SMSF

For years, SMSFs were associated with people at or near retirement. That is shifting fast. Those aged under 50 now account for nearly 70% of new SMSFs, and the 25–44 band makes up about 40% of all new accounts. Within that, the 35–44 cohort …

The latest Australian Taxation Office data, for the year ended 30 June 2026, shows roughly 680,000 self-managed super funds holding more than $1.1 trillion inAssetson behalf of about 1.24 million members. The ATO's March 2026Quarterly Reportcounted 672,805 funds and almost 1.24 million members, with …

Analysis ofSuperannuationdata found that over the four years to 30 June 2026, about $47 billion was rolled out of industry, retail and public-sector super and into self-managed funds.

The growth is substantial. Australian Taxation Office data shows the number of self-managed funds rose by about 47,000 in the year ended 30 June 2026, taking the sector to roughly 680,000 funds and around 1.24 million members, holding more than $1.1 trillion in assets.

The numbers tell a striking story about who is joining. Australian Taxation Office data shows those aged under 50 account for nearly 70% of new self-managed funds, while people aged 25 to 44 make up about 40% of all new accounts.

The tax commences from 1 July 2026, applying from the 2026–27 income year. The first Division 296 assessment applies at 30 June 2027. In other words, the initial measurement period is the coming financial year, with assessments following after it closes.

The pace of new fund creation has barely flinched. ATO figures show the number of SMSFs rose by 47,000 over the year ended 30 June 2026, lifting the sector to roughly 680,000 funds and 1.24 million members.