Gap in advice on SMSF
There is considerable demand for advice from self-managed super fund (SMSF) investors on various matters that are not currently being met, new research showed.
The Investment Trends/Morningstar report compiled for the SMSF Association showed almost 15 per cent of the 2085 investors surveyed are demanding advice mainly around investment strategy.
Morningstar director of manager research Asia-Pacific, Grant Kennaway, said the research clearly indicates SMSF specialists should capitalise on the opportunity to advise on various issues including tax planning, the age pension, retirement planning and setting up an SMSF.
"There's clearly strong market demand for all types of advice, including independent investment research, and a real opportunity for those businesses capable of meeting it," he said.
Titled the ‘SMSF Investor Product Needs Report' it showed more SMSF investors are concentrating on growth assets, including looking for investment opportunities offshore.
The survey of 2681 investors with an SMSF showed there are ‘green shoots' as investors think about growth.
"For the past few years, the pendulum has been on the fear side; it was moving back towards optimism, but a lot of caution has emerged in 2014," the report said.
Investment Trends senior analyst Recep Peker said 23 per cent of respondents said maximising capital growth is their top investment aim over the next year, the highest in the past six years.
"Those SMSF investors wanting to balance growth and managing risk stood at 32 per cent in 2014, the second highest number over this six-year period (it stood at 34 per cent in 2013)," Peker said.
Recommended for you
Financial Services Council chief executive, Blake Briggs, is urging Minister for Financial Services, Stephen Jones, to take advantage of the QAR opportunity to reduce regulatory duplication and ensure advice is affordable.
Former chair of the House of Representatives’ Standing Economics Committee, Tim Wilson, is planning a return to politics after losing his seat in the 2022 federal election.
Morningstar is going to offer research ratings of funds in the $3.5 trillion superannuation sector for the first time in response to demand from financial advisers.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has opened a consultation into the design of the annual superannuation performance test, canvassing views on a range of reform options.
