The self-managed super fund (SMSF) sector continues its upward trajectory, with the latest figures from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) revealing a significant milestone: total assets have surpassed $1.05 trillion, spread across more than 653,000 funds and 1.2 million members. The data also indicates a demographic shift, as individuals aged 35-44 making up a significant percentage of new entrants.
Growth in fund numbers
According to the ATO’s Self-managed super funds: quarterly statistical report – June 2025, there were 653,062 SMSFs as of 30 June 2025, with 11,000 new funds established in the June Quarter.
Member demographics: A youthful shift
While the SMSF landscape remains dominated by older Australians with 85% aged 45 or older, the SMSF Association has highlighted a notable demographic shift, with an increasing number of younger individuals entering the sector.
In fact, those aged 35 to 44 accounted for 37% of new SMSF entrants in the June quarter, despite representing just 12% of the total membership. In contrast, individuals aged 60 and above made up less than 10% of new entrants, even though they comprise over half of the existing SMSF population.
This trend suggests a growing awareness among younger Australians of the flexibility and control SMSFs offer in managing retirement savings.
Asset and contribution insights
The ATO also released updated asset data for the sector. As of 30 June 2024:
- Average assets per member: $881,000
- Average assets per fund: $1.6 million
SMSF members put nearly $20 billion into their funds last year – three times more than employers did. This underscores the proactive role SMSF members play in building their retirement wealth.
If you are interested in taking control of your super, and building your retirement wealth, now’s a great time to explore your options. If you would like to do that through a SMSF, feel free to reach out – we’re here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your financial future.