The SMSF Adviser Show

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 a trader and differing tax treatments.
• The importance of clear reporting and compliance.
• Methods for gaining exposure to crypto assets.
• Strategies to contend with market volatility. 

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 equity markets have been volatile, leading to some good opportunities, some bad opportunities, and a lot of sideways movement.

Listen as they discuss:

• The launch of the Remara Opportunistic Development Fund.
• Limitations on how SMSFs can invest in different asset classes.
• Navigating the complexities of the current market and utilising funds to reduce risk.

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 confusion, and the need to understand the grey area.

Tim Miller, SMSF technical and education manager at Smarter SMSF, also joins the show to break down the importance of understanding the nuances of different contribution strategies and explain how his contributions matrix can help make things easier.

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 products, but there is still more to be done.

In this podcast the speakers discuss:

• How advisers can assist clients with their retirement income calculations
• Understanding retirement products
• Tax implications for SMSFs in retirement streams
• Incapacity and death and trustee structure in an SMSF

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 Australian SMSF market. This year’s report highlights several trends that are likely to influence the future of the sector.

Listen as they discuss:

• The continued growth of the sector and its projections
• The unmet advice needs of SMSF members
• How the proposed Div 296 may impact funds
• Transition to retirement strategies and their impacts

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 contributions and pensions grows and how to deal with uncertainty through careful forward planning. Listen as they discuss:

• How clients are trying to preserve as much of their SMSF assets to pass on to their children.
• The impact that the $3 million super tax will play in designing strategies.
• Why CGT should be top of mind for small-business owners well before they enter retirement.

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 importance of professionals ensuring they work together to reach the best outcome for their clients.

Listen as they discuss:

• Why a project manager role is vital when professionals collaborate on a client’s estate planning.
• What SMSF advisers can learn from the mistakes of others.
• How taking a holistic approach can help avoid pitfalls in the estate planning process.

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 that the controversial elements, such as taxation of unrealised gains and the lack of indexation, might be fixed. Listen as they discuss:

• What the SMSF Association wants to see happen with Div 296 and why the current delays could be a good thing.
• How SMSF professionals can deal with the uncertainty that currently pervades the regulatory landscape.
• Whether there could be changes to the recent code of conduct for tax practitioners determination.

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 out when the time comes, particularly when they may not be aware that power of attorney can also come with SMSF trustee responsibilities.

Listen as they discuss:

• The role of an enduring power of attorney in the context of the definition of a SMSF.
• Why setting up a trusted professional as a “fund guardian” is an important consideration.
• How the two roles can work together in the member’s best interests.

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 path need to understand.

 

Listen as they discuss: • The most pressing considerations around invalidity and SMSFs. • Why it is important to understand the compliance rules related to SMSFs and insurance. • The role of beneficiaries in the context of recent legal challenges relating to spouses and de facto relationships.