The SMSF Adviser Show
The SMSF Adviser Show discusses developments in Australia's self-managed superannuation fund sector. It features insights from leading experts in the SMSF industry. Episodes explore the major themes and headlines shaping the SMSF landscape. The show is aimed at professionals and others following SMSF news and policy.
Episodes
Div 296 has moved beyond just being a tax issue
Division 296 isn't really a tax story. It's now an estate-planning and family wealth transfer story that happens to involve tax. In this week's episode of the SMSF Adviser Show podcast hosts Keeli Cambourne and Aaron Dunn from Smarter SMSF, speak with Neal Dallas, director of Business Depot Legal about the challenges that are now arising with death benefit nominations and wealth transfer. Listen a
The expanding ETF Toolkit: how advisers can build smarter SMSF portfolios
In this special edition of the SMSF Adviser Show podcast, Olivia Grace-Curran and Mark Jocum explore the expanding ETF landscape and what it means for advisers building SMSF portfolios. From core holdings to targeted allocations, they discuss how ETFs are becoming increasingly sophisticated portfolio tools. The conversation covers the rise of factor investing, thematic strategies, income-focused E
The future's so bright . . . what will SMSF world look like in five years?
There has been continued and exponential growth in the SMSF sector over the past few years, borne out by the data collected each year by Class. This year's Benchmark Report once again highlighted just how fast the sector is growing and where that is occuring. In this week's episode of the SMSF Adviser Show podcast, hosts Aaron Dunn from Smarter SMSF, and Keeli Cambourne talk with Tim Steele, Class
SMSF Adviser Show – Bluestone Property investment and the way forward
Changes to the borrowing regulations for SMSFs have seen many trustees and advisers rethinking their investment strategies. In this special episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Olivia Grace-Curran speaks with Richard Chesworth from Bluestone Home Loans about what the changes mean for SMSFs, and opportunities that now exist in the market for SMSFs still looking towards property as a wealth buildi
Audits, AI and everything in between
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show podcast, hosts Keeli Cambourne and Aaron Dunn, CEO of Smarter SMSF, are joined by Jo Hurley, Head of Technical at ASF Audits, to look into what is happening in the audit space. Following the SMSF Association Audit day and information from the ATO, this episode delves into the challenges now facing the SMSF audit sector in light of regulatory changes, and wh
The learning curve of the SMSF trustee education reforms
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show podcast hosts Keeli Cambourne and Aaron Dunn from Smarter SMSF, talk with Natasha Panagis, senior SMSF specialist for Heffron, to unpack the reforms announced last month in regard to SMSF trustee education, investment strategies and what it will mean for advisers going forward. Listen as they discuss: Mandatory education for new SMSF trustees What it may l
Advice reforms and trust issues hit the sector again
Advice reforms are at the top of the agenda as the sector tries to navigate the fallout of First Guardian and Shield. In this week's episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keeli Cambourne and Aaron Dunn from Smarter SMSF, consider what may be on the card following the announcement from Financial Service Minister, Daniel Mulino. Peter Crump from BDO joins the show to unpack the challenges and n
The past, the present and the future
In this special episode of the SMSF Adviser Show podcast hosts Keeli Cambourne and Aaron Dunn, CEO of Smarter SMSF, talk with Peter Burgess, CEO of the SMSF Association following his keynote address at the SMSF Association Technical Summit 2026 in Sydney. Listen as they discuss The changes and ramifications of the legislative changes in the past 12 months The challenges the industry has overcome
Div 296 - the starting gun has sounded
The Division 296 legislation came into force on 1 July 2026 and trustees are now contemplating strategies, or have already put things in place, to ensure they are getting the best out of their funds. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show hosts Keeli Cambourne and Aaron Dunn from Smarter SMSF speak with Liam Shorte, director of SONAS Wealth, about what he has seen as an adviser, what challenges
The one-twelfth rule can cause a whole lot of trouble
It may be the start of a new financial year but it's never too early to start planning how an SMSF pays its pensions. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keeli Cambourne and Aaron Dunn from Smarter SMSF are joined by audit expert Shelley Banton from Super Clarity to discuss the importance of compliance in paying minimum pensions and how the 1/12 rule is still very important. Listen as
Countdown to PayDay Super
The new PayDay Super rules are imminent and there's only weeks for SMSF trustees and employers to ensure they have put everything in place for the changing rules and regulations. On this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Aaron Dunn and Keeli Cambourne speak with Tony Negline from the Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand about the work he's been doing in the lead up and what SMS
Trusts, turmoil and the importance of clarity
While the dust settles on the Government's Budget proposals the financial sector is left in limbo in regard to the way in which trusts will be treated going forward. In this week's episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, Daniel Butler, director of DBA Lawyers speaks with Keeli Cambourne and Aaron Dunn about the concerns from the industry and what it may mean going forward. Listen as they discuss: The i
Budget 2026 - the story is only just beginning
With the ink now drying on the Federal budget, it seems what most thought was going to be a quiet night for the super sector has in fact opened the door on a number of new issues and concerns. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, Keeli Cambourne is joined by co-host Aaron Dunn from Smarter SMSF to unpack what the proposed tax reforms mean for SMSFs. Listen as they discuss Negative gearing an
Why advisers need to move beyond just note-taking with AI
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Marloo co-founder Shak Lala to unpack how AI is moving from note-taking to becoming a true AI partner for financial advisers. Shak explains how AI can materially increase adviser capacity, manage SMSF complexity, lift compliance standards, and improve client experience, while also allowing advisers to consolidate their tech sta
What's next for the SMSF sector?
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn explore some of the key developments shaping the SMSF landscape, including whether the Division 296 tax on high‑balance members could lead to a spike in wind‑ups. They also break down how the proposed financial adviser education reforms could create a more flexible pathway and grow the number of advisers in the profession, a
Government's CSLR push and the Div 296 death tax by stealth
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn unpack the proposals that would see SMSFs included in funding the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) and why the approach to Division 296 post-death earnings attribution is a fraught proposition. A flurry of consultations flowed this week as the government seeks to address the fallout from the Shield and First Guardia
Understanding the performance of SMSFs v APRA funds
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by SMSF Association CEO Peter Burgess and Adelaide University's Dr George Mihaylov to break down new research that compares the performance of SMSFs to that of APRA funds. By applying the same methodology used for APRA funds to a dataset covering more than 400,000 SMSFs, the study delivers a more accurate, "apples
The next phase of SMSFs as behaviour, technology and demographics converge
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn sit down with Andrew Inwood, global CEO of CoreData, to explore how SMSFs are evolving and the structural shift from accumulation to decumulation. Inwood explains that SMSFs are moving into a "next wave" of growth and maturity, with technology, changing member expectations, and an enormous looming intergenerational wealth tr
AI, global markets and SMSFs: How advisers can find the next wave of opportunities
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Robert Talevski, CEO of Webull Securities Australia, to explore how technology and global markets are reshaping advice and SMSF investing. Talevski argues that if trustees and advisers go to the effort of running a self‑managed fund, they should be thinking beyond simple passive exposures, while still respecting client risk pro
Highlights from the SMSF Association National Conference 2026 – Part 2
In the second episode of the SMSF Adviser Show's special SMSF Association National Conference editions, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by three more industry experts in Adelaide. SMSF Association policy manager Keddie Waller joins the show to break down a range of superannuation reforms that are impacting the SMSF landscape, including the AML/CTF changes that are on the horizon. Then T
Highlights from the SMSF Association National Conference 2026 – Part 1
In this special episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by a selection of prominent industry members at the SMSF Association National Conference in Adelaide. In part one, SMSF Association chief executive Peter Burgess joins the show to talk about where the SMSF sector is heading, how it's growing, and the major issues impacting professionals. Then Class CEO Tim
Where to from here? The changes ahead for the SMSF sector
There has already been a flurry of activity within the SMSF sector in the first month of the year and keeping on top of all the upcoming changes is set to be a challenge. On this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn look at the key themes shaping the SMSF advice industry from the new draft of the Division 296 legislation, to contribution cap changes, the impact of in
Div 296 draft legislation with Peter Burgess: Fairness, death benefits and CGT
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn dissect the draft Division 296 legislation with SMSF Association CEO Peter Burgess, including the fresh challenges around equity, complexity and "system neutrality" between SMSFs and large APRA funds. Breaking down the association's submission to the draft legislation consultation, Burgess stresses that while the sector "
Wrapping up a turbulent 2025 and looking ahead to 2026
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn take a look back at the biggest events in the SMSF space for 2025, from the federal election and Division 296 uncertainty to tighter regulatory scrutiny across the sector and the ramifications of pension errors. They also break down concerns that the government may look to drag SMSFs into the Compensation Scheme of La
The ongoing saga of Div 296
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn unpack the unresolved details of Division 296, including how the shift to taxing realised gains may affect high-balance SMSF members, particularly in the year of death. They discuss why "hold-until-you-die" strategies are unlikely to be practical due to pension and liquidity pressures. They also delve into the governm
Why SMSFs are embracing digital assets, with Tim Wilks
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, CoinSpot chief business development officer Tim Wilks joins host Keith Ford to break down the rapid rise of digital asset investing within the SMSF sector – and why trustees are increasingly looking to crypto as part of a broader diversification strategy. Wilks explains how institutional adoption, regulatory progress and improved compliance frameworks h
Unpacking some of the lessons learned at the SMSF Adviser technical strategy days
In this special episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Liam Shorte, managing director of SONAS Wealth, and Phil Broderick, principal at Sladen Legal, at the SMSF Technical Strategy Day in Sydney. Shorte joins the show to discuss the evolving world of contribution and why it's important to understand the contribution rules and caps to ensure planning decis
Inside the evolving world of SMSF lending
After nearly two decades, the SMSF lending market has matured into a stable and well-regulated segment – yet complexity and misconceptions persist. Bluestone Home Loans head of specialised distribution, Richard Chesworth, joins host Keith Ford to break down the nuances of limited recourse borrowing arrangements (LRBAs). From redrawing for property repairs to understanding offset structures and pre
Unpacking the new super tax
The announcement this week from the government outlining the changes to the $3 million super tax was met with relief, but there are still many unknowns. On this episode of The SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn unpack the changes from the initial proposal to the current version released this week. The discussion emphasises that while the major concerns of taxing unrealised gains
Unpacking the latest amendments
Updated legislative and regulatory instruments were added to the ever-expanding cache in the SMSF sector last month. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn unpack what it all means with Bryce Figot, special legal counsel for DBA Lawyers. Figot delves into the changes made in LCR 2021/2 and TR 2010/1, focusing on non-arm's length income provisions and contribut
The waiting game
The SMSF sector is in a holding pattern as key regulatory and legislative changes remain unresolved. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Aaron Dunn and Keith Ford discuss some of the key changes that are still to be clarified, such as the Div 296 tax and the much-anticipated NALI/E amendments. The podcast touches on recent updates from the ATO, specifically regarding Law Companion R
Getting it right: the challenge in market valuations
Market valuations have emerged as a crucial area in the SMSF sector, particularly in light of regulatory changes and heightened ATO scrutiny. The looming spectre of Division 296 further complicates the landscape, particularly regarding the methodology used for valuations. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Podcast, host Aaron Dunn, chief executive of Smarter SMSF, is joined by industry stalwart S
Unravelling the new pension rules
The updated rules on when a pension commences and ceases have created confusion in the SMSF sector. On this week's episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Aaron Dunn and Keith Ford delve into the intricacies of TR2013/5 with Tim Miller, head of education and technical for Smarter SMSF. Miller explains how the revised ruling, which was updated in June 2024, primarily reflects changes from the su
Reform and regulation: the challenges
Australia is currently grappling with a complex web of regulatory reforms, which has left many advisers in a state of limbo. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn discuss the pressing issue of financial advice reform. One of the most troubling issues is in the advice sector, and after nearly three years since the Quality of Advice Review (QAR) report was deli
Exploring Division 296 alternatives that don't tax paper profits
In the latest episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn break down some of the alternative methods to remove concessions for large super balances without resorting to taxing unrealised gains, with a range of options being delivered in recent weeks. The IFPA put forward compulsory cashing, while Geoff Wilson and Wilson Asset Management offered up a progressive super surcharg
TBC increase not as easy as ABC
The increase of the transfer balance cap from $1.9 million to $2 million is not as simple to understand as it seems. In this SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn discuss the implications of the TBC rise implemented at the start of the new financial year with industry stalwart David Busoli. While this shift appears straightforward, it brings complexities, particularly for existing
Where to from here? Planning for the new financial year
It's the start of a new financial year, but there are still many uncertainties in the SMSF world. In the latest episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn discuss the implications of the upcoming Division 296 legislation, which is set to impact individuals with superannuation balances over $3 million. As the new financial year kicks off, there is a raft of other topics tha
Streamlining the audit process
With just two weeks remaining until the financial year wraps up, getting an SMSF ready for tax time involves ensuring there is a smooth audit process. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by well-known industry auditor Deanne Firth, director of Tactical Super. Firth offers some valuable insights and timely reminders for SMSF trustees and auditors
EOFY super planning and tax strategies
As the end of the financial year approaches, SMSF professionals are gearing up to navigate the complexities of superannuation contributions and tax planning. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, industry stalwart Liam Shorte, director of Sonas Wealth, explains the essential areas that advisers and accountants should address in the next three weeks to optimise super strategies for their client
Media mayhem and Div 296
The $3 million super tax has been headline news around the country over the past couple of weeks and has finally made the front pages of the mainstream media. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn highlight a critical aspect of the debate that has captured the media's attention: the difference between the perception and the reality of the implications of the Div
The Div 296 battle continues
With Labor winning the election with a clear majority, the SMSF sector is now once again poised for battle over the controversial Division 296 tax. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn sit down with SMSF Association CEO Peter Burgess to talk about the implications of the election results, what it may mean going forward, and the association's plans to convinc
Election countdown
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn discuss the issues that may affect super and the policy positions of the two major parties. Tax reform has been the elephant in the room during the federal election campaign, but there has been some mention of the Division 296 tax by the opposition, which has also made commitments regarding advice reforms and adviser numb
Unpacking the Bendel decision
In this edition of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by legal specialist Phil Broderick, principal at Sladen Legal, to discuss the implications of the Bendel court decision – a landmark ruling with potentially far-reaching consequences for SMSFs and private trusts. This ruling has profound implications for the use of discretionary trusts and corporate beneficiari
Budget 2025: The implications for the SMSF sector
In this special post-budget episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn navigate a complex web of budgetary and political issues. Although it was a budget with nothing much in it for the SMSF sector, it was what wasn't included that may have dramatic implications for the sector moving forward. With the departure of Financial Services Minister Stephen Jones, the sector face
Overcoming challenges in auditing compliance
With auditing season in full swing and the ATO increasing its scrutiny of the sector, this week's SMSF Adviser podcast focuses on the challenges auditors may face regarding compliance. Hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by legal specialist Bryce Figot from DBA Lawyers, one of the sector's leading experts in the intricacies of SMSF auditing, to discuss what's involved in managing the myria
Part 2: Highlights from the SMSF Association National Conference 2025
In this special two-part episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by a selection of prominent industry members at the SMSF Association National Conference. In part two, Tracey Scotchbrook, head of policy and advocacy at the SMSF Association, joins to break down the major regulatory issues impacting the sector, including the ongoing confusion around how to apply
Part 1: Highlights from the SMSF Association National Conference 2025
In this special two-part episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by a selection of prominent industry members at the SMSF Association National Conference in Melbourne. In part one, SMSF Association chief executive Peter Burgess and Class CEO Tim Steele join the show to talk about the thought leadership breakfast on the first day of the conference, the growth o
From politics to property: The first few weeks of 2025
It's already been a hectic first few weeks of the year in the SMSF sector with legislative changes and political manoeuvring. In this week's SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn delve into what has happened and what may transpire in the coming months. They're joined by Daniel Butler, director of DBA Lawyers, to talk about the complexities of investing in rental properties within SMS
How digital advice can benefit the SMSF sector and Australia's growing appetite for financial guidance
There has been significant movement in the digital advice space over the past decade. As the industry accelerates its efforts to address the undersupply of financial advice, digital solutions are essential to meet the demands of Australia's 12.9 million financial advice beneficiaries. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast, host Keith Ford talks to David Barrett, an independent consultant wi
Litigation, legislation and retirement: What to expect from 2025
In the first episode of the SMSF Adviser Show for 2025, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn take a look at the hot topics that will impact the SMSF space in the new year. The pair discuss the upcoming federal election, which is set to dominate the outlook for the first half of the year, as a range of measures related to SMSF advice hang in the balance and are unlikely to be decided until the polls ar
Putting a bow on 2024 and understanding legacy pension conversions
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Tim Miller, SMSF technical and education manager at Smarter SMSF, to break down an early Christmas present for the SMSF sector – the introduction of regulations on legacy retirement product commutations and reserves. Miller explains why there was a need for these regulations to be put in place and who is set to
Last-minute legislative whirlwinds and their impacts on the SMSF sector
Following a whirlwind of legislative activity in the last few days of the parliamentary sitting calendar for the year, the Senate passed a number of bills via a guillotine motion. Although the controversial Division 296 tax was not among them after a last-minute reprieve, several other bills were passed that will ultimately affect the SMSF sector. In this final episode of the SMSF Adviser Podcast
Navigating the cryptocurrency landscape
In a rapidly evolving financial landscape, cryptocurrency continues to carve out its niche, particularly within the realm of SMSFs. In this SMSF Adviser podcast, host Keith Ford speaks with Simon Ho, the COO and head of SMSF at CoinStash, about how SMSFs can safely utilise cryptocurrencies as part of their investment portfolio. In this episode, they discuss: The difference between an investor and
How SMSFs can capitalise on a slowing economy
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Andrew McVeigh, managing partner at Remara, to discuss the changes within investment markets that SMSF professionals and investors should keep an eye on. McVeigh explains that Remara has seen the appetite for credit starting to slow, which he said the RBA would consider as it starts to look at potentially cutting rates, while
Highlights from the SMSF Adviser Technical Strategy Day
In this special episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by a pair of experts on the floor of the SMSF Adviser Technical Strategy Day to provide insight into some of the complex topics facing SMSF professionals. Daniel Butler, director at DBA Lawyers, joins to discuss the changes to non-arm's length income and expense (NALI/E) rules, why there is still so much c
Retirement income covenant – how it can help SMSF trustees navigate retirement
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Julie Steed, senior technical services manager at MLC Tech Connect, to discuss how advisers can refer to the retirement income covenant to help their SMSF clients. As the RIC approaches its second year and new guidance is added, it is becoming clear how well-prepared many SMSFs are in regard to retirement produ
Unpacking the data – what's happening in the SMSF sector from a statistical standpoint
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Tim Steele, general manager at Class, to dig down on the information that came out of the annual Class Annual Benchmark Report. The report is an annual snapshot from a macro standpoint of how the SMSF sector is developing, using data from the Class Super platform, which is representative of the broader Austral
Understanding planning and strategies for older clients
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Peter Johnson, director of Advisers Digest, to give a sneak peek at his upcoming session at the SMSF Adviser Technical Strategy Day and why it's vital to understand the evolving needs of older clients. Johnson explains some of the opportunities that are available for older clients as the intersection between
'Adopting a holistic approach': Dealing with estate planning nuances
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Matthew Burgess, director of View Legal, to take a look at some of the estate planning considerations that SMSF professionals need to keep top of mind. Burgess explains why the outcomes of a number of recent court cases hold valuable information for everyone in the SMSF sector, as well as highlighting the im
100th episode special: Peter Burgess on the glimmer of hope for $3m super tax changes
In this special episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn celebrate the 100th episode of the podcast with a discussion of how the sector has changed over the last four years. SMSF Association CEO Peter Burgess also joins the show to break down the current state of the $3 million super tax bill and why the growing support for amendments to the legislation is a positive sign
How does an enduring power of attorney work with an SMSF?
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Chris Hill, co-founder – legal at Inherit Australia, to dive into all of the issues and challenges that can arise when an enduring power of attorney and an SMSF collide. Hill explains why SMSF professionals need to have discussions with their clients around incapacity and estate planning so they aren't caught
Understanding invalidity and SMSFs
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Craig Day, head of technical services at Colonial First State, to discuss the nuances surrounding invalidity for SMSF trustees and members. Day breaks down some of the positives and negatives of holding TPD insurance within an SMSF and explains what advisers who may be recommending their clients go down this pa
Regulatory round-up: The changes SMSF professionals need to know
In this special budget episode, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn discuss the flurry of activity happening on the regulatory front – and the noticeable absence of the $3 million super tax from the final two sitting weeks of Parliament. They discuss what has led to the debate over Division 296 being delayed, including the government's increasingly precarious position in the Senate, as well as some of
Taking a human-centric approach to SMSF lending
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, Adrian Fisher, head of distribution and product at RedZed, joins host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic to discuss why the self-employed lender has launched a new offering for SMSFs. Fisher explains that SMSFs are a natural fit for small business owners, but they often run into hurdles, with infrequent super contributions scaring off traditional lenders and making it
The grey area of wholesale investor thresholds for SMSFs
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Tracey Scotchbrook, head of policy and advocacy at the SMSF Association, to discuss the intricacies surrounding possible changes to the wholesale investor tests. Scotchbrook explains the background to the current inquiry into the wholesale thresholds, including how SMSFs find themselves in a grey area between the standard $2.5
End of financial year contribution considerations
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Tim Miller, SMSF technical and education manager at Smarter SMSF, to discuss some of the contribution considerations advisers need to keep in mind ahead of 30 June. Miller explains the concept of a 'contributions matrix' and how it can help SMSF members consider the future distribution of their superannuation f
Budget special: Government provides little for advice and super
In this special budget episode, hosts Keith Ford, Maja Garaca Djurdjevic, and Aaron Dunn discuss the outlook for financial advice and SMSFs on the back of a budget that revealed little in terms of detail for either sector. They also take a look at some of the measures that were included, as well as why some high-profile topics were left out completely, such as the $3 million super tax being consp
Looking beyond traditional property investment
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Andrew McVeigh, managing partner at Remara, to discuss the property market and how the current landscape can impact how an SMSF invests. McVeigh explains what is happening in the real estate market, the factors affecting it, and the strategies that SMSFs can utilise, as well as why the investors don't need to be constrained by
Will there be any change to division 296?
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Tony Negline, superannuation and financial services leader at Chartered Accountants ANZ, to discuss some of the alternatives to the $3 million super tax. Mr Negline explains CA ANZ's range of position on division 296, detailing a range of alternatives that it has proposed to the government, and whether there i
Taylor's vision for revitalising advice: 'Less government regulation'
In this episode of the SMSF Show, host Maja Garaca Djurdjevic is joined by shadow treasurer Angus Taylor to discuss the current state of the financial advice sector, the economy, the housing affordability crisis and more. Taylor, a key figure in the opposition, shared his views on a range of issues from the government's handling of the Quality of Advice Review (QAR) to the challenges facing the Au
The importance of accurate property valuations
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Michael Wilczynski, co-owner of SMSF Property Valuations, to discuss the ins and outs of getting a property valuation that SMSF members can rely on. Wilczynski explains why this process is vital, especially given the complexities involved in valuing unique properties or those with limited comparable market sales, and how his fi
Innovation insights for advice firms to scale
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Eleece Quilliam, Client Development Manager at Macquarie's Banking and Financial Services group, to discuss the key learnings for advisers from the Macquarie Virtual Adviser Network Global Innovation Program. Quilliam shares insights and practical recommendations from some of the most innovative firms in the US financial servi
The benefits of commercial property
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Stuart Wilton, co-head – unlisted funds at Centuria, to discuss commercial property investments. Wilton explains the benefits of including commercial property investments within an SMSF portfolio, as well as some of the barriers that need to be considered when investing in the asset class. Listen as they discuss: Some of the
Investing in specialised housing through an SMSF
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Arthur Naoumidis, CEO of the Aligned Disability Property Fund, to discuss investing in NDIS housing. Naoumidis explains why the NDIS provides rent subsidies for disabled Australians and how SMSF members can invest to generate competitive returns and provide a social good. Listen as they discuss: Where investors have been focu
What to consider when investing in property
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Yianni Socratous, general manager of Granite Home Loans, to discuss property investment through an SMSF. Socratous explains the different ways that SMSF members can invest in property and what to consider when developing a strategy that fits the specific goals and circumstances of each investor. Listen as they discuss: How s
Women in Finance: Building a brand that lasts
There are so many amazingly successful women in the finance industry, but only a small number have a strong brand and online presence in this traditionally male-dominated industry. As we celebrate International Women's Day, we want to help more women raise their profile and showcase the incredible professionals in this space. In this episode, partnered by Mortgage Choice (part of the REA Grou
Part 2: Highlights from the SMSF Association National Conference
In this special two-part episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by a selection of prominent industry members at the SMSF Association National Conference. In part two, Scott Hay-Bartlem, chair of the SMSF Association and a partner at Cooper Grace Ward, joins to discuss the importance of bringing together the SMSF community. Katie Timms, director, SMSF services
Part 1: Highlights from the SMSF Association National Conference
In this special two-part episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by a selection of prominent industry members at the SMSF Association National Conference. In part one, Justin Micale, assistant commissioner, self managed super funds risk and strategy at the ATO, joins to discuss the Tax Office's illegal early access estimates that were announced at the conferen
Why trusts are not just for the wealthy
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Matthew Burgess, director of View Legal, to discuss the broader importance of trusts. Mr Burgess explains why, despite their perception as vehicle for the wealthy to minimise tax, trusts are a cornerstone of financial planning, providing flexibility, asset protection, and succession planning benefits that outw
The challenges for auditors in 2024
In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by Shelley Banton, head of education at ASF Audits, to discuss the issues impacting SMSF auditors. Ms Banton explains why the class action raised against auditors involved in the Melissa Caddick case should not be seen as a black mark against all within the sector, as well as what auditors should be doing to ensu
