significantly from double-digit growth in previous years, research house Zenith Investment Partners’ sector review showed. Zenith’s “2016 Australian Shares Small Companies Sector Review” revealed over the past 12 months, the active small-cap funds on Zenith’s approved product list outperformed the […]

SMSFs with multiple pensions must use extra caution when it comes to which pension to roll back and the order under the proposed $1.6 million transfer balance cap requirements. “We have a few issues there,” Heffron SMSF Solutions technical services manager Leigh Mansell said. “If you think about this example of two members in the […]