News

Strategy

Underlying asset governance key to REIT funds

The corporate governance practices of the underlying companies in which a real estate investment trust (REIT) chooses to purchase shares is the most important factor to acknowledge when assessing the merits of these investment vehicles, according to a specialist fund manager.

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Estate Planning

Overlooking estate planning a danger

SMSF trustees must place greater importance on their estate planning arrangements and engage with a professional adviser, otherwise they could experience pitfalls and expensive court cases due to incorrect documentation.

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ATO, Strategy

Tax-effective strategies require forward planning

SMSF trustees need to have planned some tax minimisation strategies well in advance of the commencement of a pension, and also should allow for any future change in member circumstances, a superannuation technical specialist has warned.

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Strategy

Growth assets key to managing retirement risks

The only way to address inflation risk and longevity risk is to invest in growth assets, according to a leading financial author.

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Estate Planning

Non-lapsing BDBNs a better estate planning option

Putting in place a binding death benefit nomination (BDBN) that does not lapse after three years should be the preferred estate planning strategy for SMSF trustees, according to a specialist superannuation educator.

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Compliance & Regulation

ASIC cracks down on property spruiker

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has banned Park Trent Properties Group chief executive and director Ronald Cross from providing financial services for four years, after it was found he extensively and illegally publicised the purchase of investment properties through an SMSF to clients.

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Compliance & Regulation

ALP pledges to address retrospectivity

Rear view of a road from side mirror.

The federal opposition has promised to address the retrospective nature of the proposed changes to the superannuation system contained in the 2016 budget.

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Strategy

Asset mix key for transfer balance cap

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.

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Documentation

ATO authority a must for excess NCC refunds

Clients must ensure they have obtained a release authority from the ATO as any excess non-concessional contribution (NCC) amounts cannot be refunded without one, a superannuation technical services manager has said.

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Compliance & Regulation

Super consultation process to commence

Revenue and Financial Services Minister Kelly O’Dwyer has revealed the consultation process regarding exposure draft legislation for the proposed changes to the superannuation framework will begin very soon.

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