Powering broker growth through SMSF lending
Publication Date: Monday, 9 March 2026
This article originally appeared in Australian Broker
With SMSFs surpassing $1 trillion in assets, demand for SMSF lending is accelerating. Brighten’s residential and commercial SMSF products are helping brokers capitalise on the opportunity with confidence
“SMSF lending is no longer a niche transaction. It’s now a core strategic conversation, and brokers need lenders with genuine SMSF expertise across both residential and commercial assets” – Ben Mckell, Brighten
SMSF LENDING has entered a new era, and Brighten is equipping brokers to lead it.
By September 2025, Australia had more than 661,000 SMSFs managing over $1.07 trillion in assets, representing nearly 17% growth over five years.1 SMSFs have become a dominant force within Australia’s superannuation system.
For brokers, that scale creates significant opportunity. In 2026, SMSF lending is a core part of strategic client discussions. Customers are actively seeking to take greater control of their investment decisions, diversify asset exposure and align property strategies with long-term retirement outcomes.
At the same time, expectations have risen. SMSF customers are more financially sophisticated. Structures are more deliberate. Liquidity management and compliance considerations are front of mind, and brokers are expected to deliver clarity, certainty and lender alignment from the outset.
According to Brighten head of commercial lending Ben Mckell, this shift requires lenders to move beyond generic SMSF offerings.
“SMSF lending is no longer about whether a deal can be done,” Mckell says. “It’s about how confidently and consistently it can be delivered. Brokers need lenders who genuinely understand SMSF structures, across both residential and commercial transactions.”
A complete SMSF solution
Brighten has responded to this evolution by building dedicated capability across both residential and commercial SMSF lending.
Rather than treating SMSF as a sub-segment of standard lending, Brighten has specifically designed its offering, Brighten Super Star®, for SMSF borrowers and brokers operating in this space.
Brighten’s SMSF lending supports:
- residential investment property within super
- commercial investment property
- commercial owner-occupied premises held within super
- structured SMSF transactions requiring clear policy interpretation
“We’re seeing strong demand in both residential and commercial SMSF lending,” Mckell says. “As customers diversify across asset classes, brokers increasingly need a lender that can support both strategies under one consistent policy framework, without shifting credit standards between asset types.”
Why SMSF requires specialist execution
SMSF lending carries unique structural and compliance considerations. Trust deeds, corporate trustees, liquidity buffers, contribution caps and serviceability calculations within super require disciplined credit assessment. Policy interpretation inconsistencies or late-stage credit changes can undermine complex deals and damage broker-customer relationships.
Brighten’s approach centres on:
- clear and transparent SMSF policy
- experienced credit assessors familiar with SMSF compliance and liquidity requirements
- consistent serviceability assessment
- early scenario engagement to provide upfront certainty
- alignment of policy and credit standards across residential and commercial asset types
“In SMSF lending, structure and sustainability are critical,” Mckell says. “We focus on getting those foundations right at the beginning so brokers can proceed with confidence.” – Ben Mckell, Brighten
Commercial SMSFs gaining momentum
While residential SMSF investment remains strong, one of the most notable trends in 2026 is renewed momentum in commercial SMSF lending.
Business owners are increasingly purchasing their own premises within super, aligning operating costs with long-term retirement strategies. This structure can deliver powerful long-term benefits when executed correctly.
“Commercial SMSF transactions are sophisticated,” Mckell says. “You need a lender that understands both commercial property fundamentals and SMSF regulatory requirements. That dual expertise is critical.”
Brighten’s commercial SMSF expertise enables brokers to confidently manage these higher-value, structurally complex transactions under one consistent lending framework.
“Brighten has built dedicated SMSF capability so brokers can deliver certainty from structure through to settlement. Policy clarity and an experienced credit team make all the difference”
Certainty is the new differentiator
As SMSF lending becomes more mainstream, pricing alone is no longer the defining factor. Brokers are increasingly prioritising lenders that offer clear and transparent SMSF policies, predictable documentation requirements and consistent credit decisions.
Just as importantly, they value direct access to experienced credit assessors who understand SMSF structures and can support both residential and commercial transactions.
Late-stage credit changes, shifting interpretations, or inconsistent serviceability outcomes can significantly impact customer confidence. Brighten’s disciplined credit framework is designed to minimise these risks.
“Our goal is to remove uncertainty,” Mckell says. “Brokers should feel confident that what is discussed up front will carry through consistently from credit assessment to settlement.”
Supporting brokers for long-term growth
SMSF customers are typically higher-net-worth borrowers with long-term investment strategies and multi-product needs. Brokers who establish SMSF expertise often deepen relationships and expand client lifetime value.
By offering both residential and commercial SMSF lending solutions, Brighten enables brokers to retain these clients within a single lending ecosystem.
As SMSF assets continue to grow nationally, the brokers who partner with specialist lenders will be best placed to capture the opportunity.
“At Brighten, we’ve built the depth and consistency brokers need to grow their residential and commercial SMSF lending business,” says Mckell.