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According to the SMSF Association, citing ATO data, more than 50,000 new SMSFs were established in 2025–26, a record. The June 2026 quarter alone saw 12,264 new funds.

SMSFs can be expensive to set up and run, and in some cases can cost more than retail and industry funds. It also notes that the lower a fund's starting balance, the greater the impact of fixed costs on overall returns.

According to the SMSF Association, citing ATO data, more than 50,000 new SMSFs were established in 2025–26, a record. The 35–44 age group was the largest cohort of new members.

According to the ATO's March 2026 quarterly statistics, 85 per cent of SMSF members are aged 45 or older, and total SMSFAssetsare estimated at $1.06 trillion. As balances grow and members age, estate planning naturally rises up the agenda.

However, he cautioned that over-reliance on AI could breach professional obligations. Dunn described appropriate uses as assembling, collating, cross-checking and monitoring information.

Class, which provides SMSF administration software, analysed funds on its platform. SMS Magazine reported that the share of funds recording non-concessional contributions rose from 17 per cent in 2022–23 to 19.3 per cent in 2024–25.

According to the ATO's SMSF quarterly statistical report for the March 2026 quarter, there were 672,805 SMSFs with 1,239,977 members. Total estimatedAssetswere $1.06 trillion.