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SMSF Resource
SMSF investment options are broader than property.
Shares and ETFs are only part of the picture. SMSFs may hold cash, listed investments, managed funds, precious metals, property, crypto, trusts, private company interests and other assets. The important thing is knowing what the fund holds, what category it belongs to, and what needs attention.
At a glance
Every asset creates an operating position.
Category
Evidence
Valuation
Income
Risk
Liquidity
Professional input
Strategy fit
SMSF Home helps trustees see the fund position, not just the asset list.
Investment areas
Different assets create different SMSF issues.
SMSF Home should help trustees separate simple holdings from assets that need deeper attention or professional review.
01
Cash and term deposits
Bank accounts, cash reserves and term deposits usually form the liquidity base of the fund.
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02
Listed shares
Australian and international shares create buy/sell history, dividends, tax statements and strategy review points.
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03
ETFs and managed funds
Pooled investments need statements, distribution records, platform reports and annual tax information kept visible.
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04
Fixed income
Bonds, notes and other income assets create maturity, interest, pricing and review considerations.
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05
Precious metals
Bullion and investment-grade metals need clear identity, purity, ownership, custody, insurance and valuation evidence.
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06
Property
Residential and commercial property create asset, income, expense, valuation and professional review issues. Business real property can also be a separate SMSF classification question where relevant.
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07
Crypto assets
Crypto can create exchange, wallet, custody, valuation, transaction and tax evidence issues.
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08
Unlisted companies
Private company shares need ownership, valuation, related-party and review context kept clear.
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09
Unit trusts and other trusts
Trust investments need distribution records, structure context, valuation and in-house asset awareness.
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10
Private credit or loans
Loans and private credit create borrower, security, repayment, valuation and related-party questions.
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11
Collectables
Collectables and personal use assets have specific storage, insurance, valuation and use issues.
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Questions trustees should surface
The asset list is not enough.
The fund needs to understand what sits behind each asset and when a professional conversation is needed.
01
Is the asset allowed by the fund deed and investment strategy?
02
What category does the asset belong to?
03
Is there a related-party or in-house asset issue?
04
Where does income, valuation and transaction evidence sit?
05
Does the asset need specialist professional review?
06
How does the asset affect liquidity, diversification and retirement planning?
High-attention assets
Some asset types should trigger extra care.
Crypto, private structures, collectables and related-party situations are not just “another holding.” They may need clearer evidence and professional review.
01
Crypto assets
02
Precious metals
03
Unlisted companies
04
Unit trusts
05
Private loans
06
Collectables
How SMSF Home helps
Your fund position should be visible across all asset types.
SMSF Home does not decide what the fund should invest in. It helps trustees keep the operating position clear.
01
Asset category
Separate cash, listed investments, property, crypto, private company interests, trusts and other asset classes.
02
Evidence position
Keep statements, transaction history, tax documents, valuation context and professional notes connected to the asset.
03
Professional pathway
Some assets may need accountant, adviser, auditor, lawyer or valuation input before they are easy to review.
04
Restriction awareness
Related-party, in-house asset and personal use issues should be visible enough to prompt professional attention.
05
Liquidity view
Trustees nearing pension or retirement need to understand how liquid or illiquid the fund position is.
06
Strategy context
The platform should help trustees see how each asset sits inside the wider fund position.
Bring the asset position home
Whatever your SMSF holds, the position should be clear.
Home Helper™ source and review record
Primary guidance sources
This educational summary is not a substitute for the current law, regulator guidance or advice based on the fund's circumstances. Use the primary sources below to check the rule and later changes.
- ATO - Investment strategy (opens in a new tab)
Source checked 2026-08-21
- ATO - What are the SMSF investment restrictions? (opens in a new tab)
Source checked 2026-08-21
- ATO - Valuation guidelines for self-managed super funds (opens in a new tab)
Source checked 2026-08-21
Resource version 1.0.0 / Content reviewed 2026-08-21