minimum cost-effective balance for SMSFs<\/a>.<\/p>\nThe SMSF Association, which commissioned the report, said that while this latest research supports the regulatory focus on fund size, it also suggests that current regulatory guidance around minimum SMSF balances is poorly calibrated.<\/p>\n
The association referred to guidance issued by ASIC on the disclosure of SMSF costs, INFO 206, which states that \u201con average, SMSFs with balances below $500,000 have lower returns after expenses and tax than funds regulated by APRA\u201d.\u00a0<\/p>\n
SMSF Association chief executive John Maroney said that the research data revealed no material differences in performance patterns for SMSFs between $200,000 and $500,000.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe notion that smaller SMSFs in this range deliver materially lower investment returns, on average, than larger SMSFs in this range, is not supported by the research results,\u201d said Mr Maroney.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe research results suggest a more appropriate threshold is $200,000.\u201d<\/p>\n
In its conclusion, the report stated that the research supports \u201ca reconsideration of the regulatory priorities which govern the SMSF sector\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn our opinion, there is sufficient evidence to suggest that SMSF investment performance is largely on par with that of APRA funds. Our results show that ASIC\u2019s existing emphasis on minimum SMSF balances of $500,000 is excessively conservative and can be recalibrated to $200,000,\u201d it stated.<\/p>\n
The research also found that when compared to the rate of return (ROR) performance measure used by APRA to calculate investment returns for APRA-regulated superannuation funds, the ATO\u2019s calculation of SMSF returns produces lower estimates of investment returns, all else being equal.<\/p>\n
Mr Maroney said that most of the differences arise because the ATO\u2019s calculation is based on data derived from SMSF annual returns, whereas APRA uses information from superannuation fund financial statements.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe research study overcomes this\u00a0by using SMSF financial statement data to calculate an annual ROR for each fund in the data sample,\u201d he stated.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen comparable data inputs and calculation methodologies are used, the median investment performance of SMSFs, particularly those with balances of $200,000 or more and which are not heavily invested in cash, was very competitive with APRA regulated funds during the period in question.\u201d<\/p>\n
Not only does the research cast new light on the performance of SMSFs compared with APRA-regulated funds, said Mr Maroney, it \u201calso illustrates why\u00a0the ATO\u2019s published SMSF investment returns should not be used to compare the performance of the SMSF sector with other sectors\u201d.<\/p>\n
University of Adelaide Professor Ralf Zurbruegg said the way in which the ATO calculates SMSF performance is different to how APRA calculates the performance of APRA regulated funds.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhen we account for the differences in how the performance of these funds is calculated, neither APRA regulated superannuation funds nor SMSFs with balances above $200,000 consistently under or out-perform each other,\u201d Mr Zurbruegg stated.<\/p>\n
The research also found that\u00a0SMSFs\u00a0generate greater variation in\u00a0fund-level performance relative to APRA-regulated superannuation funds.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe greater variation in fund-level performance, and a higher tendency to outperform relative to APRA-regulated funds, presents opportunities for advisers to add value and deliver higher rates of return for suitable superannuation investors,\u201d said Mr Maroney.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt also presents opportunities for advisers to assist those SMSF investors who have a higher tendency to underperform.\u201d<\/p>\n
The research report noted that there is strong evidence from the research to warrant a focus on trustee education around the risks and limitations of inefficient investment management.<\/p>\n
\u201cIdentifying and helping at-risk cohorts, such as small cash-heavy funds or under-diversified funds, offers a promising way forward for lifting standards and improving headline performance outcomes for the SMSF sector overall,\u201d the report stated.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/p>\n
\n
Miranda Brownlee
\n15 February 2022
\nsmsfadviser.com<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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