Company Interview / Are alternative assets the next frontier for SMSFs?

Key Points:

Assetora platform enables diversified access across real estate, private credit, and venture capitalSMSF investors benefit from leveraged property exposure without holding direct loansUpcoming plans include crypto exposure via managed fund structures, not direct asset holdingStrong compliance and independent investment committee oversight support investor safety

Darren Younger from Assetora (ASX:AOH) outlines a unique approach to alternative investments, highlighting diverse access to asset classes such as real estate, private credit, and venture capital funds. Younger states that the Assetora platform allows both individual investors and self-managed super funds (SMSF) to create accounts, deposit funds, and build tailored portfolios through its sub fund model. SMSF investors, he states, are showing particular interest in property sub funds, which offer exposure to leveraged property without requiring the SMSF itself to carry a loan, although higher initial equity is needed. He also mentions strong demand for high-income funds, referencing sub funds focusing on lending for initiatives like R&D lending for technology companies.

Younger points out that Assetora’s platform does not currently offer direct crypto investments, but plans to introduce crypto exposure in the future through fund structures similar to exchange-traded funds, eliminating the need for digital wallets while maintaining access to crypto assets. He describes the concept as highly original for Australia, combining fractional investment across a much wider asset pool than typical share-focused platforms.

Regarding governance, Younger stresses their robust compliance framework, including oversight by an independent investment committee. He notes that while investment management fees apply, investors are not charged direct platform fees, and Assetora’s revenue is primarily driven by deployment of managed funds - such as investing in health tech devices - rather than fee-only models.