The SMSF Association, the foremost knowledge centre in the SMSF sector, has lined up an impressive array of speakers for its annual State Technical Conference series that begins in Sydney on 2 August.
The conferences take on added significance this year in the wake of the recent federal Budget that introduced the biggest raft of changes to superannuation since the 2007 Budget.
Held in all mainland capital cities, the event is keenly awaited by SMSF Specialists who relish the opportunity to learn about the proposed changes to industry standards and regulations, as well as getting an in-depth legislative update. There are also invaluable opportunities to build networks.
After Sydney, the conferences will be held Melbourne on 3 August, Brisbane on 4 August, Adelaide on 9 August and Perth on 11 August.
SMSF experts will address seven issues of topical interest in a comprehensive technical program that includes:
– 2016: What you need to know
– Contributions: Maximising the retirement nest egg
– Help or hindrance? Ensuring the trust deed supports your clients’ super
– Borrowing arrangements: What to watch out for;
– Keeping your distance: Non-arm’s length income;
– Pension arrangements for the super savvy;
– Death and Estate Planning
Association Managing Director/CEO Andrea Slattery says: “Our technical conferences are a highlight on the SMSF industry calendar. Specialist members embrace the technical focus in this day-long program, appreciating the information that keeps them abreast of the latest developments in the industry.
“It is particularly significant this year following the announcements in the recent Budget. It was a reminder that our industry is constantly changing, whether legislatively or regulatory, across all the professions in our superannuation sector, and as such these conferences give our members the opportunity to get expert analysis about what’s happening.
“Considering the enormity of the changes, it’s never been more important for advisors to have the capacity to provide competent, up-to-date specialist SMSF advice and services. Certainly trustees who are engaged with their retirement savings are more likely to seek advice following these changes.”
Slattery says the conferences also give SMSF Specialists the opportunity to speak with their peers about industry developments, and how their individual businesses are responding.
“A lot of effort has gone into this year’s technical program to ensure the sessions are lively, stimulating and challenging, with a strong focus on how the Budget has moved the goal posts and what this means in practice for trustees.
“It has been designed in response to feedback to ‘make it technical, relevant and practical’, which has been achieved through the assessment of industry needs, the inclusion of practical case studies, and an emphasis on interactivity.
“These state technical conferences have come to play an integral role in underpinning the Association’s commitment to professionalism in the SMSF sector by supporting our members to continually improve their skill sets for the ultimate benefit of their clients.”
