Self-Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs) provide individuals with a greater degree of control over their superannuation investments. Central to the successful operation of an SMSF are the trustees who bear the responsibility of managing the fund’s assets and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations. In this article, we will explore the role of trustees in SMSFs, their key responsibilities, and best practices they should follow.

What is an SMSF?

A Self-Managed Superannuation Fund (SMSF) is a private superannuation fund that is established and managed by individuals for their retirement benefit. Unlike traditional superannuation funds, SMSFs allow members to act as trustees, giving them direct control over investment decisions and fund management.

Who are Trustees?

Trustees are individuals responsible for managing the SMSF and making decisions on behalf of the fund. They have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the fund members and ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities of SMSF Trustees

1 Investment Decisions

One of the primary responsibilities of SMSF trustees is making investment decisions for the fund. They must develop and regularly review an investment strategy that aligns with the fund’s objectives and risk tolerance. Trustees should diversify investments, consider liquidity needs, and ensure investments are made in accordance with the law.

2 Compliance with Regulations

SMSF trustees are legally obliged to comply with various regulations and laws. This includes adhering to the Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Act, Superannuation Industry (Supervision) Regulations, and tax laws. Trustees must ensure the fund’s operations, reporting, and record-keeping are in line with these requirements.

3 Record-Keeping and Reporting

Trustees are responsible for maintaining accurate and up-to-date records for the SMSF. This includes financial statements, member contributions, investment transactions, and fund activity. Trustees must also prepare and lodge annual returns and reports to regulatory authorities such as the Australian Taxation Office (ATO).

Best Practices for SMSF Trustees

1 Regular Review of Investment Strategy

Trustees should regularly review the SMSF’s investment strategy to ensure it remains relevant and aligned with the fund’s objectives. This involves assessing the performance of investments, reviewing asset allocation, and considering any changes in members’ circumstances or market conditions.

2 Engaging Professionals

Seeking professional advice is a best practice for SMSF trustees. Financial advisors, accountants, and auditors can provide expertise in areas such as investment management, tax planning, and compliance. Engaging professionals helps trustees make informed decisions and navigate complex regulatory requirements.

3 Staying Updated on Legal and Regulatory Changes

Trustees must stay informed about changes in superannuation laws, regulations, and industry practices. This includes being aware of new legislation, ATO guidelines, and case law that may impact the operation of their SMSF. Regular education and keeping abreast of developments ensure trustees fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

The Importance of Trustee Education and Training

Given the complex nature of SMSFs and their regulatory requirements, trustee education and training are crucial. Trustees should invest in their own knowledge and skills by attending seminars, workshops, and educational programs specifically designed for SMSF trustees. This helps them stay updated, make informed decisions, and fulfill their duties more effectively.

Conclusion

SMSF trustees play a pivotal role in the success and compliance of self-managed superannuation funds. Their responsibilities encompass investment decisions, compliance with regulations, and record-keeping. By following best practices, such as regular review of the investment strategy, engaging professionals, and staying informed about legal changes, trustees can ensure the smooth operation and long-term growth of the SMSF.

Alexey Kirienko is one of three co-founders of EXANTE, alongside GatisEglitis and Anatoliy Knyazev. Kirienko, whose Bloomberg profile can be found at: https://www.bloomberg.com/profile/person/19349359.

Kirienko has decades of financial expertise formed during his years as a trader and now as CEO of Cyprus-listed broker EXANTE. Kirienko’s experience in the markets begins at university, where he studied various related disciplines that developed the technical skills used in trading. This was followed by a period working as a trader himself, and finally his business-focused role building out EXANTE with the other founding partners. Kirienko’s company has received various awards and operates in over twenty countries worldwide.

Kirienko’s passion for mathematics and mathematical statistics led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Economics, where he developed a keen interest in probability and game theory. However, he soon realised that theoretical knowledge of statistical arbitrage was not enough. Seeking real-world applications for his expertise, Kirienko began trading securities during his second year of college. This practical experience allowed him to put his theoretical knowledge to the test and develop sophisticated investment strategies, profiting off small price differences between derivatives contracts and their underlying securities. This form of trading relies on both advanced statistical methods and constant monitoring of financial markets for very small price discrepancies, relying on sophisticated, usually automated software to execute trades at pace.

Kirienko’s talent and insights quickly propelled him forward, and by 2003, he was promoted to work on a derivatives trading desk dealing with global markets. Most derivative products are used to manage risk exposure, either as a hedge for existing positions or business operations or as speculative investments in their own right. Trading international derivatives requires a good understanding of both the financial mathematics of the relevant contracts and the economic and financial conditions in the global markets you trade. Acquiring this experience broadened Kirienko’s understanding of global financial markets and emphasised the importance of diversifying risks across different geographies, a principle continued by EXANTE.

One of the stated aims of EXANTE is to provide a single interface where professional clients can execute trades across asset classes and across geographies. With a strong network of local offices and access to many of the world’s major financial markets, EXANTE offers clients the opportunity to trade internationally with ease.

EXANTE was founded in 2011 when Kirienko met Eglitis and Knyazev. Initially the broker operated out of Malta (regulated by the MFSA) before expanding into Cyprus (obtaining authority from the CySEC), Hong Kong (regulated by the SFC) and the United Kingdom (FCA-authorised). These multiple listings ensure the most exacting standards for client money segregation, reporting and client privacy. The company experienced rapid growth, attracting professional clients looking for access to global markets, and as of 2023 has over $2 billion under management. This expansion hasn’t come easily: Kirienko played a crucial role in developing EXANTE’s business model, envisioning the company as a broker that facilitates connections between investors, traders, and exchanges across the globe.

Today EXANTE has a footprint in over 20 markets worldwide, and specialises in allowing traders to access foreign markets simply and hassle-free, with a strong focus on privacy. Another particular focus of EXANTE under Kirienko’s management has been the development of an unparalleled customer service team, with a three-minute max wait time for clients to speak to a human agent, on a system operating 24/7.

Over the past decade, EXANTE has garnered numerous accolades and awards across various award categories, showcasing both EXANTE’s technical capabilities and commitment to innovation. These accolades include investment awards, diversity in finance awards, and the prestigious titles of ‘Best Trading Platform’ and ‘Best CEO 2020/21’ from European Business Magazine. Kirienko expressed his gratitude for these achievements, highlighting the dedication of the company’s employees and their continuous efforts to stay ahead of the curve. This recognition emphasizes EXANTE’s commitment to excellence and employee growth. Rapid expansion of the EXANTE team during Kirienko’s tenure as CEO is another demonstration of the growing reach and complexity of the organisation.

Aside from his role at EXANTE, Alexey Kirienko is widely recognized as an expert in global financial markets and derivatives trading. His expertise has led to invitations to speak at specialized conferences around the world, sharing his expertise on finance, globalisation and cryptocurrency. Additionally, Kirienko utilizes his expertise to identify promising fintech startups in their early stages, and is a renowned expert on cryptocurrency adaptation. With his profound knowledge and experience in the financial industry, Alexey Kirienko continues to shape the success and reputation of EXANTE while contributing to the general development of seamless, international financial markets.

Installment loans can be a game changer when you require flexible repayments. Many prefer such loans because they can get a huge amount and repay it later in small installments. During these challenging economic times, you may require extra cash, so you must know about installment loans. If you require an emergency loan for an unexpected expense or wish to make a big purchase but prefer to pay it off in installments, an installment loan could be the ideal solution.

Installment loans and How It Works

An installment loan is a borrowed sum of money repaid in smaller portions over time. It is known as installment when given monthly or biweekly options to pay the loan. Making monthly or biweekly payments towards the loan will pay off both principal and interest with each installment.

Installment loans are of two types: secured loans and unsecured loans. In secured loans, you should provide an asset as security. But you must provide proof that the property is truly yours. You can do that through valid documents and records before getting approved.

Unsecured installments loans don’t need collateral. The lender will ask you to demonstrate your repayment ability; they just want assurance that you can repay them. You can show your monthly income and any other ways you use to get passive income.

Now let’s see how installment loans work:

Let’s say a shopper purchases an exercise bike at Rs. 2000 from the merchant, the bank will send Rs. 2000 to the platform to cover the cost. The shopper will then owe the loan platform Rs. 20000, which can be paid in smaller installments. For instance, the Rs. 20000 cost can be divided into four Rs. 5000 installments.

The platform may impose a 6% fee on the merchant, which amounts to Rs. 1200, to cover the interest paid to the bank. However, when the merchant offers 0% interest to customers through the platform, they pay the fee and do not charge the customer who purchased the exercise bike. As a result, the customer still only pays Rs. 5000 per installment payment, not Rs. 5300. Installment payments are usually made bi-weekly because employers typically pay their employees on that schedule.

Below are the benefits of installment loans:

1.   You will be able to make major purchases

With the help of an installment loan, making big purchases is a breeze. You can easily get behind the wheels of your dream car by taking out an auto loan or buying that house you’ve had your heart set on with a mortgage loan. After applying for the loan, the asset you bought will become the collateral. You can later pay the loan in small amounts for 10 to 15 years.

Instead of taking out a quick short-term loan, take out a personal loan if you plan on making any major purchases. It is your ticket to buying that car or other big-ticket item without worrying about too much upfront cost.

2.   No pressure to repay the loan

 With installment loans, you can take the pressure off loan repayments and spread them out over time, if it is six or ten years. You won’t strain much when repaying the loan. You only have to make small amounts in each installment.

Compared to payday loans, it can be devastatingly expensive because you have to pay back both principal and interest within one month. Many borrowers find themselves unable to meet this requirement which leads to defaulting on payments.

 3.   You are sure to make monthly payments

Taking out an installment loan gives you the security of knowing exactly what amount will be due each month. This stability makes it easier to plan your finances and budget accordingly without worrying that payment amounts might unexpectedly change in the middle of a loan term. The catch is that this predictability facilitates better planning with each paycheck and budgeting for other future needs.

4.   You can repay the loan amount earlier

They say the early bird catches the worm. Ever heard of it? Well, it applies to loans. You can save a good sum of money and avoid extra fees when you repay the loan quickly. Besides, it helps to keep costs down. But check with your lender first for any early repayment fees. Some may charge you for earlier repayment, so doing due diligence can save you in the long run.

5.   Better rates on a good score

 With a good credit score, you can get substantially lower rates for installment loans. For example, some lenders like lendingplate offers an incredibly low rate of 3% – 5% PM. But if your credit score isn’t so great, expect higher interest rates, which is still way below what most lenders offer. That’s better. You will repay the loan quickly without straining your budget.

6.   You can build credit

Struggling with a low credit score? Why not use an installment loan to raise it? By providing timely payments, people can steadily increase their rating and achieve a better financial future.

Installment loan lenders are a better choice than payday lenders. These loans provide an opportunity to make fixed payments that can help reestablish financial stability and bring that positive rating on one’s credit report.

7.   Quick loan approval

Looking for a fast and easy way to access cash? Want an urgent loan? An installment loan could be the answer. With no drawn-out application and approval process, you can get your money quickly.

You just have to provide your information on time and expect quick approval and payout afterward. In many cases, you can have money deposited into your account the next business day.

So if speed is key, look no further than an installment loan.

Anyone will admit that tax time is the most stressful one. You have to worry about many things, such as filing state income tax returns and federal tax returns. You don’t have to worry about these taxes only when working or living in a state that doesn’t have an income tax. All states allow you to make amendments to your tax returns if there is a mistake.

However, having a basic idea of the fundamentals of the process can last longer and help you avoid income tax problems when filing your tax returns. At the same time, it is always good to know where to start instead of wasting time on unnecessary things. Here are some critical points to help you learn where to begin and how to proceed with your tax return filing.

Where to begin?

In case of state income tax returns, the starting point always is the federal returns. Any taxpayer wants to accurately calculate and complete their federal tax return before preparing for the state return. You don’t have to take it as a challenge, as you have various options to assist you. Some of the tools online are free.

The Internal Revenue Service provides free files. It is an alliance between some leading tax software and agency that helps to prepare federal returns without spending any money. However, your annual income must be within a certain amount to qualify.

How to file a state return?

People always look for easier ways to do their work. The same thing goes with tax returns preparation and filing. People prefer using electronic tools for the same. By using the tax return tools online, you will –

• Calculate a more accurate returns
• Get returns sooner
• Direct deposit

Purchase tax software usually incorporates state tax return preparation for most states. However, before you start, you need to check the list of counties. You have to see whether it is on the list or not.

In today’s digital age, technology has made it easier than ever for bookkeepers to manage their finances remotely. As businesses around the world are transitioning to digital tools, remote bookkeepers must stay up to date with the latest tools and technologies to keep their operations running smoothly. With so many options available, it can be difficult to determine which tools are best suited for quality bookkeeping.

1. Accounting Software That Makes Balance Sheets Sing

If you’re a remote quality bookkeeper, you know how important it is to be organized and accurate with your finances. That’s why accounting software that makes balance sheets sing is a must-have tool for staying on top of your game. Not only will it help you easily track your financials, but it will also make it easy to generate reports and perform other bookkeeping tasks.

2. Cloud-Based Invoicing Apps That Save Time and Money

For Remote Quality Bookkeepers, cloud-based invoicing apps are a must-have tool. They are incredibly efficient and save time and money by eliminating manual data entry. Plus, they provide quick and easy access to invoice data, and they can track customer payments in real time. With a cloud-based invoicing app, you can easily create, send and manage invoices on the go. These apps can also integrate with other accounting and payroll systems, streamlining your bookkeeping workflow. So, if you’re looking for a quality bookkeeping solution that’s both cost-effective and time-saving, look no further than cloud-based invoicing apps.

3. Automated Data Aggregation to Streamline Bookkeeping Tasks

Remote Quality Bookkeepers understand the importance of streamlining their day-to-day bookkeeping processes, and one of the best ways to do that is through automated data aggregation. Automated data aggregation allows bookkeepers to quickly and accurately capture, organize, and analyze large amounts of data. This technology allows bookkeepers to create detailed financial reports and make data-driven decisions quickly and efficiently. Additionally, automated data aggregation gives bookkeepers the ability to process large datasets and gain insights into the trends and patterns in their financial data. With this technology, Remote Quality Bookkeepers can save time, reduce errors, and make sure their bookkeeping tasks are done quickly and accurately.

Conclusion.

Remote quality bookkeeping have access to a range of tools and technologies to help them do their job more efficiently. These include financial software, analytics tools, cloud services, and project management tools. By taking advantage of these tools and technologies, remote quality bookkeepers can provide their clients with high-quality services and accurate financial records. This helps to ensure that businesses are able to keep their finances in order and remain compliant with financial regulations.

If you’re considering getting into CFD trading, you must know the risks involved. Although CFDs can offer some great opportunities for making money, they can also be risky. That’s why taking steps to reduce the risks associated with CFD trading before you start is essential.

What are the risks associated with CFD trading in the UK?

There are several risks associated with CFD trading in the UK. These include:

The risk of losing money

When you trade CFDs, you’re essentially betting on the price of an asset going up or down. If the price moves against you, you can lose money. And, because CFDs are leveraged products, you can lose more money than you invested, which is why it’s crucial to have a stop-loss in place to limit your losses.

The risk of not being able to leave a trade

When you trade CFDs, you enter into a contract with a broker, which means that if the price of the asset moves negatively against you and you want to get out of the trade, you may not be able to do so because your broker may not be willing to repurchase the CFD from you at the current price. Make sure you choose a reputable UK broker who will give you the option to exit a trade if necessary.

The risk of counterparty default

When you trade CFDs, you’re also exposed to counterparty default risk. This risk is where your broker fails to meet its obligations under the contract. For example, if they go bankrupt or refuse to honour a deal. While this is unlikely to happen with a regulated broker, it’s still something to be aware of.

The risk of market manipulation

Another risk associated with CFD trading is market manipulation, where people or groups attempt to artificially move the price of an asset in a particular direction. Traders can do this for various reasons, such as to make a profit or to cause havoc in the markets. While market manipulation does occur, it’s generally not a big problem in the UK.

The risk of political or economic instability

You’re also exposed to political and economic risks when you trade CFDs. For example, if there’s a change in the government or a country goes through a financial crisis. These events can significantly impact the markets and, as such, your ability to make money from trading CFDs.

Four tips on how to reduce the risks associated with CFD trading:

Here are four tips on how to reduce the risks associated with CFD trading:

Make sure you know what you’re doing

The above might seem like an obvious point, but it’s worth reiterating. Before trading CFDs, you must understand their work and their potential risks. If you don’t know what you’re doing, it’s easy to make mistakes that could cost you a lot of money.

Use a reputable broker

When it comes to CFD trading, not all brokers are created equal. Some brokers are much better than others when it comes to things like customer service, fees, and the overall trading experience. Always use a reputable broker from Saxo Capital Markets that you can trust, which will help to reduce the risks associated with CFD trading.

Don’t over leverage

One of the biggest mistakes new UK traders make is over-levering their positions. When you over-leverage, you’re essentially borrowing money to trade, which can amplify your losses if the trade goes against you.

Use stop-losses

A stop-loss is a trading order you can place with your broker to close your position automatically if it reaches a specific price. This order is a valuable tool for managing risk because it means you won’t lose more money than you’re comfortable with if the trade goes against you.

Conclusion

CFD trading is high-risk, but there are ways to minimise the risks. Make sure you understand what you’re doing, use a reputable broker, don’t over-leverage, and use stop-losses. If you do all these things, you’ll be in a much better position to trade safely and profitably.

Handling tax is not the thing for everyone. Especially people who have to deal with everything- from family to business or job, tax management can be a tough thing. Not only it requires one to keep all the details ready but also to maintain clarity at all the times. It is nothing too surprising to keep a detail aside to record later only to forget it completely. Many of such transactions are found to be missing from the record we try to keep. When the time comes, issues come along with it. Tax related issues does not take time to arise as IRS never fails to notice any discrepancies. Whether one owes tax back or gets audited by the IRS, professional guidance is necessary. Tax attorneys are the people who have spent years after tax and related factors. They have prepared themselves to deal with all tax related issues and have also gained themselves the right to represent before the IRS. Choosing the right attorney will bring you a stress-free dealing with tax issue and IRS.

Communication and Confidentiality

Tax related matters are not something that you would like to share with someone. No one would like their issues to come wide out into the day light. As the matters regarding the process could be quite complicated, the attorney must be someone who is willing to communicate clearly and properly. The tax relief professional must talk honestly about your current condition.

OIS and the role of the Tax professional

OIS or the Offer in Compromise is an agreement between the IRS and the taxpayer. It helps with settling the issue between the two parties. The tax professional takes charge of representing the taxpayer before the IRS and negotiate on his or her behalf.