AMP and the International Centre for Financial Services (ICFS) at the University of Adelaide have agreed to form a Centre of Excellence in self-managed super funds (SMSFs), the first of its kind in Australia. The centre is expected to be operational by the end of 2014.

Using AMP's expansive SMSF database and the expertise of academics from one of Australia's largest and most respected universities, the centre aims to provide greater insights into the motivations and behaviours of SMSF trustees.

AMP SMSF Managing Director Natasha Fenech said the time is right for greater analysis into this fast-growing sector.
"We are delighted to be working with the University of Adelaide on this exciting new initiative and believe the skills and expertise we both bring to the table will enable us to provide the industry with thought-provoking and unique SMSF research on a regular basis.

"The fragmented nature of the SMSF sector has made it difficult in the past for meaningful qualitative research to be undertaken but given the number of SMSFs we now administer, we are in a good place to provide the raw data needed to identify trends, motivations and behaviours in this area," Ms Fenech said.

As part of the agreement the centre will produce regular investment reports using the data provided by AMP to the ICFS, offering insights into trends and emerging issues around asset allocation in the SMSF segment.

The centre will also produce an annual research paper, which will look at the key issues affecting advisers, trustees and administrators. In addition to research, the centre will provide SMSF education to professionals and SMSF trustees. This will further strengthen the ICFS's reputation as a leading provider of SMSF education and builds on the ICFS's longstanding relationship with AMP-owned Cavendish.

"We are excited to be partnering with AMP to embark on this research and education initiative and look forward to contributing to the ongoing thought leadership around the SMSF sector," said Professor Ralf-Yves Zurbrugg, Acting Director of the University of Adelaide's ICFS.

AMP is a leader in SMSF administration, offering a broad range of compliance and technical services for SMSFs as well as diverse investment opportunities through AMP Capital. Through SMSF Advice, AMP also provides licensing options for accountants.

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