SMSF Awards 2020

It has been another tumultuous year for the SMSF sector, with the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting economic downturn impacting everything from investment to compliance. The ATO and the SMSF sector in general has worked tirelessly to address some of the unforeseen issues arising from the current environment. As always, SMSF professionals and their clients have relied heavily on SMSF service providers to guide them through this period of change. Partnering with firms that are adaptable and agile is critical at the moment and has a direct impact on the confidence and satisfaction of clients. 

Now in its seventh year, the SMSF Awards recognises the excellence and innovation of the best performing operators servicing SMSF professionals. The winners are based on a survey which was distributed to SMSF Adviser’s database of SMSF professionals. The results were collated and determined by an independent analyst. 

GLOBAL EQUITIES FUND MANAGER WINNER: MAGELLAN 

Highly commended: Vanguard

Global equities are an important asset class for many SMSF clients, particularly those looking to further diversify their portfolio. Finding quality investments with promising return growth can be extremely difficult in the global equities market, particularly in this highly volatile and uncertain period. Professional fund managers play an important role in helping SMSF advisers and their clients achieve this while minimising the risks in their portfolio. 

SMSF INSURANCE PROVIDER WINNER: AIA AUSTRALIA

Highly commended: Zurich 

Insurance is an important part of superannuation, particularly with the requirements for SMSF trustees to consider their insurance needs on an annual basis. SMSFs tend to have more specific needs in terms of insurance, so it is important insurance providers are able to offer products that can be tailored to the specific circumstances of SMSF clients. This year’s winner, AIA Australia, first launched its SMSF-focused product, the SMSF Master Insurance Plan, over nine years ago.