Stockspot is Australia's first and largest online investment adviser. We build you a smart, personalised portfolio using proven investment strategies to grow your wealth. We use ETFs (exchange traded funds) that give you access to a range of different investments including global shares, Australian shares, and government bonds.
Can't find what you're looking for on our website? Contact us to speak with an adviser.
We ask a few questions about your financial situation when you sign-up to determine if investing is appropriate for you. If it is, we match you with an investment strategy consistent with your goals and risk capacity and then manage the investment process for you.
Read more about the sign-up process and our service.
Once you provide your personal details, complete the online ID check and sign off on your agreements, we setup all the necessary accounts for you. We'll email you once you're all set-up and ready to start investing. You'll be able to view your portfolio online, and we will provide ongoing monitoring and rebalancing of your portfolio.
You also have access to our team of investment professionals to ask questions any time.
Our team is located in Sydney, Australia. Learn more about our team here.
We have a team of experienced investment professionals and you can contact our client care and advice team by phone, email or live chat during business hours (AEST) Monday - Friday.
Yes. Our investment service is audited each year by a Chartered Accounting firm.
After you provide your personal details, complete the online ID check and sign off on your agreements, we setup all the necessary accounts for you. We'll email you once you're all set-up and ready to start investing. You'll be able to view your portfolio online, and we will provide ongoing monitoring and rebalancing of your portfolio.
You can start with just $2,000. We offer the first 6 months free for portfolios less than $10,000.
For portfolios less than $10,000 we phase in the ETFs gradually, starting with Australian shares and bonds. At $10,000 you will own all 5 ETFs including Australian shares, global shares, bonds and gold.
We'll start investing on your behalf once your initial balance reaches $2,000. This minimum initial investment amount applies to all Stockspot portfolios.
For account balances of less than $50,000, each time any new deposits in your account hit $500, we'll be investing on your behalf.
For account balances of more than $50,000, each time any new deposits in your account hit $2,000, we'll be investing on your behalf. The minimum additional investable amount needs to remain at $2,000 for these larger accounts to help cover fees and other account expenses.
All Stockspot portfolios are fully diversified once the account balance reaches $10,000.
At $10,000 you will have a fully diversified portfolio that owns Australian shares, global shares, bonds and gold. These are purchased as ETFs on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX) using your Holder Identification Number (HIN) and are owned by you.
You just need an email address and to set a password to get a portfolio recommendation.
If you decide to go ahead and invest with us, we require some standard ID details such as a passport or a driver licence to verify your date of birth plus your current residential address.
We are less risky than the average active fund manager because we don't try to beat the market. Instead our investment strategies track a broad range of global assets to generate long term returns and reduce risk via diversification. We methodically rebalance portfolios to keep risk consistent and continuously educate clients on ways to remove emotion from their investing.
No. We believe that one of the biggest drags on investment performance is the layers of fees levied by platforms. These include adviser fees, establishment fees, contribution fees, administration fees, execution fees and commissions charged on trades and cash balances.
We've designed Stockspot to remove as many of these fees as possible so our clients end up with a portfolio that can deliver better after-fee performance. This means we don't offer Stockspot portfolios on platforms as it would result in higher costs to clients.
Stockspot offers the following benefits:
No brokerage costs – we don't charge brokerage for your initial investment, top-ups or ongoing re-balancing. This helps to keep your costs low and improves your return.
Automatic rebalancing – Over time your portfolio will 'drift' away from its target mix when some investments perform better than others. We continuously monitor the performance of assets in your portfolio and periodically rebalance them back to your target mix when this occurs. We also have two other rebalancing settings for if you want to control when you realise capital gains or fund an income stream.
Personalised advice – we continually monitor our client's financial objectives, cash-flow needs and risk capacity to ensure that the portfolio they own is the most appropriate one. You can also speak with our experienced advice team to ask any questions.
Portfolio construction and asset allocation – our chosen asset classes and ETFs are not static so you get access to our expertise on investment selection which can make a big difference to your long-term portfolio performance. You can also customise your portfolio with Stockspot Themes if you're seeking more control or personalisation over your investments.
Reporting and administration – we provide a range of different reports which are available online to help you complete your tax. Our service is also audited annually.
Tax – we help ensure that you are set-up to access the tax benefits of the Double Tax Agreement between Australia and the United States for your overseas investments.
Stockspot ABN 87 163 214 319 is a licensed Australian Financial Services provider (AFSL 536082) regulated by ASIC.
Yes. Stockspot is a licensed Australian Financial Services provider (AFSL 536082) regulated by ASIC.
If Stockspot stops operating, you simply keep holding your cash and investments. All assets are held in your own name when you invest via Stockspot.
Cash is held in an individual cash account (in your name) and all ETFs are held on an individual client Holder Identification Number (HIN) with our nominated broker.
Stockspot is authorised by ASIC to provide personal investment advice and managed discretionary account (MDA) services.
We comply with all relevant Australian financial advice regulations, and unlike many other financial advisors, we keep your money separate from other clients and in your name. This means that all of your investments are ring-fenced and held under a unique HIN (Holder Identification Number). You have full ownership and control of your investments at all times.
All assets are held in your own name when you invest via Stockspot. Cash is held in an individual cash account (in your name) and all ETFs are held on an individual client Holder Identification Number (HIN) with our nominated broker.
Additionally, we don't sell your personal data, and our bank-level security keeps your information safe with our 256-bit SSL/TLS certificate.
Putting money into the market is a risk, because there will always be fluctuations. But at Stockspot, we do everything we can to ensure that these market movements are your only risk.
Read more about how Stockspot keeps your money safe.
At this stage, Stockspot is available for Self-Managed Super Funds (SMSFs) only.
See our contact us page for options on how to get in touch.
Yes we do. You can download the Stockspot app via iTunes or Google Play. App access is available once your first deposit has been invested.
This blog explains what robo advice is and how it works.
We are not a managed fund as we do not pool client's money together. You as the client own the investments directly under your own holder identification number (HIN). We act as your investment adviser to manage the exchange traded funds (ETF) portfolio on your behalf.
Stockspot recognises that the most important investment decision is choosing how much to put in each asset class, rather than trying to pick winners within an asset. As a general rule, more assets in your portfolio will reduce the amount of risk you need to take to achieve higher returns. Asset classes have different risk profiles.
Share prices are volatile but if the economy grows shares may outperform other asset classes in the long run. On the other hand government and corporate bonds provide safe and steady income but little capital growth. Investing overseas means that not all your investments are exposed to the Australian economy. Investing in emerging market countries provides the opportunity to share in their faster growth.
We provide you with a blend of these asset classes which best corresponds to your goals and investment timeframe and personal financial situation. We allocate the percentage of each asset class in your portfolio using Mean-Variance Optimisation, the foundation of Modern Portfolio Theory. The economists who developed this, Harry Markowitz and William Sharpe, received the Nobel Prize in Economics in 1990. Today it is the most widely accepted framework for managing diversified investment portfolios.
Stockspot also offers investment themes to clients who want to personalise their portfolio with a range of other investment options including socially responsible shares or dividend shares.
We invest in Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) which are listed on the Australian Stock Exchange (ASX). ETFs can give you access to both Australian and overseas shares, bonds and other asset classes without the higher fees of active management.
An exchange traded fund (or ETF) is an investment fund that is traded on Australian Securities Exchange (ASX). Instead of buying one or two companies on a stock exchange ETFs track an asset class such as Australian shares, international shares, bonds or metals. They provide direct exposure to a wide range of investments in their asset class. For example, an Australian equity ETF holds a wide range of shares in the same proportion as each company's value on the ASX. It gives investors access to a broad range of securities through a single trade.
Well diversified, low-cost ETFs are the secret to better returns, and our ETF investment strategy has delivered better returns than most industry and retail super funds in Australia after all fees and taxes are accounted for.
ETFs have also done much better than listed investment companies (LICs) and actively managed funds due to their lower cost, better tax efficiency, transparency and market tracking investment structure.
The benefit of ETFs can be seen in our Topaz (growth) portfolio, which performed better than 97% of growth and balanced super funds over the last five years, including the largest retail and industry funds in Australia. And our conservative Stockspot portfolios have done better than every equivalent fund over the last five years as well.
Each Stockspot portfolio invests in low-fee exchange traded funds (ETFs) across 5 key asset classes, including Australian shares, global shares, bonds and gold. The investment choices are constantly reviewed to ensure you have access to the best possible return and diversification opportunities.
You can read more about our chosen ETFs here.
For portfolios less than $10,000, the ETFs are phased in gradually, starting with Australian shares and Bonds. At $10,000 you will have exposure to all 5 asset classes.
The Stockspot model portfolios have generated income returns of between 2-3% p.a since 2014. The total returns from your portfolio are calculated based on capital growth plus income earned from distributions each quarter.
Both income and capital growth can be accessed at any time.
Find out more about how we calculate returns.
Yes. All ETF securities are held in your name via a unique HIN (Holder Identification Number) that identifies you as the holder of the securities on the CHESS subregister. You can find your HIN in 'Account Settings' in your dashboard, and under 'Your Profile' in the app.
We custom-built our questionnaire so that we can find out all the details we need to know about your situation.
From there our smart algorithms are able to recommend a portfolio that's best suited to your preferences and goals.
The ETFs that Stockspot invests in own more than 1,400 investment holdings from around the world. For more details, please refer to our portfolios.
We think you should be looking to invest for at least a few years. Any shorter and you're actually speculating, not investing. The longer you stay invested the better your chance of success.
Using a service like Stockspot rather than actively managing your own portfolio yourself helps you to:
Building your own diversified investment portfolio takes a lot of time and effort to research the best shares (or ETFs) across different regions and across different asset classes.
With Stockspot, we build a personalised, diversified portfolio for you instantly – and you don't need hundreds of thousands to start, only $2,000! Having a mix of assets such as gold and bonds also gives you even more diversification, and helps you when global or local stock markets fall (as gold and bonds typically rise when this happens).
Our service automates many of the jobs you would be doing yourself to effectively manage your own investments, including choosing the best products, portfolio allocation across different assets, rebalancing your portfolio and reinvestments.
Our service automates many of the jobs you would be doing yourself to effectively manage your own investments, including choosing the best products, portfolio allocation across different assets, rebalancing your portfolio and reinvestments.
We also offer automatic direct deposits from your own bank account into your investment account to make it convenient to commit to a disciplined investment strategy by gradually adding your savings on a regular basis ('averaging-in' or 'dollar-cost averaging').
Automating regular investments – without having to pay brokerage each time like you would with say your CommSec or NabTrade account – can make a difference to your portfolio over a period of years, as otherwise those fees constantly eat into your potential returns.
Our recommendations are personalised for each client and reviewed at least annually because we believe this leads to better outcomes and a much lower chance of bad surprises for clients. Whenever your personal circumstances changes, we review your financial situation to ensure that your investment strategy stays relevant.
This means our clients can have peace of mind that their investment strategy is suitable for where they are in life, their goals, time-frame and personal risk profile.
This blog provides more detail on the benefits of using an automated service compared to self managing.
Once your account set-up is finalised, you will receive an email with instructions on how to login to your Stockspot dashboard. After we invest your first deposit, your dashboard will update with your investment holdings and cash balance. We'll email you to let you know.
You can also keep track of your portfolio via the Stockspot app. Download it from iTunes or Google Play. You can access the app once we invest your first deposit.
Over time your portfolio will 'drift' away from its target mix when some investments perform better than others. We continuously monitor the performance of assets in your portfolio and periodically rebalance them back to your target mix when this occurs to help reduce your risk over time. We are not able to predict when we are likely to rebalance because it depends on the performance of each of the assets and is unique to each portfolio.
Rebalancing in this way was developed by Nobel Prize winning economists and is now the most widely accepted framework for managing diversified portfolios. We also use deposits, withdrawals and reinvestment of distributions as opportunities for rebalancing your portfolio. Here you can read more about how rebalancing works.
Yes. You can change your settings to 'buy only' or pause your rebalancing altogether. You can Log In and manage this on your Stockspot dashboard.
We notify you by email whenever your portfolio is rebalanced, and for any other purchase or sale of investments or account related changes.
You can change your investment strategy by logging into your investment dashboard and selecting a different investment strategy under 'Portfolio settings'.Once you select and confirm the investment strategy, you will need to review and sign your updated investment agreement. See why your risk profile is important before making major changes.
Our team will also review the new investment strategy before we implement any portfolio changes for you to ensure it is suitable based on your investment horizon and risk profile. There are no fees associated changing your investment strategy.
Yes, additional portfolios can be set-up within your Stockspot dashboard by selecting 'Add new account'. Each portfolio will have a separate Stockspot cash account. You can direct funds into each portfolio for investment by bank transfer.
We chose each of the ETFs because we believe they represent the best way to invest in each respective asset class.
The assets we have included work together to provide the best risk versus reward payoff and produce high quality returns. Removing assets would change the risk profile of the portfolios and could negatively impact your returns and risk over time. Clients seeking more personalisation and control can access Stockspot Themes when investing $50,000 or more.
Gold acts as an additional layer of insurance and improves the quality of returns In your portfolio. Read more about how gold helps your portfolio.
Property doesn't provide diversification benefits to our portfolios. The Australian Share ETF provides some exposure to commercial, retail and industrial property, and if you have $50,000 invested, you can add Australian or global property as a Stockspot Theme.
At this stage Stockspot only offers the ETF investments that we recommend. This helps to reduce the cost to you and ensures you have the best mix of investments.
We focus on total returns rather than just dividends. Our investment methodology is based on Modern Portfolio Theory. It states that returns are best maximised for any level of risk through the optimal mix of asset classes. Clients investing over $50,000 also have the option to add Stockspot Themes to their portfolio which include a dividend shares theme and several global share themes.
Stockspot will invest your money all at once after it clears in your cash account. The benefit of investing in a portfolio of relatively uncorrelated asset classes is that when one asset class is down, it's likely others may be up to help offset it. Therefore, timing is less important when you invest in a diversified portfolio.
If you would rather spread when you invest over a period of time, you can set up a regular transfer or payment into your Stockspot account so you can dollar cost average. You can read about the benefits of dollar cost averaging here.
We manage the rebalancing process to maximise return versus risk over the long term. Here you can read more about how rebalancing works. Clients are also able to choose from three different rebalancing strategies which are suited to different life stages (such as retirement).
For portfolios less than $10,000, we phase-in each asset class instead of buying all of the ETFs with each investment you make. For smaller amounts of capital it's important to protect capital, so during the phase-in period, our smart algorithms combine assets to balance the risk vs return according to your investment profile. By the time your portfolio reaches $10,000, you will own all five core ETFs in your Stockspot portfolio.
The portfolios are constructed in a way that aims to optimise the level of return vs risk, and offer most of the diversification benefits from the beginning through exposure to Australian shares and bonds.
We don't offer margin lending since borrowing to invest can magnify losses when markets decline and increases the risk that you will sell your portfolio when the market becomes volatile Instead we encourage clients to consider dollar cost averaging for the best long term investment results.
We have selected funds which offer low-cost, transparent and liquid exposure to asset classes, sectors and market factors that compliment the Stockspot Portfolios.
Stockspot Themes enable you to choose areas of the market you want a greater focus on in your portfolio offering you more control and personalisation in your portfolio. For example you might want additional exposure to certain geographic regions (such as Japan or the U.S.), asset classes (global property or bonds), or market factors (small companies, dividend shares or socially responsible shares).
Stockspot Themes let you tilt your portfolio to your chosen areas of interest while still ensuring that your portfolio remains consistent with your investment goals and risk profile.
The Stockspot Model Portfolios are already diversified across thousands of companies, sectors, regions and industries. Stockspot Themes can offer additional exposure to a select area of the market, but aren't necessary for broad diversification benefits.
You're able to personalise their portfolio with a range of investment themes during the sign-up process provided you qualify for the Gold, Platinum or Diamond fee tiers.
Existing clients:Qualifying clients can access Stockspot Themes under 'Portfolio settings' in your investment dashboard and then by selecting 'update themes'. Once you've updated your themes, you will need to sign your new investment agreement.
Similar to the Stockspot Model Portfolios, themes should be part of your long-term investment plan and are not suitable to be frequently changed. We encourage clients to consider each theme as a 3 to 10 year investments as this will reduce the impact of short-term market moves and improve the probability of a positive return.
Stockspot clients can have up to 3 themes in their portfolio at any one time including a maximum number of growth and defensive themes based on your investment strategy. The amount of theme changes are limited each year to reduce the risk of short term buying and selling. Regular buying and selling can harm your returns.
Themes are optimised for each client's portfolio based on their goals, risk profile and core investment strategy. Each theme will typically contribute between 5% and 10% of your overall portfolio value once fully implemented.
Stockspot Themes only make up a small part of each portfolio so in order to be a meaningful part of your portfolio they can only be offered for portfolios over $50,000.
Smart beta relates to investing in well-known market 'factors' in a transparent and low-cost way. The following Stockspot Themes offer focused exposure to specific market factors: Australian large companies, Australian small companies, Australian dividend shares, Australian socially responsible shares. For more information, see our views on smart beta.
Sign-up using the 'Get Started' button on our home page Select your account type, answer questions around your goals and comfort with risk to get your free portfolio recommendation. Once you have your portfolio, simply complete the online application form and sign your agreements. It's all done online, no paperwork. Quick and easy.
Read more about how Stockspot works. If you still have questions contact our Client Care and Advice team.
The interest rate payable on credit cards, personal loans and other high interest loans will be more than you're likely to earn in the first few years of investing. We recommend paying down any high interest debt before investing and set aside a rainy day fund of between 3-6 months of living expenses.
Providing your Tax File Number is not compulsory, but withholding tax may be deducted from your interest earnings if you do not provide your Tax File Number or a TFN exemption code. We strongly recommend providing it when you join Stockspot to ensure that tax isn't withheld from your distributions and dividends.
This is to allow us to transfer funds back to you when you decide to sell your investments. The account holder name must match with your Stockspot account name. Note that this does not enable Stockspot to direct debit from your bank account and to invest. To start investing you'll need to deposit money to Stockspot via bank transfer.
If you fail the online ID check process we will contact you with a list of documents we require to identify you. We need to verify your current residential address and date of birth, so will require two forms of identification. Please contact us if you need help with the ID verification process.
A MDA is a Managed Discretionary Account. It is a financial product that means you as the client always maintains ownership and control of your investments while you give Stockspot as the MDA Manager the right to manage your investments on your behalf. The MDA Agreement allows Stockspot to recommend and build a personalised portfolio for you.
Stockspot, as the MDA Provider, has withdrawal authority on your cash account to transfer funds into your linked bank account when you decide to sell your investments. It also enables any fees, if applicable, to be deducted from the cash account each month.
Stockspot currently supports individual, joint, company and trust accounts (including SMSFs). You can also invest for your children or grandchildren. If you wish to open multiple accounts, a new application is required for each account. You can also open an account if you're an Australian Citizen living overseas. Head to the Stockspot homepage to complete your application online.
Yes, you can open multiple accounts under the same name and email address within your Stockspot dashboard. Select ‘Create Account’ and start the new application. Each account will have its own cash account that you can deposit funds into for investing in the respective portfolio. You can view all of your Stockspot accounts when you log in with your email and password.
All assets are held in your name. Cash is held in an individual cash account (in your name) and all ETFs are held on your own individual HINs at the CHESS sub-registry.
Your HIN is located in 'Account Settings' in your Stockspot dashboard, and under 'Your Profile' in the app.
No, your money isn't pooled with other investors' funds. All assets are held in your own name. Cash is held in an individual cash account (in your name) and all ETFs are held on your own individual HINs at the CHESS subregistry. Your HIN is located in your Stockspot dashboard if you ever need to access it. This means you have full access and control over your investments at all times. It's a safer way to invest which is why we do it that way.
Yes. Every Stockspot account has a cash account linked to it. The cash account is where you deposit funds for investment into your Stockspot portfolio or Stockspot Savings and where your ETF distributions are paid each quater. Any funds added to the cash account will be invested whenever the minimum investment balance is reached.
You may be eligible to invest with us if you are an Australian citizen currently living outside of Australia. Please email enquiries@stockspot.com.au with information on your citizenship and current residency status and we will let you know if you're eligible.
Yes, conditional on passing our ID check process including a copy of your passport and proof of your residential address. In some cases you will be asked to provide a proof of your connection to Australia such as a copy of a current residency of working Visa. Visas are assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Unfortunately Stockspot is not currently available for non Australian citizens who also live outside of Australia.
Yes. The account will need to be opened in the name of a parent, relative, guardian or trust, on behalf of the child. Any earnings/losses from the portfolio will form a part of the primary account holder's assessable income each year.
Please speak to your tax adviser or accountant regarding any advantages and disadvantages of different options from a tax perspective as Stockspot is unable to provide tax advice.
Read more on investing for kids
You can close your account by requesting a full withdrawal in the 'Transfer money' section of your investment dashboard. The process typically takes 5 business days in accordance with the ASX's standard settlement timeline.
You can leave your account open so if you want to return in the future you won't have to complete a new application. You can also contact our Client Care and Advice team to send you paperwork to fully close your account.
Our bank-level web security keeps your information safe and secure with our 256-bit SSL/TLS certificate. We also never share your personal information with unrelated third parties or advertisers.
You can find your HIN in 'Account Settings' in the Stockspot dashboard, and under 'Your Profile' in the app.
Yes. Each portfolio will have its own cash account with a BSB and Account Number. You can find these details in your dashboard and app.
Yes. Start your new applications within the Stockspot dashboard. You can set-up different account types or have portfolios with different strategies for different goals.
Your account ID is the unique identifier for your Stockspot account. If you have multiple accounts under one email address, your account ID is the easiest way to identify each account. Your account ID will be referenced on any account-related emails we send you. If you are contacting our Client Care team you can use the Account ID to help us quickly identify which account you are referencing.
Yes. As we're providing you with financial advice, we'll need to check your identity each time you open another Stockspot account. This also ensures we capture any changes to your personal details.
You can update your address and linked bank account details in your dashboard in 'More - User Settings'. To update your name, email or mobile number please call our Client Care team on 02 8091 8090.
Contact our Client Care team on 02 8091 8090.
Email our Client Care team with your new contact details. You’ll also be emailed forms to update this information with our service providers.
Log in with your email address then you can switch between your Stockspot accounts at the top of the left hand navigation section of your dashboard.
Log in to the app and select the drop down to switch accounts.
Yes. We will look at the total balance across your accounts and charge the corresponding fee tier. For example if you have one account with $50,000 and one with $150,000, you will have the Platinum fee tier applied to both accounts.
No. You’re required to follow the standard withdrawal process then you can re-direct funds into any of your other accounts once they have arrived in your linked bank account.
Stockspot currently supports individual, joint, company and trust accounts (including SMSFs). You can also invest for your children or grandchildren via our kids accounts. You may have more than one account for each of these entity types to manage different strategies. For multiple accounts, a new application is required for each account.
Yes. Stockspot takes the time and hassle out of growing and protecting your retirement savings, so you can get on with enjoying life.
Our portfolios aim to minimise risk while maximising returns through diversification. Nobel Prize winning research has shown that spreading your money across different assets is the most reliable way to grow your wealth. We invest in bonds and global shares to make your portfolio less risky than owning just Australian shares.
You can take control of what's important to you by dialling up or down your investment risk for an optimal portfolio, choose if you want dividends re-invested or distributed to you and personalise your portfolio with investment themes like dividend shares or US shares.
Our low monthly fee is all inclusive and we don't charge brokerage when we buy, sell or rebalance your portfolio. We also help you claim any franking credits owed to boost your total return.
Learn more about Stockspot for SMSFs.
There are no robots working at Stockspot. Instead we have experienced investment managers who oversee the portfolios and use technology to automate many of the tasks a human adviser does manually. This is what allows us to keep our costs low.
Robo-advice uses technology to remove human error and emotion from the investing process and give customers more reliable performance.
The strategies we've recommended have enabled our SMSF clients to earn more consistent returns, with around half the risk of investing in Australian shares only - all whilst providing low fees and reliable service.
Additionally, Stockspot is a fiduciary adviser. We're trusted by thousands of clients to manage hundreds of millions of dollars. That's because we always act in our clients' best interest. Find out more about robo-advice in Australia.
There are three main benefits of using Stockspot:
Our technology automates all replicable tasks, so our investment advisors can focus on bigger picture decisions and analysis. This also allows us to charge lower fees.
Human emotion and error is taken out of our investment decisions, which results in more consistent returns. In fact, during 2021, Stockspot out-performed 99% of all other similar funds.
We always act in our clients' best interest. That's why we're trusted by thousands of clients to manage hundreds of millions of dollars.
Not currently, but we can manage your existing SMSF through our low cost SMSF administration service. You can transfer an established SMSF over to us, and we will manage your SMSF on an ongoing basis.
When you start your Stockspot application, select “SMSF” as your account type. During the online application process you'll be asked to upload the following documents:
A copy of your trust deed, including:
- Cover page showing the full name of the fund
- Signed execution pages
- Schedule A of the deed (if your trust deed has one - not all do)
If your SMSF has a corporate trustee, a copy of the company extract for the trustee company may be uploaded or emailed to us.
Any associated TFN, ABN and ACN details. Our portfolios integrate with Class Super who help with tax reporting and administration for our SMSF clients.
Learn more about Stockspot for SMSFs.
If you need help with the application process, contact our Client Care and Advice team
Our minimum investment is $2,000. Our clients range from 18 to 80+ and have invested anywhere from $2,000 to $5 million plus.
Our portfolios have delivered more consistent returns than simply investing in Australian shares, and our mix of investments led us to outperform 99% of similar managed funds during volatile markets.
View our returns since inception and our 1, 3, and 5 year returns for SMSFs.
Yes. Quarterly distributions can be paid to you to fund your cost of living, and you can also make larger withdrawals anytime via your dashboard.
Contact us to discuss your specific income needs.
Gold does not produce an income, because it acts as a defensive asset that cushions your portfolio against share market falls. When share markets are volatile, gold tends to rise. Gold has been one of the best performing assets in the Stockspot portfolios as well as providing a cushion against market volatility.
Read more about why we invest in gold.
Yes, this can be done by choosing Stockspot Themes for your portfolio. If you're investing $50,000 or more, you can add extra asset classes, countries or market sectors to your portfolio.
For example you might want additional exposure to certain geographic regions (such as China or the U.S.), asset classes (global property or bonds), or market factors (small companies, dividend shares or socially responsible shares).
Find out more about Stockspot Themes.
Stockspot portfolios include five key asset classes - Australian shares, global developed market shares, global emerging markets shares, bonds and gold. The five asset classes provide strong asset class diversification
Our portfolios are built using a Nobel Prize winning strategy called Modern Portfolio Theory. The portfolios include a mix of growth and defensive assets that allow for overall positive returns while minimising risk.
Our unique investment mix includes Australian and global shares, bonds and gold, and has resulted in consistent growth, even during volatile markets.
Gold (along with bonds) is one of the defensive investments in all of the Stockspot portfolios. The current weighting is 12.3%. You can read more about the role of gold in your portfolio here.
Yes, you can tailor your portfolio by using Stockspot Themes. Stockspot Themes enable you to choose areas of the market you want a greater focus on in your portfolio. This way you have more control and personalisation in your portfolio.
For example, you might want additional exposure to certain geographic regions (such as Japan or the U.S.), asset classes (global property or bonds), or market factors (small companies, dividend shares or socially responsible shares).
Conversely, you may want to reduce your holding in a particular area, like Australian shares, and you can do this when you add one or two other themes that tilt your portfolio in another direction.
Yes. You can change strategies as your circumstances change or if the risk profile of your SMSF changes.
You're also able to have multiple accounts with different investment strategies. These multiple accounts can cover different investment goals and timeframes for funds in your SMSF.
Our investment advisers are on hand whenever you need help or have any questions. We are here to optimise your investments and to guide you through any rough patches.
Fees are based on the average balance in your account and charged monthly. Stockspot investment fees are all inclusive, with no extra for brokerage, transactions, platform fees, entry or exit. Learn more about Stockspot's pricing.
Fees may be tax deductible. You should check this with your accountant or fund administrator.
Yes, we provide you with an SMSF audit report each tax year that you can give to your accountant or administrator.
Yes. You can invite them to get 'view only' access to your Stockspot account to make ongoing administration and reporting easier.
No, you can only hold your Stockspot investment portfolio and/or any money in your Stockspot Savings (cash ETF) within your Stockspot account.
Where you already hold the same ETFs that are part of Stockspot's portfolios, we can transfer them in.
If you own other investments that are not part of Stockspot and want to bring them all within your Stockspot Portfolio, we can work out a transition plan to sell those investments with your accountant.
Contact our client care and advice team to discuss your options.
Investing with Stockspot means that all of your investments are ring-fenced and owned in the name of your SMSF under a unique HIN (Holder Identification Number). You have full control of your investments at all times.
In the very unlikely event that something happens to Stockspot, you can transfer your holdings to another platform or provider via a HIN transfer. Your SMSF always remains the legal and beneficial owner of your investments.
We will request relevant information from your executor and follow the instructions as laid out in your Will.
Please contact our client care and advice team for more information on estate planning.
Yes. You can lodge a withdrawal request anytime by lodging a request in your Stockspot dashboard. Funds are sold at the prevailing market price and deposited into your linked account in 4-5 business days.
Yes. Some Stockspot SMSF clients have multiple portfolios with different investment strategies that cover different investment goals and timeframes.
Yes. Start an application via the Stockspot website, and select that you are investing for 'a company'. Your account will then be set up in the name of the company.
You'll be asked to upload a copy of the company extract when completing the application. Two directors must be included in the application and sign the investment agreements if the company has two or more directors.
Yes. Start an application via the Stockspot website, and select that you are investing for 'a Trust'. Check your trust deed to find the correct full name of your trust. You can also find whether the trust has a corporate trustee or individual trustees. If corporate you will see a Pty Ltd company noted as the trustee. Please contact our Client Care and Advice team if you need help completing the application.
Start an application via the Stockspot website, and select that you are investing for 'someone under 18'. The application must be completed in the name of a parent, relative, guardian or trust on behalf of the minor as minors can't legally own investments in their own name.
The account must be in the name of the parent, guardian, relative or trust as minors ie. anyone under 18 can't legally own investments in their own name.
You can open additional kids accounts under the same name and email address within your Stockspot dashboard. Select 'Add new account' to start a new application. Each account will have its own cash account for you to deposit funds into for investing in the respective portfolio. You can view these accounts when you log in to your Stockspot dashboard.
If the account will be under a different name and email address, head to the Stockspot homepage and select 'Get Started' to open additional accounts.
No. The account is held in the name of an adult on behalf of the minor.
Yes. Children can invest for free up to $10,000 and whilst under 18 years old. Once the portfolio is above $10,000 and/or the child reaches 18, normal Stockspot pricing applies.
No. The account is set-up in the name of an adult on behalf of the child. Any earnings from the investments form a part of the primary account holder's assessable income each year.
You can either sell down the holdings to realise the funds or complete an off-market transfer to transfer the holdings into their individual name. It is best to speak with an accountant at the time to discuss any tax implications. There may be additional costs for off-market transfers so please contact our Client Care and Advice team for further information.
You can deposit money into your Stockspot cash account at any time via bank transfer. We'll email your Stockspot cash account details once your account is all set-up and ready-to-go.
I've opened my Stockspot account and transferred my money into my Stockspot cash account. What happens now?
If your initial deposit is $2,000 or more, the funds will be automatically invested into your chosen portfolio. You will receive an email once your first deposit has been received, then another once your investments are ready to view in your Stockspot dashboard and the Stockspot app.
It can generally take up to 3 business days from the time you made your first deposit. Your dashboard will update the day after we have invested your funds.
$2,000 initial investment.
After your initial investment, additional investment minimums $500 for portfolios under $50,000 and $2,000 for portfolios $50,000+
You can deposit money into your Stockspot cash account at any time via BPAY or bank transfer from your bank account. You have full flexibility on the frequency and amount of top-ups. Our system will automatically invest the funds into your portfolio when your bank has processed the transfer provided there is sufficient funds in your account to trigger a purchase of new investments.
| Investment balance | Minimum cash balance required for portfolio top-ups |
|---|---|
| $0 to $50,000 | $500 |
| $50,000 | $2,000 |
The minimum amount helps ensure we maintain a small percentage of your investment balance in cash, and all investments are made in 'marketable' denominations under ASX rules.
Additional top-ups are always up to you – you can add money as often as you like. There are no limits or restrictions on how often you can top-up.
There's no need to notify us as our system will automatically invest the funds into your portfolio whenever there is sufficient funds in your account to trigger a purchase of new investments.
You can keep track of how much cash you need to deposit to purchase more investments in the Account Overview screen in your Stockspot dashboard.
Simply set-up a regular transfer from your own bank account to your Stockspot cash account. You can set the amount and frequency.
We email you when we have received your first deposit over $2,000. Following that we'll email you when any new funds have been invested. You can easily keep track of your Stockspot cash account balance in the Account Overview screen in your dashboard and the Stockspot app.
You can make additional investments with as little or as much as you like. However the balance in your cash account needs to be greater than the amounts below before we make new investments.
| Portfolio balance | Minimum cash balance required for additional investments |
|---|---|
| $0 - $50,000: | $500 |
| $50,000+: | $2,000 |
This helps ensure we maintain a small percentage of your investment balance in cash, and all investments are made in 'marketable' denominations under ASX rules.
There is no limit to the number additional investments you can make. There are also no fees for making additional investments. Dollar-cost averaging is a strategy to invest gradually over a few days, weeks or months. This helps reduce the impact of short-term moves in the market because you invest at an 'average' price over a period of time.
There are a few considerations which we've covered in: Dollar-cost average or go all in?
You will have originally received them by email. The details are also located in the 'Transfer Money > Deposit Money' section of your Stockspot dashboard.
You can withdraw your investments by requesting a withdrawal under 'Transfer money' in your Stockspot dashboard. Once you lodge the request we'll sell down the requested amount and transfer the funds into your linked bank account. The process typically takes 5 business days in accordance with the ASX's standard settlement timeline.
You can request a partial withdrawal as long as it's for more than $2,000 and the remaining balance of your portfolio is also more than $2,000 to maintain a sufficiently diversified portfolio.
$2,000
The fees charged will be dependent on your fee tier. We offer a sliding fee scale based on the amount of funds invested. There are no hidden costs and we don't charge any extra for brokerage. Please refer to our pricing page for more details.
Fees may be tax deductible. You should check this with your accountant or fund administrator.
Each ETF issuer charges a management fee which comes out of the ETF unit price and is an indirect cost to you ie. you don't pay it personally.
The average ETF fees across the Stockspot Model Portfolios are 0.25% to 0.30% p.a and 0.32% to 0.47% for the Stockspot Sustainable portfolios. Based on a $10,000 portfolio that's about $30 per year.
ETF management fees are an indirect cost not charged by Stockspot. They are charged by companies who run the investment funds. Instead of billing you directly, they take the fee straight from the fund's performance. It's a cost incurred by anyone who invests in these funds – whether it's us, another advisor, or you.
No, there's no additional charge for brokerage. Our fees are all inclusive and calculated monthly based on your average investment balance over the month.
No. We don't charge brokerage fees, entry fees or exit fees. You can withdraw from your portfolio at any time at no cost. See our Pricing page for more details.
For transfers out to another platform or service provider there is an administration fee of $30 per ETF. Please contact our Client Care & Advice team before initiating a transfer out.
No. We don't believe kickbacks or commissions are in the best interest of clients as these cause a conflict of interest.
Stockspot's advisory fee is less than a quarter of the industry average. You can save thousands over the course of your lifetime by paying a fraction of what traditional advisors charge.
Portfolios over $50,000 benefit from lower fees, as well as the ability to personalise your portfolio with a range of investment themes.
For investors with more than $200,000 we can help you transition your existing investments with a personalised implementation plan.
If you have multiple accounts, your fee tier is determined by your combined investment balance across all accounts, including any non-fee paying accounts. This helps many Stockspot clients enjoy lower fees based on their total investment balance across all of their accounts. Only your first account is eligible for the 'first 6 months free' offer. All eligible kids accounts continue to be fee-free until the portfolio balance reaches $10,000 or the child turns 18.
Yes. The Stockspot portfolios accrue dividends and distributions which are paid quarterly. The historical distributions across our portfolios is 2-3% per year. Please note that past returns are no assurance of future performance as distribution income varies each year.
Dividends are automatically reinvested and used to rebalance your portfolio. You can elect to receive your distributions as income rather than have them re-invested by setting your rebalancing strategy to 'Pause rebalancing' in the Portfolio settings section of the investment dashboard. Note that the minimum withdrawal amount is $2,000. If you need to fund a regular income stream please contact our Client Care and Advice team to discuss your specific needs in more detail.
You can elect to receive your distributions as income rather than have them re-invested by setting your rebalancing strategy to 'Pause rebalancing' in the Portfolio section of the investment dashboard and then making withdrawals when income is received.
Yes. The level of franking credits will be indicated in your annual tax statements from us. The portfolios distribute all franking credits so you can benefit directly from them.
Can I elect to participate in a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRP) if one is offered by the ETFs I am invested in?
Since dividends are used to rebalance your portfolio we do not offer participation in DRPs.
They will be visible in the 'Transactions' section of your investment dashboard. They are updated in the dashboard as part of our administration and tax reconciliation process each month.
Stockspot Savings is an alternative to a high interest savings account. It's perfect for people who need some cash savings for their short term goals, or for those who are already investing to stash away their emergency fund.
Rather than deposit money directly with a bank, Stockspot Savings invests your savings into units of a high interest cash ETF.
High interest cash ETFs have been available on the ASX since 2012. These ETFs deposit investor funds at major banks regulated in Australia by APRA. They aim to achieve interest rates that are competitive with 'at call' high interest bank deposits without the need for investors to open a bank account or lock up capital for extended periods.
Cash offers a high level of security and capital stability and can provide regular monthly interest income. Unlike bonds, the capital value of cash will not fall in a rising interest rate environment. High interest cash can be a suitable place to park funds that may be needed in the shorter term (3 years or less).
High interest cash held within Stockspot Savings offers a high level of security and capital stability and can provide regular interest income.
Our current cash ETF is the BetaShares Australian High Interest Cash ETF (AAA). The fund invests in a number of deposit accounts from selected banks in Australia. It aims to achieve interest rates that are competitive with 'at call' bank deposits and term deposits without the need for investors to open a bank account or lock up capital for extended periods
An investment in units of the fund is not the same as an investor placing money directly on deposit with a bank. The fund is a managed investment scheme that pools the money invested in the fund and seeks to obtain competitive interest rates from bank deposit accounts. By buying units, investors obtain indirect exposure to the returns of high interest-earning bank accounts.
Cash ETFs work a little differently to when you deposit money in the bank. Cash ETFs increase in value each day by a small amount to reflect the extra interest you've earned each day. Interest is paid around the 15th of each month (or next weekday) and visible in your dashboard on the next business day.
There are no additional fees charged by Stockspot. The interest rate you see on your account already has the ETF management fee (currently 0.18%) deducted from it.
Management costs for the BetaShares Australian High Interest Cash ETF (AAA) are 0.18% p.a. This cost comes directly out of the ETF unit price and is not charged by Stockspot.
The minimum investment amount is $2,000. After your initial investment, there are additional investment minimums of $500 for portfolios under $50,000 and $2,000 for portfolios above $50,000.
You can make as many deposits and withdrawals as you like. It usually takes 2-3 business days to withdraw from Stockspot Savings to your linked external bank account. We generally recommend that Stockspot Savings is suitable for money that you expect to need in 3 months to 3 years time. Money you need in less than 3 months is better suited to a regular bank transaction account where you have immediate access to your money.
The current rate will be published daily in the Savings Settings section of your dashboard. Just like when you deposit money with your bank, interest rates with cash ETFs can change.
Small changes can happen month-to-month and large changes typically happens when the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announces an interest rate change. We are constantly reviewing the cash ETF options available for the best possible interest rate for you. We will always show the current interest rate and our chosen cash ETF in your dashboard.
Stockspot will only recommend cash ETFs that deposit cash with major banks regulated in Australia by APRA (the bank regulator). To read about all benefits and risks of using a high interest cash ETF please refer to the product disclosure statement.
Activate savings via the Account Overview screen in your Stockspot dashboard. Select Activate Savings then proceed to signing the agreements. Our advice and compliance team will approve your request and Stockspot Savings will unlock in your dashboard.
Change your deposit destination to Stockspot Savings in the 'Transfer Money - Deposit Money' section of your dashboard. Once set to Savings, all future deposits into your Stockspot cash account will be invested into Stockspot Savings until you switch it back to Portfolio.
You can transfer money between your Stockspot Portfolio and Stockspot Savings in the Transfer Money – Move Money section of the Stockspot investment dashboard. Keep in mind that this may involve selling some of your investments and realising capital gains or losses. We recommend you seek advice from your tax agent about the tax consequences first.
$2,000
You can withdraw money from your Stockspot Savings at any time (we won't charge you for withdrawals). It usually takes 2-3 business days to withdraw from Stockspot Savings to your linked external bank account. We're constantly working on improving the speed of withdrawals so you can have access to your money sooner.
$2,000
Yes, $2,000
It takes 2-3 business days to withdraw from Stockspot Savings to your linked external bank account. We're constantly working on improving the speed of withdrawals so you can have access to your money sooner.
We combine any interest you earn in your Stockspot Savings account with your Stockspot Portfolio annual tax statement each year. Generally the income you earn in Stockspot Savings will be interest income.
No. Your Stockspot cash account is where you deposit funds for investment into your Stockspot Savings or your Stockspot Portfolio.
Yes. Stockspot provides several reports that are available online in the Documents section of your investment dashboard.
The following reports are available in the Documents section of your investment dashboard
We can also provide customised reports on request. Just contact us and we'll be able to generate these for you.
The reports show important information including income received for the year, a summary of the performance of your portfolio, distributions received, capital gains and transactions history.
Stockspot does not provide tax advice. We have explained some tax considerations and lodging your tax return. Please speak with your accountant or tax adviser about the tax implications before deciding whether to sell your existing portfolio or using a specific account type.
Some Stockspot clients own investments in exchange traded funds (ETFs) that derive their income from the United States (US). These ETFs are subject to US withholding tax. For investors who are non-US residents, the good news is that the US withholding tax rate is typically reduced from 30% to 15% under the Australia/US Double Tax Agreement. Here are further instructions and more information about this form.
You can give access to your accountant or adviser via the 'Manage access' section of the investment dashboard or during sign-up. Your accountant or adviser will get view-only access to your portfolio to help with the preparation of your tax statements and any other financial advice. Providers
Yes. You can export your investment transactions into a CSV file format from your Stockspot dashboard.
We are fortunate to have strong providers to help us deliver our service. You can find out more about them on our providers page.
Never. We strongly advocate against receiving payments from product providers as we believe it causes major conflicts of interest in the industry and is bad for consumers.
If you are an accountant, financial adviser, planner or other provider of professional financial services approved by Stockspot you can become a Stockspot Partner and receive the benefits of the Stockspot Partner Program for you and your clients.
Your clients will get access to Australia's most sophisticated robo-advice software, education and support. We'll help manage their portfolio, educate them about investing and streamline their reporting to make tax time easier. Clients investing over $50,000 will get access to Stockspot Themes (tailored portfolios) and your clients can also access benefits based on your Partner tier.
Stockspot can help you have more meaningful conversations with your clients about their finances. You'll see all of your clients in one place including their investments and personal profile. This enables you to watch them grow, track their goals and reach out when it's time to add value. You get a free subscription to our newsletter and research so you can discuss relevant topics with your clients. We give you access to your clients' tax reports which have franking credits and withholding tax already calculated to make tax time easier. You can pass on other benefits to build on your relationship with them.
We want to make your life easier so you can focus on building a more meaningful relationship with your clients. Stockspot manages all onboarding, AML/KYC, compliance, upfront and ongoing investment advice, the investment process, rebalancing and annual portfolio reviews.
Your clients can add you when they join Stockspot, or once they are already a Stockspot member in the 'manage access' section of their investment dashboard. You will receive an access request notification in your professional dashboard when a client has added you. Remember to give them your registered email address so your clients are linked to the correct professional account.
For security reasons, please call us on +612 8091 8090 to update your email address over the phone.