Recent analysis into SMSF investors has revealed a marked and continual move out of cash, with unitised trusts and listed trusts receiving positive flows.

The cost of a comfortable retirement for couples increased by 0.3 per cent to $57,817 a year in the March quarter.

The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has expressed its concern as to whether individuals are establishing their SMSFs for the right reasons and uses.

Heffron SMSF Solutions’ most recent “SMSF Borrowing Data Report” showed the majority of limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBA) had been advised by a financial adviser, with adviser involvement expected to grow.

The agreement to exclude SMSFs and superannuation from the United States’ Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) has been welcomed by the SMSF Professionals’ Association of Australia (SPAA).

The Self-managed Independent Superannuation Funds Association (SISFA) has refuted recent claims from certain quarters of the industry that there is systemic risk involved with the SMSF sector.

Greater regulation of real estate investments, particularly in SMSFs, is inevitable, with specialist licensing measures likely to be introduced for those providing property advice, according to a property director.

Fund managers looking to participate in the SMSF arena need to clearly demonstrate value to SMSF investors, particularly through outcomes investors cannot replicate themselves, according to the chief of BT Investment Management (BTIM).

The Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA) has cautioned its members who are registered SMSF auditors to fulfil their additional educational requirements before the annual renewal of this registration.