Most people assume SMSFs are just for business owners in their 40s and 50s.

Not true.

A minor can be a member of a Self-Managed Super Fund. The real question isn’t “Is it allowed?” — it’s “When does it actually make strategic sense?”

Let’s break it down properly.

The Legal Position: Yes, It’s Allowed

Under Australian superannuation law, a person under 18 can be a member of an SMSF.

However, because a minor cannot legally act as a trustee:

• If the fund has individual trustees, a parent or legal guardian must act as trustee on behalf of the minor.

• If the fund has a corporate trustee, the parent or guardian must be appointed as a director in place of the minor.

Once the child turns 18, they must:

• Be appointed as trustee (or director of the corporate trustee), and

• Sign the trustee declaration confirming they understand their responsibilities.

So yes - it’s entirely possible. But possible doesn’t always mean practical.

The Bigger Question: When Does It Make Strategic Sense?

An SMSF is about control, flexibility and long-term strategy. It is not about novelty.

Here are the scenarios where including a minor may make strategic sense.

Building Long-Term Wealth Early

If a child is earning income legitimately (for example through employment, entertainment work or a family business), super contributions can start early.

In an SMSF environment, this may allow:

• Coordinated family investment strategy

• Exposure to asset classes not available in traditional funds

• Long-term compounding within a controlled structure

Starting at 15 instead of 25 may not sound significant - but over 50 years of compounding, it can be powerful.

That said, the balance needs to justify the cost and compliance of running an SMSF.

Family Wealth and Intergenerational Planning

This is where strategy becomes more interesting.

Some families use SMSFs as part of a broader wealth and legacy structure. Including children as members can:

• Consolidate family super under one strategy

• Facilitate coordinated investment decisions

• Create early financial literacy within a governed environment

• Support long-term estate planning structures

But this only works where governance is strong, relationships are healthy, and the structure is professionally managed.

SMSFs require adult decision-making and compliance discipline. They are not informal family savings accounts.

Receiving Death Benefit Proceeds

In certain estate planning situations, super death benefits for minors may interact with SMSF structures.

This area becomes technical quickly - particularly around dependency definitions, tax treatment and trust law considerations.

It must be carefully structured and is never something to “just add on” without advice.

When It Probably Doesn’t Make Sense

Let’s be honest.

If the minor has:

• A very small balance

• No ongoing contributions

• No broader family strategy

• Or no genuine need for SMSF flexibility

Then a retail or industry fund is often simpler and more cost-effective.

An SMSF involves:

• Annual audits

• Regulatory compliance

• Investment documentation

• Trustee responsibilities

The structure should always serve the strategy - not the other way around.

The Responsibility Factor

When you include a minor, the adult trustee carries the full weight of compliance and fiduciary responsibility. This isn’t symbolic.

Trustees must:

• Act in the best financial interests of all members

• Maintain proper records

• Ensure investment strategy compliance

• Avoid conflicts of interest

Family dynamics can complicate this if not handled properly. Strong governance matters.

My Perspective

I’ve worked in SMSFs for over two decades, and I’ve seen structures work beautifully - and others cause unnecessary complexity.

Including a minor can be powerful in the right circumstances. It can also be over-engineering if there’s no clear long-term plan.

As I often say:

“An SMSF should give you control and clarity - not complexity for the sake of it.”

If there’s a genuine strategy around intergenerational wealth, structured investing, or coordinated family super - it may be worth exploring. If not, simplicity is often underrated.

The Bottom Line

Yes, minors can be members of an SMSF.

But the decision should be strategic, not emotional.

SMSFs are about ownership, governance and long-term vision. When those elements are aligned, they can be incredibly effective.

When they’re not, a simpler structure may be the smarter move.

Focus on freedom - but build it properly.