Low-cost SMSF admin provider gains traction
A one-price SMSF business strategy has proven successful for a relatively new entrant in SMSF administration, with the company set to launch an IPO this year, just three years after its establishment.
Speaking to SMSF Adviser, Squirrel Superannuation chief executive Damien Linn said the model of the company has been based off TPG’s unlimited broadband model, with all clients paying the exact same fee regardless of the complexity of the SMSF, its underlying assets and strategies.
The annual fee, he said, covers everything including audit costs, regulatory costs, the annual returns of companies and tax returns.
While there are some clients with extremely complex needs that the company loses money on, Mr Linn said there are other SMSFs that are a low-cost impact on its operations team.
“It was based on the theory we never wanted a client to feel nervous about going and buying an investment property or two or three for that matter, or buying unlisted shares, or international shares or something like that for fear of it costing them more money,” he said.
The company he said is targeting the “40 to 50 per cent of people ordinarily wouldn’t see SMSFs as a viable option”.
Mr Linn said Squirrel Superannuation plans to launch an IPO in August this year.
“We’re doing the work on prospectuses for that and we’re investing very heavily in our technology and software capabilities,” he said.
The company, he added, is further investing in algorithmic-based engines or artificial intelligence engines that can identify and predict common trustee errors and warn people or offer them corrections, prior to making common mistakes.
“We’ve built the system which optimises transition to retirement with two clicks of a mouse button,” he said.
According to Mr Linn, clients can establish a fund, open the corporate trustee, generate trust deeds, open bank accounts, and register with the ATO within 90 seconds, depending on typing speed.
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Miranda Brownlee
Miranda Brownlee is the deputy editor of SMSF Adviser, which is the leading source of news, strategy and educational content for professionals working in the SMSF sector.
Since joining the team in 2014, Miranda has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest superannuation stories in Australia, and has reported extensively on technical strategy and legislative updates.
Miranda also has broad business and financial services reporting experience, having written for titles including Investor Daily, ifa and Accountants Daily.
