Betashares, CFS unveil new line-up of retirement-focused SMAs

Yasmine Raso

Senior Journalist, Financial Newswire

15 January 2026

Betashares and Colonial First State (CFS) have joined forces to bring to market a suite of “institutional-grade” retirement-focused separately managed accounts (SMAs), made available on the CFS Edge platform. 

The new Betashares Retirement Income SMAs brings together the investment and portfolio construction expertise of the exchange traded fund (ETF) specialist with that of CFS’ platform brawn and retirement knowledge, delivering a range of strategies spanning defensive, smart beta and equity income approaches to financial advisers and their clients.

Introduced as complementary options alongside Betashares’ existing Dynamic Managed Accounts suite, the new SMA’s seek to provide both “capital growth and differentiated sources of higher income while maintaining risk-adjusted return without relying on concentrated positions in low-growth sectors or non-investment grade credit to generate yield”.

Betashares chief executive, Alex Vynokur, said the portfolios are intended to help retirees achieve their investment and income goals.

“Financial advisers play an integral role in helping their clients meet their financial goals, particularly in retirement.

“We’re proud to deploy our long-standing multi-asset expertise to deliver a range of unique investment solutions within a structure that assists both financial advisers and their end clients. Our new retirement income SMAs are designed for the needs of retirees by delivering opportunities for capital growth and higher income.

“The accessibility of high quality investment solutions that assist people to meet their income goals in retirement is one of the biggest challenges in wealth management, particularly given the growing number
of people heading into that phase of their lives.

“We’re excited to work with CFS on meeting this important goal and providing robust investment solutions to assist financial advisers and their end clients.”

The launch comes as managed accounts continue to be the subject of strong demand from financial advisers and investors alike, as Betashares confirms it will continue to add to its investment offering to ensure more options cater to specific investor needs.

“CFS’s managed account offer spans generational needs and accessing leading portfolio managers which helps advisers deliver stronger outcomes for their clients,” Francy Taylor, Executive Director of Managed Accounts at CFS, said.

“We’re pleased to partner with Betashares to bring Retirement Income SMAs to CFS Edge, giving advisers ETF‑based portfolios designed to for clients moving into and through retirement.”