What can an SMSF invest in?

One popular reason people consider a self-managed super fund (SMSF) is the flexibility to choose how retirement savings are invested.

Unlike many retail and industry super funds, an SMSF gives you access to a wide range of investment options, provided they comply with superannuation laws and your fund's investment strategy.

SMSF investment options

An SMSF can invest in a broad range of assets, including:

• Australian shares and ETFs

• International shares and ETFs

• Managed funds

• Residential and commercial property

• Cash and term deposits

• Bonds

• Cryptocurrency

• Precious metals

• Collectables (subject to additional rules)

• Venture capital and startup investments

• Other investments permitted under superannuation law

The right mix will depend on your SMSF's objectives and strategy.

Things to consider before investing

While SMSFs offer flexibility, trustees are responsible for ensuring every investment remains fully compliant.

Before investing, it's important to consider if:

• The investment aligns with your SMSF's investment strategy

• Your trust deed allows the investment

• SMSF assets are separated from your personal assets

• Transactions are conducted on arm's length terms

• It’s meeting the sole purpose test of providing retirement benefits

• There’s diversification across your portfolio

• The liquidity of your investments and the fund's ongoing obligations

As an SMSF trustee, you'd be responsible for making sure these factors are considered. 

How Stake Super can help

Stake Super supports a wide range of asset classes while simplifying the admin that comes with running an SMSF.

Thinking of investing your super in shares, ETFs or property? Our team can help you keep your SMSF on track, so you can stay focused on your investments.

Want to learn more?

Find out more about investing through an SMSF. 

Get started online or speak to a Stake Super specialist.

This is not financial product advice, nor a recommendation that a self-managed super fund (‘SMSF’) may be suitable for you. Your personal circumstances have not been taken into account. SMSFs have different risks and features compared to traditional superannuation funds regulated by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (‘APRA’). Stake SMSF Pty Ltd, trading as Stake Super, is not licensed to provide financial product advice under the Corporations Act. This specifically applies to any financial products which are established if you instruct Stake Super to set up an SMSF. When you sign up to Stake Super, you are contracting with Stake SMSF Pty Ltd who will assist in the establishment and administration of an SMSF under a ‘no advice model’. You will also be referred to Stakeshop Pty Ltd to enable your trading account and bank account to be set up in order to use the Stake Website and/or App. For more information about SMSFs, see our SMSF Risks page.

Ciara Conway

Commercial Manager - Stake Super

Ciara is a Commercial Manager at Stake Super, with over 10 years of experience in the SMSF industry and an MA in Accountancy and Finance from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Having previously worked at a chartered accounting firm and one of the largest SMSF administrators in Australia, Ciara has extensive knowledge of SMSF compliance. She is also a current member of the SMSF Association.