SMSF investments
SMSF investment options: what you can (and can't) hold
By easySMSF, SMSF Specialist Team · Updated
An SMSF can provide broad investment choice, but some administration platforms narrow that choice through a restricted broker or cash account. easySMSF supports Australian and international shares, ETFs, direct property, cash, term deposits and supported cryptocurrency while helping you manage the associated record-keeping and compliance work.
New FY kickoff — 50% off SMSF setup (limited time)
Limited-time new financial year offer — 50% off Individual and Corporate Trustee setup fees. Ends midnight AEST, 30 September 2026.
How SMSF investing works
Your SMSF is its own legal entity. The trustees (you and your members, or your corporate trustee) make every investment decision and execute trades in the fund's name. Cash sits in a fund-titled bank account; shares are held via a broker account in the fund's name; property is registered to the trustee 'as trustee for' the fund.
easySMSF can support opening an SMSF trading account with Interactive Brokers (IBKR), giving access to 150+ markets across 33 countries — global shares, ETFs, bonds, options and futures from a single account. easySMSF receives no brokerage commission, trading rebate or other financial benefit from your trading activity. You may also retain another supported broker. For property, your fund can buy outright, or use a Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangement (LRBA) through a bare trust for commercial (business real) property — new residential LRBAs are prohibited from 10 August 2026, with existing ones grandfathered.
The rules that matter most: the sole purpose test (no current-day use of fund assets), the related-party prohibition (s66 — generally can't buy from yourself or family), and the in-house asset cap (5% of fund value for any loan to or investment with a related party). Breach these and the ATO can tax the entire fund at 45%.
- Direct ASX and international shares via Interactive Brokers (IBKR)
- ETFs, managed funds, bonds, options and futures
- Residential and commercial (business real property) direct property
- Term deposits and high-interest cash accounts
- Gold, silver and other physical bullion
- Cryptocurrency held on supported Australian exchanges — CoinSpot, Swyftx, Coinstash, Bitaroo, Independent Reserve (no other exchanges, offshore accounts or private/hardware wallets)
- Limited Recourse Borrowing Arrangements (LRBAs) for commercial property, plus grandfathered residential loans
Our cryptocurrency policy — Australian exchanges only
easySMSF supports cryptocurrency held directly on five Australian regulated exchanges — CoinSpot, Swyftx, Coinstash, Bitaroo and Independent Reserve — in the fund's own name. We do not support any other exchanges, offshore crypto accounts, or private and hardware wallets.
Frequently asked questions
Ready to set up your SMSF?
A simpler online process, specialist administration and broad investment choice.
General advice warning
Figures shown are illustrative only and based on the inputs and assumptions you provide. They are general information, not personal financial product advice. Consider your objectives, financial situation and needs, and seek personal advice from a licensed financial adviser before acting. easySMSF does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFSL).
Free download
SMSF Investment Options Checklist (PDF)
A one-page trustee reference covering allowed assets, the sole purpose test, related-party rules, Investment Strategy requirements and the breaches that catch trustees out.
SMSF asset comparison
What's allowed, what the rules are, and where trustees most commonly trip up.
| Asset class | Allowed? | Rules & notes | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian & international shares / ETFs | Yes | Via IBKR SMSF account — 150+ markets. Direct ASX, US, UK, EU, Asian listings. | Market volatility, FX exposure for offshore holdings. |
| Residential property | Yes (cash purchase) | Must be bought outright — new LRBA borrowing for residential property is prohibited from 10 Aug 2026 (pre-existing loans grandfathered). Cannot be lived in or rented by members or related parties. Purchase from third parties only. | Illiquidity, concentration, LRBA loan compliance for grandfathered arrangements. |
| Business real property | Yes | Commercial premises used wholly in a business. Can be acquired from related party at market value and leased back at arm's-length rent. | Valuation rigour at each acquisition and lease review. |
| Cash & term deposits | Yes | Held in the fund's own bank account, titled 'as trustee for'. Required for pension drawdowns and liquidity. | Inflation erosion if over-weighted. |
| Cryptocurrency | Yes | Held directly on supported Australian exchanges (CoinSpot, Swyftx, Coinstash, Bitaroo, Independent Reserve) in the fund's name. Other exchanges, offshore accounts and private/hardware wallets not supported. | Extreme volatility — concentration must align with Investment Strategy. |
| Collectables (art, wine, classic cars) | Conditional | Permitted but cannot be used, displayed, or stored at a related party's premises. Insured in fund name within 7 days. | Strict storage, insurance and use rules — easy breach territory. |
| Loans to members or relatives | No (s65) | Strict-liability breach — never permitted under any circumstances. | Administrative penalty + potential non-complying status. |
| In-house assets (>5%) | Capped | Loans to / investments in / leases with related parties are capped at 5% of fund value (s71). | Excess must be disposed of by end of following year. |
The three rules every trustee must know
s62 SIS Act
Sole purpose test
Every asset must be held to provide retirement (or death) benefits — no current-day use, enjoyment or benefit for members or their relatives.
s66 SIS Act
Related-party rules
No acquiring assets from members or relatives, except listed shares and business real property at market value. All transactions arm's-length.
Reg 4.09
Investment Strategy
A written, regularly reviewed strategy covering risk, return, diversification, liquidity, ability to pay liabilities and member insurance.
Ready to put a strategy in place? Start your SMSF setup →