Overview
The Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has released their latest quarterly statistical report for the Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) sector (June quarter 2025). This report always provides interesting reading and once again, it highlights the growth of SMSFs as the retirement savings vehicle of choice for many younger Australians.
The numbers at a glance
For the year ended 30 June 2025, there were 653,062 SMSFs in circulation with a total membership of 1,203,127.
Of great importance is the number of net new entries – 38,449 funds. Whilst in isolation this is a meaningless number, when one looks at the number of net new entries for the financial year ended 30 June 2024, it was 17,886. For the years ended 30 June 2023 and 2022, there were net new entries of 11,332 and 11,330, respectively. So, 2025 has proven to be a spectacular year for the establishments of SMSFs.
Also, of interest to SMSF nerds like myself, is the low number of windups – only 3,531 for the 2025 financial year, compared with 15,146 in 2024.
Where is the sector growth coming from?
As in previous cycles, the growth in the sector is coming from the younger generations – Millennials and increasingly, Gen Z. Almost 66% of all new SMSF members during the June quarter were this cohort. This number has been consistently increasing over several years now.
Why are Millennials and Gen Z establishing SMSFs?
Primarily for greater control over their investments and to tailor their superannuation experience. The rise of technology and online trading platforms has also made it easier for them to manage their funds and invest in diverse assets, including direct property and cryptocurrency.
There is also a growing financial awareness with this demographic about the importance of their retirement plans, as many in this age group do not believe they can rely on government support in their latter years).
Finally, they have higher fund balances than previous generations at a comparable age, due in part to a lifetime of Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions.
More interesting numbers from the report
Other statistics that provide interesting reading:
- SMSFs hold over $1 trillion in net assets
- The top asset classes are Listed Shares ($295 billion), and Cash and Term Deposits ($170 billion)
- Whilst younger generations are the ones establishing SMSFs, still more than half (50.8%) of all SMSF members are 60 or over.
You can read the SMSF quarterly statistical reports at the ATO website.
What does Neo Super provide?
We are an innovative end-to-end SMSF service provider specialising in:
- SMSF administration and compliance
- Documentation services, including fund establishment, borrowing arrangements and pension documentation
- White label documentation and services for Intermediaries such as accountants and financial planners
- SMSF technical support, education, and training.
Further Information
For other service requirements, please contact our office at neo@neo-super.com.au or 1300 083 428.
