Investment restrictions exist to protect members' retirement savings and avoid fund assets from being exposed to undue risks, such as a business failing.

While there are some exceptions, generally:

• you can't buy assets from, or lend money to, fund members or other related parties, and
• your fund can't borrow money.

Failing to meet the investment rules can result in your fund losing its complying status and trustees could be disqualified or face civil and criminal penalties.

There are different types of investment restrictions that you as a trustee need to understand. These include:

• loans and early access
• in-house assets
• acquiring assets from related parties
• collectables and personal use assets, and
• borrowing.

For more information, see restrictions on investments on the ATO website.