We are currently in an investment environment that continues to evolve, where traditional models and assumptions are being challenged. Investors should now explore new ways to balance the risk and return of their wealth allocation.
The Shift toward Self-Managed Super Funds..
The shift toward Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) has reached significant milestones in Australia. According to the ATO’s March 2026 figures, both fund and member numbers have hit record highs, marking the strongest March 2026 quarter ever recorded for the sector:
- 672,805 SMSFs and 1,239,977 members (new records).
- Net assets steady at approximately $1.02 trillion.
- 44.5 SMSFs per adviser, more than double the 2018 level.
Who is Driving the Shift?
These figures show the fastest-growing demographic for new funds is the 35 to 44 age bracket, a long-term client base just beginning their journey. Simultaneously, a rising share of established funds has members moving into the drawdown phase, requiring specialised retirement-phase advice.
With both these aspects of the client wealth-building lifecycle, and with $7.76 billion shifting from Industry Funds into SMSFs over the past year, more Australians are taking direct control of their superannuation.
The Shartru Way: Tailored Wealth Allocation and the Harbourside MDA
At Shartru Wealth Management, we believe this is where professional advice matters most. Depending on a client’s specific situation and acting in their best interest, we recommend SMSFs as a vehicle to provide greater control and transparency for clients. This environment allows investors to build portfolios from a broad range of assets tailored to their individual goals. The Shartru Way is not only looking at using SMSFs but also understanding the benefits of using the Harbourside Investment Management MDA. The MDA pathway allows money to be managed in bulk very efficiently, with portfolios still being tailored to the client’s needs, which is unlike the retail and industry super fund environment.
If you are interested in knowing more about the Shartru Way of investing and understanding the benefits of serving agility to your clients with dynamic asset allocation, allowing managers to take full advantage of emerging opportunities, manage risk and rebalance across clients at one time, reach out for a chat at any time!
Sources:
- Padua Wealth Data Weekly Newsletter – 17th of June 2026
- Australian Taxation Office (ATO) – March 2026 Quarterly Report
This information is general advice and does not take account of investors’ objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this general advice, investors should therefore consider the appropriateness of the advice having regard to their objectives, financial situation or needs.
Written by Catherine Huff
General Manager – Shartru Wealth
