Posted by on
27/05/2026
Rabobank's Senior Manager, Deposit Products, Andrew Fartek, with Liam Shorte of SONAS Wealth.
Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty, financial market volatility and an increasing interest rate environment, many investors view the SMSF market as a potentially resilient component within broader investment strategies.
Rabobank’s Senior Manager, Deposit Products, Andrew Fartek says, “Cash can be an attractive option for investors during times of volatility, though it gives lower returns it sits lower on the risk scale.”
Financial Planner and Self-Managed Super Fund Specialist Adviser, Liam Shorte of SONAS Wealth, agrees, and believes the transparency of SMSFs provides welcome reassurance.
“The beauty of an SMSF is that when someone has an SMSF they’re in control of the underlying investments and related risks, so they know they have a cash account such as a Rabobank HISA, maybe some term deposits, perhaps a share portfolio, an ETF portfolio, and maybe some gold bullion.”
Liam, who is not affiliated with Rabobank, suggests investors should speak to their accountant or licensed financial adviser before making any investment or tax-related decision.
He also suggests that for SMSF clients in retirement, having three to four years of pension money in cash and fixed interest, laddered between different cash accounts such as HISA and Term Deposits, may be beneficial, he says, adding that a diversified investment strategy may help balance risk and return.
With Rabobank’s award-winning SMSF Premium Saver (Money Magazine 2026) and SMSF High Interest Savings Account (Mozo Experts Choice 2025) Andrew believes these flexible, easy-to-use savings and investment products offer strong value.
“At Rabobank we understand the current challenges facing households, and our savings products support those looking to maximise their SMSF returns,” Andrew says.
“We already know that cash and term deposits allocations are an integral part of the SMSF portfolio,” he says. “Our SMSF savings accounts are well designed to support SMSF members through growth in their cash balances.”
Super contributions and tax thresholds
With cost-of-living pressures impacting households, and global uncertainty continuing to threaten day-to-day living costs, Liam provides general insights on how adjustments to an investment strategy may influence overall financial outcomes.
When building super, Liam highlights developing a strong understanding of the concessional contributions cap, which, he says, is the maximum amount of before‑tax contributions that can be made to super each year without incurring additional contributions tax.
A strong understanding of tax thresholds - particularly for those approaching a higher marginal tax bracket - is also critical, according to Liam.
Products that suit Aussie households
Andrew says Rabobank is focused on providing accounts that not only provide good returns, but also a wide range of savings products to meet customers’ different savings objectives.
“We have a variety of savings products, from the High Interest Savings Account (HISA) to the Term Deposit, the Notice Saver and the Premium Saver – or customers often choose a savings or investment strategy that combines a number of these options.”
Andrew explains that a popular savings option is the HISA, designed to support customers seeking to grow their savings , without changing their everyday bank.
One of the best features of the HISA, Andrew believes, is that the interest rate is earned with no conditional steps – “You can throw money into it, and draw money out of it, and you continue earning a rate based on the applicable tier.”
Starting with a higher introductory interest rate, then reverting to the standard rate after four months, he says the big differentiator between this account and those similar on the market is that you may be required to also open another everyday transaction account for your SMSF.
“You don’t have to increase your investments or open up a linked transaction account, or switch banks – you can keep your transaction accounts with your existing bank including, for example, Commonwealth, NAB or Westpac, and have your Rabobank HISA account separate.”
Term Deposits allow customers to lock in their savings and receive a guaranteed return, and they can start from as little as $1,000, with terms from one month to five years
“People can lock in for a range of shorter terms or lock away their funds for up to five years to take advantage of the higher interest rate environment, and a longer-term Term Deposit enables them to elect to receive interest as they request.”
Saving with a greater purpose
As an agribusiness bank, Andrew says customers could feel good about maximising their returns.
“The dollars invested with Rabobank go toward a greater purpose - supporting local farmers and agricultural businesses that help put food on our tables.”
Community values remain at the heart of the global cooperative, and as such, Andrew says the bank is proud to reinvest in communities across Australia.
“Through our dedicated Rabobank Community Fund we have invested over $2 million in rural and regional initiatives across Australia, helping contribute to strong, and vibrant communities.”
“From supporting vulnerable youth, to refurbishing country halls, thanks to our clients’ deposits and Rabobank’s cooperative structure, we can prioritise local communities and direct funding where it’s most needed.”
“Whether you’re a SMSF or an individual saver, Rabobank savings go toward supporting Aussie farmers and communities, so they can grow too.”
Disclaimer
Rabobank Australia Limited ABN 50 001 621 129 AFSL 234 700 (Rabobank Australia Limited) is the issuer of Rabobank Online Savings and related deposit products. Any advice provided is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the relevant disclosure documents and terms and conditions for these financial products, including the PDS for the Notice Saver Account (all available at www.rabobank.com.au) along with your personal objectives, financial situation and needs before making any financial decisions. Rabobank Australia Limited does not provide tax advice. We recommend that you seek advice from your tax adviser or accountant in relation to any taxation implications. Note: Target Market Determinations for products issued by Rabobank Australia Limited are available at www.rabobank.com.au/tmds Target Market Determinations for products issued by Rabobank Australia Limited are available at www.rabobank.com.au/tmds.
Liam Shorte of SONAS Wealth is an independent expert and is not affiliated with Rabobank. Liam confirms the information provided is general in nature and does not take into account individual objectives, financial situations or tax circumstances.