Yes. SMSFs can invest in physical gold, silver, and platinum, but only in investment-grade form. Metals must meet internationally recognised purity standards to ensure eligibility.

No. SMSFs are restricted to investment-grade bullion. Coins or bars considered collectibles, jewellery, or numismatic items are not eligible.

Holding precious metals within an SMSF can diversify a retirement portfolio and provide protection against inflation, currency fluctuations, and economic uncertainty.

Metals act as tangible, long-term assets, while SMSF trustees maintain control over investment decisions. Additionally, metals can be securely stored in approved vaults, ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

There is no strict ATO-imposed limit, but allocation must be consistent with the SMSF’s risk profile, diversification requirements, and sole purpose of providing retirement benefits.

All metals must be held in an approved bullion depository or custodian vault under the SMSF’s name.

Personal storage at home or in non-approved facilities is strictly prohibited.

Yes. SMSFs can sell metals at any time, provided the sales comply with the fund’s investment strategy and SMSF regulations. Gains or losses must be recorded, and compliance and reporting obligations remain in effect.

Yes. Metals are part of a diversified SMSF portfolio. Trustees can include cash, shares, managed funds, and property, but the investment strategy must balance risk, liquidity, and retirement objectives.

Yes. Gains within an SMSF are generally taxed at the concessional super fund rate of 15%, and capital gains may be further discounted if held long-term according to superannuation rules. This makes SMSFs a tax-efficient vehicle for metals investment compared with personal holdings.

Risks include market price volatility, compliance breaches, and improper storage. Trustees must maintain accurate records, adhere to the investment strategy, and ensure all holdings are eligible to avoid penalties or tax complications.

Yes. Investing in precious metals through an SMSF involves complex regulations and strict compliance requirements.

Working with qualified accountants, SMSF specialists, or financial advisors ensures the metals are eligible, reporting obligations are met, and the fund operates within legal and regulatory frameworks.

All SMSF precious metals investments must comply with ATO and superannuation regulations.

Metals must be stored in an approved bullion depository, fully segregated and registered under the SMSF’s name. Proper documentation of all purchases, sales, and storage arrangements is required, and the fund must adhere to its trust deed and the sole purpose test.

Precious metals must be stored in secure, approved vaults.
Personal storage at home or in non-approved facilities is strictly prohibited.

Approved custodians provide secure facilities, insurance, and segregation from other investors’ holdings, meeting regulatory requirements while protecting the fund’s assets.

Yes. All holdings must be reported in the SMSF’s annual financial statements and included in the annual audit. Transactions, storage arrangements, and valuations must be documented and retained for compliance purposes.

Trustees must ensure all investment decisions comply with SMSF regulations. This includes verifying the eligibility of metals, managing secure storage, maintaining accurate records, and reporting holdings and transactions in annual financial statements.

Trustees must also ensure that investments are consistent with the fund’s investment strategy and the sole purpose of providing retirement benefits.

Non-compliance can lead to the loss of concessional tax treatment, penalties, or additional tax liabilities.

In severe cases, the ATO may disqualify trustees or require the fund to be wound up. Maintaining full compliance protects the SMSF and preserves retirement savings.