SMSF demand sees BT partner with Heffron

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

17 March 2026

The exponential growth in demand for self-managed superannuation funds (SMSFs) has seen BT join forces with specialist SMSF services provider, Heffron, to better accommodate clients’ investment needs and help streamline their end-to-end “journey”.

The platform business said its partnership with Heffron “formalises and connects the SMSF journey” to its pre-existing offering, covering educational tools and resources, digital establishment, administrative assistance, reporting and Panorama investment access.

As part of the link-up and in the effort to enhance efficiency and complexity, advisers and clients looking to set up a new SMSF will now have access to Heffron’s digital application ‘experience’; it works to “reduce friction” in SMSF set-up and administration for advisers and offers clients a more “guided and transparent pathway” to kickstart their SMSF journey.

Advisers will also have the opportunity to create a Panorama Investments account for the SMSF and Heffron also supplies educational resources about SMSFs for advisers and clients.

“While for some clients, an SMSF may be the right structure for their circumstances – but it also comes with additional administrative, compliance and investment complexity,” Annabelle Kline, Chief Product Officer at BT, said.

“Advisers are increasingly looking to platforms and specialist partners that can help support clients who choose this path, including providing streamlined administration and access to investment solutions.

“By partnering with Heffron, we’re responding to that demand by making it easier for advisers to support clients through SMSF establishment and ongoing management, while accessing investment solutions through the BT Panorama platforms.”

The rapid growth in and appetite for SMSFs has been attributed to a “generational shift” in mindset as younger Australians look to engage more with their finances, as people aged from 35 to 44 now account for more than a third of new SMSF members according to data from the Australian Taxation Officed (ATO).

“We’re seeing more people choose SMSFs as they seek greater control and flexibility than traditional superannuation structures can offer, particularly as their financial needs become more complex,” Meg Heffron, Managing Director at Heffron, said.

“At the same time, advisers are increasingly turning to platforms to help manage the administration, reporting and investment requirements that come with running an SMSF. Partnering with BT allows us to support that shift with a more streamlined, connected experience.”