Govt keeping 'an open mind' on SMSF lending
Investors who wish to borrow within their self-managed super fund (SMSF) to purchase property will be able to continue to do so for now, but the government is investigating its future policy options.
Assistant treasurer Josh Frydenberg has given insight into areas the government may be exploring as it assesses the Financial System Inquiry's recommendation to ban borrowing in super.
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Speaking at the SMSF Association’s national conference in Melbourne last week, Senator Frydenberg acknowledged that the future of borrowing in superannuation is an “important and sensitive” issue for the SMSF sector.
“However, we do need to get the policy setting right and bear in mind that a valid consideration is that super is intended to generate a reliable and sustainable retirement income,” he said.
Senator Frydenberg said the government intends to consult on this recommendation with “an open mind” and added that the government’s intention is to explore “the full range” of options in this area.
“For example, should personal guarantees by self-managed super fund trustees be banned?” he said.
“Should we be doing more to improve the standards of advice given to SMSF trustees considering leveraged investments?
“These are all important issues for the industry to continue to provide government with their views.
“We will consult with all parties to ensure that we are in a position to make a fully informed decision that serves the best long-term interest of consumers and delivers a financial system which is as resilient as possible to economic and financial shocks.”
