Succession & Control – Who Really Runs the SMSF When Life Changes?

When life changes, SMSF control can change too. Learn how to protect member intentions, navigate succession risks, and ensure the right people remain in control when it matters most.

Control of an SMSF is often taken for granted until a significant life event occurs. Death, incapacity, divorce, family conflict, blended family arrangements, and the appointment of attorneys can fundamentally alter who has the power to make decisions and control fund assets. Without appropriate planning, the people ultimately controlling the fund may not be the people the member intended.

In this practical and technically focused session, we will examine the critical succession and control issues that arise throughout the life of an SMSF. Through real-world examples and case studies, we will explore trustee succession planning, enduring powers of attorney, death benefit control, corporate trustees, governing rules, and recent legal developments that continue to shape SMSF outcomes.

Learning Outcomes:

Attendees will learn to:

• Explain the distinction between SMSF trusteeship, membership and control.
• Identify how control of an SMSF may change due to death, incapacity, divorce or other significant life events.
• Understand the role of enduring powers of attorney in maintaining SMSF compliance and continuity.
• Assess the advantages and risks associated with individual and corporate trustee structures.
• Recognise the connection between fund control and death benefit outcomes.
• Evaluate common succession planning strategies used within SMSFs.
• Identify governance weaknesses that may expose an SMSF to future disputes.
• Apply lessons from key SMSF succession and control case studies.
• Implement practical measures to protect member wishes and minimise succession risks.
• Confidently assist clients in developing effective SMSF succession and control frameworks.

Suited to:

SMSF administrators, accountants and financial advisers from small to medium practices.

You will also be provided with: 

• Access to watch the Live Webinar 
• Opportunities to ask real time questions to the presenter/s
• Poll questions to test your knowledge 
• Access to On Demand recording, which can be viewed multiple times, for as long as required 
• Presenters contact details for follow up questions 
• CPD Quiz (for On Demand recordings)
• CPD Certificate 
• CPD Report – Logged automatically 
• PowerPoint Presentation
• Verbatim Transcript, with Searchability
• Supporting Documentation