SMS003 SMSF Strategic Advice

This course is no longer accepting new student applications. Single subject enrolments will be open until Study Period 6 2022. Contact us for further details.

This subject focuses on issues involved when applying valuation methodologies and processes in valuing a business, as well as providing an understanding of where strategic advice opportunities exist for trustees/members that have SMSFs or are interested in setting one up. It examines the steps required to realise each of the opportunities explored using examples and case studies and explores complex strategies that can be utilised by an SMSF at various stages of its lifecycle.

Individuals conduct an in-depth analysis of the sophisticated financial instruments available and how they can assist with achieving SMSF fund goals and objectives. The assessments provide individuals an opportunity to apply their learnings via conceptual and case-study based short- and long-answer questions.

For more information, please refer to the subject outline.

  • Learning Outcomes
    • At the completion of this subject, students should be able to:

      • Elaborate on the differences and similarities between SMSF strategic financial advice and comprehensive SMSF financial advice, with reference to the literature.
      • Research and explain the strategic purpose of a range of contemporary SMSF strategies.
      • Model a range of strategies to achieve fund/trustee objectives.
      • Explain to trustees the identified strategy, the associated benefits, risks and restrictions and how it supports the SMSF strategic objective.
  • Subject Content
    • Topic Title
      Topic 1 Identifying SMSF strategic advice opportunities
      Topic 2 Limited recourse borrowing arrangements
      Topic 3 Alternatives to gearing
      Topic 4 Insurance inside versus outside an SMSF
      Topic 5 Investment strategies in an SMSF
      Topic 6 Small business CGT relief
      Topic 7 SMSF estate planning
      Topic 8 Pensions
      Topic 9 Personal succession
  • CPD
  • Duration
    • The duration of this subject is one study period (12 weeks).

  • Assessment
  • Pre-requisites
    • There are no prerequisites for this subject. However, individuals should review the ‘Assumed Knowledge’ tab to understand the prior knowledge Kaplan Professional advises they should hold before enrolling in this subject.

  • Assumed Knowledge
    • Whilst there are no prerequisites for this subject, Kaplan Professional assumes that students have completed SMS001 SMSF Best Practice and SMS002 Understanding SMSF Trustees, or understand the content covered in those subjects, prior to undertaking SMS003 SMSF Strategic Advice.

  • Course transition subject equivalence
    • Individuals may not be required to complete this subject if they have transitioned from a SIA/Finsia/Kaplan Professional course and have completed the following subjects:

      • there are no equivalences for this subject.
  • Reading List
    • Prescribed Text

      Leow, J, Murphy, S & CCH Australia Limited 2019, Australian Master Superannuation Guide 2019/20, 23rd edn, Sydney, CCH Australia, North Ryde

      Retailers of educational books include Co-op Bookshop and Boffins Bookshop. Texts can also be borrowed from the Kaplan library or other libraries. Details of required and further reading are provided in the subject room.  Purchase of any text other than a prescribed text is not required.