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A recent article in the Australian Financial Review reported on the increasing popularity of exchange traded funds (ETFs) as an investment option for SMSFs.
Trustees should be aware that if they intentionally or even accidentally invest in an asset type not permitted under the fund's investment strategy, the trustees will be in contravention of the investment strategy and, likely, the governing rules of the SMSF.
Aside from the legislative requirement, this highlights the importance of regularly reviewing a fund's investment strategy.
Cassandra Townsend, Thomson ReutersIn our earlier ClearLaw article titled "The importance of a comprehensive SMSF investment strategy", our lawyers at Maddocks outlined the SIS Act and Regulations requirements around SMSF investment strategies.
Under the law, a trustee must regularly review the fund's investment strategy. If a fund's investments are not consistent with that strategy, the trustee can:
You can read about how to vary your fund's investment strategy on our website.
You can read earlier ClearLaw articles on a range of SMSF topics.
Julian Smith is a partner in the Maddocks Commercial team.
Julian advises extensively in the following areas:
Julian advises clients ranging from public companies servicing the wholesale financial services market to high net worth individuals and their advisers.
Julian has been with Maddocks since undertaking articles in 2001.
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For more information, contact Maddocks on (03) 9258 3555 and ask to speak to a member of their team.