Westpac said it has reduced the maximum interest-only repayment term from 10 years to 5 years for its SMSF loans.

The bank also introduced a minimum $200,000 liquid assets requirement for SMSF loans upon application, stressing that there will be no exceptions to this requirement.

There have also been updates made by Westpac to the SMSF loans application process.

“The Statutory Declaration by SMSF Trustee document has been updated to clarify that independent financial and legal advice is to be obtained before settlement,” the bank said.

Westpac said the changes have been implemented to “protect the interests of its customers and ensure it continues to meet its regulatory requirements”.