Accountants were also an important source of advice, particularly for those going into SMSFs, but their hold has declined slightly, down from 9.3 per cent in 2010 to 8.2 per cent in 2014.

Financial planners and accountants were used by 71.0 per cent of people who moved to an SMSF, whereas only 43.3 per cent of those moving to a major retail fund used a professional for advice.

Advice regarding industry funds was well below both these groups, with only 13.2 per cent getting advice from a professional before moving across.

The research also found that people with higher superannuation balances and incomes tend to seek advice from financial planners and accountants about switching funds.

The median amount in superannuation for those using financial planners and accountants was $102,000, compared with a median of just $44,000 for people not seeking advice.