The SMSF Awards, an initiative of SMSF Adviser, create a benchmark for success in the rapidly growing SMSF sector. The awards serve as an important mechanism for Australian SMSF professionals and trustees to measure SMSF services and product providers.
Institutions across the country were assessed across a range of categories, including product, service, support and satisfaction.
Global financial powerhouses through to small, specialised organisations won recognition across 13 award categories.
Macquarie and Macquarie Investment Management were the stand-out performers, winning five award categories including Fixed Income Provider, Australian Equities Provider, SMSF Term Deposit Provider, Investment Platform Provider and SMSF Loan Provider.
Alongside Macquarie’s strong performance, other award winners included Topdocs for SMSF Deed Provider; Multiport for SMSF Administrator; and ASF Audits for SMSF Audit Provider.
SMSFs continue to be the fastest growing segment in the financial services sector, with the latest Australian Taxation Office statistics showing that there are now over half a million self-directed funds.
According to the publisher of SMSF Adviser, Russell Stephenson, there was a 26.6 per cent growth in SMSF members over the last four year period – which is a massive gain.
“Considering this rapid acceleration the need to service the needs of trustees with timely, accurate and honest assessments of industry service providers and product manufactures has never been more timely.
“The SMSF Awards offer a unique insight into the sentiments of SMSF professionals – planners, advisers, accountants and other participants. They serve as an important benchmarking metric and are an important accolade for recognising success in this bourgeoning sector.”
A robust process was employed to determine the award categories, nominees, survey methodology and winners. Over 760 professionals responded to a detailed survey conducted in April 2014.
As part of the research process, SMSF Adviser worked with an advisory board comprising four leading, client-facing SMSF practitioners: Jenny Brown, Director, JBS Financial Strategists; Deborah Kent, Director, Integra Financial Services; Matthew Kidd, Managing Director, Omniwealth; and Tim Mackay, Principal, Quantum Financial.
The research methodology was designed, managed and assessed by Dr Florence Lau, Sterling Publishing’s in-house research analyst.
For the full list of winners and highly commended companies, plus full commentary on the SMSF Awards 2014, pick up a copy of the July 2014 SMSF Adviser which hits desk today.
If you would like to request a copy of the July SMSF Adviser, please call 02 8045 2050 or email amber.stofka@sterlingpublishing.com.au
