The other asset categories ESUPERFUND can administer for your SMSF, and the conditions that apply to each.
Beyond shares, ETFs, crypto and property, ESUPERFUND can administer SMSFs that hold cash and term deposits, unlisted managed funds, listed and unlisted bonds, physical metals, and market instruments such as options, warrants, CFDs, foreign exchange and ASX IPOs.
Each category comes with its own conditions, and some structures within a category are not accepted. The definitive list is Allowed and Disallowed Investments. An investment that is not listed there is not permitted for ESUPERFUND clients.
Grouped the way most trustees think about them. Each entry links to its current detail page. Confirm the category on the allowed list before you invest.
Transaction and savings accounts for the fund. ESUPERFUND has arrangements with ANZ for the transaction account and ING for savings.
How the SMSF transaction account worksAny term deposit provider may be used. An arrangement with ING lets you apply through the Client Portal; using ING is not compulsory.
How SMSF term deposits work
Australian and international unlisted managed funds, with a fund manager you choose. WRAP accounts and separately managed accounts (SMAs) are not accepted.
Managed funds conditions
Bonds traded on an Australian exchange through a permitted broker. Check the current broker arrangement before you trade.
Listed bondsOnly through an Australian based provider, with the account opened in the SMSF's name rather than the trustees' personal names.
Unlisted bonds conditions
Only through an Australian based provider, with the account in the SMSF's name. Metals that count as collectables carry extra storage and insurance rules.
How investing in physical metals works
Listed and unlisted options are both allowed categories.
Listed optionsASX-listed warrants, traded through a permitted broker named on the warrants page.
How warrants workLeveraged contracts where losses can exceed the margin deposited. CMC Markets is the arranged provider. Read the risks before you open an account.
CFD risks for SMSFsCurrency trading within the fund. CMC Markets is the arranged FX provider.
Foreign exchangeInitial public offerings for companies that are to be listed on the ASX.
IPOs
The allowed list also includes unlisted private companies and trusts, loans made by the SMSF, and some other assets within legal limits. Strict SMSF rules apply, so confirm with ESUPERFUND before you proceed.
Other assets on the allowed listCollectables and personal-use assets, other than physical metals. WRAP accounts and SMAs. Any investment that is not on the allowed list.
See what is disallowedA category being allowed does not mean every product, provider or structure in it is. These are the conditions most likely to affect a decision.
These platforms hold their own banking and trading arrangements, so ESUPERFUND cannot receive the trading and transaction data it needs.
Managed funds conditionsOverseas providers commonly open accounts in the trustees' personal names, which breaches SMSF rules. If a provider will not open the account in the SMSF's name, it cannot be used.
Physical metalsUnlisted bondsCollectable metals cannot be stored in the private residence of a member or their associate, and must be insured in the SMSF's name within 7 days of purchase. Home delivery of any metals is not recommended, as the auditor may be unable to verify the holding.
Metals as collectablesLosses can exceed your deposit. Positions can be closed on a margin call, and over-the-counter contracts carry counterparty risk without exchange or central clearing protection.
CFD risks for SMSFsCollectables and personal-use assets, other than physical metals, are not accepted. If a fund buys a prohibited asset, ESUPERFUND reserves the right to stop acting for it immediately.
Allowed and Disallowed InvestmentsShort answers, with links to the pages that hold the detail.
Only if it appears on Allowed and Disallowed Investments. ESUPERFUND clients are not allowed to invest in anything that is not listed as an allowable investment. Super law may permit assets that the ESUPERFUND service does not support.
It depends on the category. For term deposits, the current page says using ING is not compulsory. For some other categories, the detail pages name a permitted broker.
Check the allowed list and the relevant detail page, and ask ESUPERFUND to confirm before you open an account.
Collectable metals cannot be stored in the private residence of a member or their associate. For other physical metals, ESUPERFUND's guidance is that home storage is not recommended, because the auditor is likely to qualify their opinion when a holding cannot be independently verified. Read the metals guidance.
No. ESUPERFUND administers your SMSF and does not provide financial product advice. As trustee, you decide whether an investment suits your fund's Investment Strategy. Consider independent professional advice for your circumstances.
