In a hotly contested category, judges deemed SMSF Adviser the most effective launch of the year, referencing its focused editorial content and targeted distribution.

“Clean lines, clear message and sharply targeted. Good use of industry experts,” the judging panel concluded in its summing up.

In taking out the Launch of the Year title, SMSF Adviser was pitched against consumer, business and specialist custom magazines.

According to Russell Stephenson, publisher of SMSF Adviser, recognition of the magazine as Australia’s best is a testament to the work the team has undertaken to truly understand its market and the needs of its readers.

“We’ve invested heavily in this product, leveraging our financial services publishing experience to create a magazine that adds immense value to its readers,” Mr Stephenson said.

“Our talented editorial team has worked tirelessly to engage the industry and build a greater sense of community within the SMSF advice sector while championing industry professionalism.”

Mr Stephenson said the magazine – along with the website www.smsfadviseronline.com.au – served as a backbone to the growth and development of the sector, giving the industry a greater voice with which to debate key issues, increase professionalism and share best practice.

“It’s great to have these efforts endorsed by the award judges, confirming that our approach and commitment to this market is getting results.

“The print magazine and website have quickly become the 'turn to' resource for market insights and analysis. These resources are an essential tool for planners, advisers, accountants, lawyers and other SMSF professionals seeking strategies to effectively grow their businesses,” he said.

Mr Stephenson added that peer-to peer-learning was an increasingly important area for SMSF Adviser and that the publication would continue to focus on creating additional platforms for industry engagement.

“One of our key objectives has been to create a greater sense of community within the sector and we look forward to playing our part in giving the industry greater direction and cohesiveness,” he said.

The Adviser, part of the Sterling Publishing stable and sister title to SMSF Adviser, was also recognised as Business Magazine of the Year for the second year running. The magazine and website www.theadviser.com.au focus on the rapidly-evolving third party mortgage distribution sector.