Why SMSFs are embracing digital assets, with Tim Wilks
Release Date: 11/21/2025
The SMSF Adviser Show
With the ink now drying on the Federal budget, it seems what most thought was going to be a quiet night for the super sector has in fact opened the door on a number of new issues and concerns. In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, Keeli Cambourne is joined by co-host Aaron Dunn from Smarter SMSF to unpack what the proposed tax reforms mean for SMSFs. Listen as they discuss Negative gearing and borrowing CGT changes and investment structure How trusts and estate planning may be affected What should trustees and advisers be considering going forward
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In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Marloo co-founder Shak Lala to unpack how AI is moving from note-taking to becoming a true AI partner for financial advisers. Shak explains how AI can materially increase adviser capacity, manage SMSF complexity, lift compliance standards, and improve client experience, while also allowing advisers to consolidate their tech stack and avoid the tedious admin tasks. Tune in to hear: How AI tools have evolved already to handle a wider range of tasks. What kind of efficiency gains the early adopters are experiencing. Where the...
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In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn explore some of the key developments shaping the SMSF landscape, including whether the Division 296 tax on high‑balance members could lead to a spike in wind‑ups. They also break down how the proposed financial adviser education reforms could create a more flexible pathway and grow the number of advisers in the profession, and take a look at how bankruptcy is being treated for SMSF trustees. Tune in to hear: Whether the introduction of Div 296 will drive SMSF wind-ups or if any change will be a drop in the bucket....
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In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn unpack the proposals that would see SMSFs included in funding the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) and why the approach to Division 296 post-death earnings attribution is a fraught proposition. A flurry of consultations flowed this week as the government seeks to address the fallout from the Shield and First Guardian collapses, with the exploding cost of compensation now putting pressure on the government to find new areas to cover the costs and SMSFs are firmly in the conversation. Tune in to hear: Whether...
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In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by SMSF Association CEO Peter Burgess and Adelaide University’s Dr George Mihaylov to break down new research that compares the performance of SMSFs to that of APRA funds. By applying the same methodology used for APRA funds to a dataset covering more than 400,000 SMSFs, the study delivers a more accurate, “apples with apples” view of sector performance, underscoring the role of advice and diversification in outcomes. Tune in to hear: How investment performance of SMSFs and APRA funds stack up. Why...
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In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn sit down with Andrew Inwood, global CEO of CoreData, to explore how SMSFs are evolving and the structural shift from accumulation to decumulation. Inwood explains that SMSFs are moving into a “next wave” of growth and maturity, with technology, changing member expectations, and an enormous looming intergenerational wealth transfer all reshaping the sector. Tune in to hear: Why younger, wealthier cohorts are increasingly starting SMSFs. The central role SMSFs will play in how capital is managed and deployed. Why the...
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In this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, host Keith Ford is joined by Robert Talevski, CEO of Webull Securities Australia, to explore how technology and global markets are reshaping advice and SMSF investing. Talevski argues that if trustees and advisers go to the effort of running a self‑managed fund, they should be thinking beyond simple passive exposures, while still respecting client risk profiles, retirement horizons and the extra admin burden inside super. Tune in to hear: Why the bigger opportunity may sit with companies using AI rather than building it. How ETF use is evolving...
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In the second episode of the SMSF Adviser Show’s special SMSF Association National Conference editions, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by three more industry experts in Adelaide. SMSF Association policy manager Keddie Waller joins the show to break down a range of superannuation reforms that are impacting the SMSF landscape, including the AML/CTF changes that are on the horizon. Then Tony Negline from Chartered Accountants ANZ explains why payday super is going to cause a lot more headaches then many professionals expect, as well as what businesses need to do to get ready for the...
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In this special episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn are joined by a selection of prominent industry members at the SMSF Association National Conference in Adelaide. In part one, SMSF Association chief executive Peter Burgess joins the show to talk about where the SMSF sector is heading, how it’s growing, and the major issues impacting professionals. Then Class CEO Tim Steele and Financial Services Council CEO Blake Briggs chat about the thought leadership breakfast on the first day of the conference, why many SMSF members are not receiving advice, and how to get...
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There has already been a flurry of activity within the SMSF sector in the first month of the year and keeping on top of all the upcoming changes is set to be a challenge. On this episode of the SMSF Adviser podcast hosts Keith Ford and Aaron Dunn look at the key themes shaping the SMSF advice industry from the new draft of the Division 296 legislation, to contribution cap changes, the impact of inflation on superannuation and how the latest RBA rate hike will impact superannuation. Listen as they discuss: Impact of Division 296 and contribution cap changes. Inflation and transfer balance cap...
info_outlineIn this episode of the SMSF Adviser Show, CoinSpot chief business development officer Tim Wilks joins host Keith Ford to break down the rapid rise of digital asset investing within the SMSF sector – and why trustees are increasingly looking to crypto as part of a broader diversification strategy.
Wilks explains how institutional adoption, regulatory progress and improved compliance frameworks have helped shift perceptions of cryptocurrency from a speculative punt to a legitimate high-growth asset class.
Tune in to hear:
- Why SMSFs are increasingly allocating to cryptocurrencies and other digital assets.
- How to practically work with SMSF clients in the digital asset space.
- Why advisers who skill up early on crypto will be better positioned to attract and retain clients as demand accelerates.