AI use needed with proper safeguards

The SMSF Association has suggested practitioners servicing the sector must equip themselves with more than just technical knowledge in an era of rapid technological change to provide a robust advice proposition to clients.

“In an era of rapid technological change, technical expertise alone is no longer enough. Robust systems, sound ethical judgment and defensible processes are now essential to maintaining trust, protecting clients and upholding the integrity of the SMSF profession,” SMSF Association chief executive Peter Burgess noted.

At the SMSF Association National Conference 2026 in Adelaide last week, artificial intelligence (AI) was identified as one element practitioners will need to understand and adopt to help their efficiency.

To this end, it was recognised innovation in AI has improved efficiency for many practices, but has also raised important ethical considerations.

Hub24 head of innovation Evan Morrison presented attendees with real-world scenarios of how firms can integrate and automate with AI while ensuring it is adopted safely and client information is protected.

Morrison emphasised the importance of maintaining privacy and security first, having a human in the loop and then getting the data and process hygiene right.

“AI can scale what’s already there. When paired with strong processes, quality data and human oversight, AI delivers its greatest productivity gains, lifting efficiency while keeping accountability with the practitioner,” Morrison said.

Further, Hayes Knight director Lisa Armstrong pointed out professionals are still responsible for any decisions AI processes make.

“AI does not absorb professional responsibility. In an AI-driven environment, SMSF professionals must lead with ethical clarity, transparency and accountability to maintain trust,” Armstrong explained.

In addition, Priority Networking business development manager Caillin Goss emphasised advancements in this type of technology have also seen a growing sophistication in AI-driven attacks, meaning the mitigation of cybersecurity risks has never been more important.

“Cybersecurity is no longer optional. By strengthening prevention, detection and response processes, SMSF practices can protect client trust, safeguard their reputation and reduce the risk of significant disruption,” Goss indicated.

February 23, 2026
Penny Pryor
smsmagazine.com.au

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