AnInvestment Strategysets out what your SMSF can invest in. When Superannuation Warehousesets up a new SMSF, we will issue you with an Investment-Strategy, which you can edit to reflect your investment choices.
A good Investment Strategy will give you a wide range of choices of assets to invest in. It’s a good idea to consider a wide range of investments to invest in, both locally and overseas consisting of cash, shares and property. Even if you plan on the short term to invest only in cash, it’s a good idea to have a wider investment strategy so the investment strategy does not limit the investment choices you can make.
To see our sampleInvestment-Strategy, click here.
Definition
An investment strategy is a detailed financial plan made by the Trustees of an SMSF based on consideration of theSole Purposeof the Fund. It takes into account the current and future financial needs of each of the fund members and all investments need to be made and maintained on an arm’s length basis.
Investment Strategy legal requirements
Under the Act,a Trustee of the SMSF is solely responsible and directly accountable for the management of the Members’ benefits. The Trustee has a duty to make, carry out and document decisions about investing the assets of the SMSF and to carefully monitor performance. This duty involves formulating and implementing an investment strategy.
The majority of Trustees setting up an SMSF cite control of investments as their driving factor in setting up an SMSF.As a Trustee of the SMSF, you are required by law to prepare and implement an investment strategy for your SMSF and review it on an ongoing basis.
The investment strategy must have regard to the whole circ*mstance of the SMSF, including:
(i) the risk involved in making, holding and realising the SMSF’s investments, and the likely return from these investments, having regard to the SMSF’s objectives and expected cash flow requirements;
(ii) the composition of the SMSF’s investments as a whole, including the extent to which the investments are diverse or involve the entity in being exposed to risks from insufficient diversification;
(iii) the liquidity of the SMSF’s investments having regard to its expected cash flow requirements such as payment of tax, superannuation surcharge liability of the members, lump sum benefits if a member leaves the SMSF, or regular pension payments;
(iv) the ability of the SMSF to discharge its existing and prospective liabilities.
Investment Objectives, Risk and Diversification
The objective for the SMSF should be a benchmark e.g. to obtain an average yield from all investments of 6%. In setting the objective, consider the needs of each member, the age to retirement for each member, your risk profile and growth targets. If the risk levels are different for members in the SMSF, consider segregating member accounts or setting up a separate SMSF.
Risk is a possibility of loss on an investment. There is a strong correlation between risk and return. This means that the Trustee must determine an acceptable level of risk and volatility of the returns in the light of the SMSF’s circ*mstances.
Diversification in investments is desirable to disperse and manage risk and reduce the volatility of the returns on the investments. It can be achieved by spreading investments over a number of individual assets, classes of assets, countries or investment managers. It may be difficult to achieve diversification in the early stages when there is limited amount of funds to be invested.
Some Trustees have not given due consideration to diversifying their fund’s investments. Lack of diversification can expose the SMSF and its members to unnecessary risk, so the SMSF investment strategy must meetdiversification requirements.
Property Investments
An SMSF can invest in property locally or overseas, and you can invest in commercial or residential property. The purchase could be outright using cash or using a limited recourse borrowing arrangement. When investing inoverseas property, you might have to use a foreign company to facilitate the investment. Keep in mind, income from overseas properties will be subject toforeign exchange rates.
When investing in commercial property with your SMSF, you canacquire a property, pay an arm’s length rent amount from your business and claim a tax deduction towards funding your own retirement. Remember no personal use for residential properties in an SMSF.
Paying Expenses
The Trustees need to maintain sufficient liquidity topay taxes of the fund(income, capital gains, GST, PAYG and contributions tax) and ensure that other expenses such as administration expenses, brokers fees, stamp duty and legal fees are paid on a timely basis to avoid late fees, penalties and interests.
Insurance
Trustees should consider the death and disability insurance needs of each member. Insurance can be held within an SMSF. See ourarticle on insuranceswhen transferring funds from a retail fund.
Investment name
Always have all investments of the SMSF in the name of the SMSF. The Fund have title over all assets in own, so you can not have an SMSF asset in your own name. It has to be in the name of the SMSF.
Audits
SMSFs are required to have anannual independent audit. The Auditor will review the investments by the Trustees to ensure they are consistent with the investment strategy. If the SMSF does not have an investment strategy the auditor will raise this point.
Summary
When setting up a new SMSF we will issue you with an Investment Strategy. You can tailor this to your own needs and this should be tailored on an ongoing basis.
To view our sample investment strategy,click hereand for other documents you can use,click here (e.g. Trustee Declaration and Financial Statements).
As an expert in self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) and investment strategies, it's essential to understand the intricacies of creating and maintaining a robust financial plan within the framework of SMSFs. My depth of knowledge stems from years of hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of the legal and financial requirements governing SMSFs.
The provided article delves into the critical aspects of an Investment Strategy for SMSFs. Let's break down the concepts used:
Investment Strategy Definition and Legal Requirements:
- Definition: An investment strategy for an SMSF is a detailed financial plan created by the Trustees based on the Sole Purpose of the Fund.
- Legal Responsibilities: Trustees are solely responsible and directly accountable for managing members' benefits. They must formulate and implement an investment strategy in compliance with legal requirements.
Components of Investment Strategy:
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Risk Considerations:
- Evaluate the risk involved in making, holding, and realizing SMSF investments.
- Consider likely returns, objectives, and expected cash flow requirements.
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Diversification:
- Spread investments over various assets, classes, countries, or managers to manage risk.
- Lack of diversification exposes the SMSF to unnecessary risk.
Investment Objectives, Risk, and Diversification:
- Objective Setting:
- Establish benchmarks, e.g., aiming for an average yield of 6%, considering members' needs, age to retirement, risk profile, and growth targets.
- Consider segregating member accounts or setting up a separate SMSF if risk levels differ.
Property Investments:
- Property Investment:
- SMSFs can invest in local or overseas properties, either outright or using limited recourse borrowing arrangements.
- Income from overseas properties is subject to foreign exchange rates.
Paying Expenses:
- Maintaining Liquidity:
- Ensure sufficient liquidity to pay taxes, administration expenses, broker fees, stamp duty, and legal fees on time.
Insurance:
- Consideration of Insurance Needs:
- Trustees should consider death and disability insurance needs for each member, which can be held within an SMSF.
Investment Name and Audits:
- Investment Name:
- All SMSF investments must be in the name of the SMSF to maintain clear ownership.
- Audits:
- SMSFs require an annual independent audit to review investments, ensuring consistency with the investment strategy.
Summary:
- Tailoring the Strategy:
- The article emphasizes tailoring the Investment Strategy to individual needs.
- Ongoing Review:
- Regularly review and update the strategy to adapt to changing circ*mstances.
In conclusion, a well-crafted Investment Strategy is crucial for SMSFs, considering factors such as risk, diversification, property investments, liquidity, insurance, and legal compliance. This ensures the fund aligns with members' objectives while adhering to regulatory requirements.
