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legalsuper vs smartMonday

Compare what each fund offers, then choose investment options to put their published costs and returns side by side.

By SuperGuru Group · Research checked 11 September 2026 · Historical APRA figures to 30 June 2026

legalsuper

Industry fund

legalsuper is aimed at the legal profession and gives members both managed investment options and a direct investment facility.

Membership

Check current employer-sponsored and personal membership terms. The account category matters when comparing fees and insurance.

smartMonday

Retail fund brand

smartMonday PRIME has an age-based default and a choice menu, plus a pension product. Its MySuper design changed in August 2026.

Membership

Employer and personal membership depend on the relevant product and plan.

Compare fees and investment returns

Choose the actual investment pathway for each account. For lifecycle products, select the named stage relevant to you. No stage is selected automatically.

APRA product data to 30 June 2026
MeasureMySuperChoose an investment option
Return basisMySuper net return after administration costs, $50,000 representative memberChoose an option
3-year return, per year10.11%Choose an option
5-year return, per year7.32%Choose an option
7-year return, per year7.53%Choose an option
10-year return, per year7.90%Choose an option
APRA strategic growth allocation77.72%Choose an option
Reported total fees, net of tax, at $50,000$470 a year (0.94%)Choose an option
Administration and advice costs, net of tax (included in total)$190 a yearChoose an option
2026 performance testPassChoose an option
New-member status at reporting dateCheck the current product eligibility rulesCheck the current product eligibility rules

Source: APRA Comprehensive Product Performance Package 2026, published 28 August 2026. Fees reflect the reporting year to 30 June 2026, are net of tax, use standard arrangements and exclude member-activity fees. Dollar figures are rounded. They are not a current quote. Check the latest PDS for changes, insurance premiums and any separately charged advice.

Returns are annualised historical results. Different return bases, risk levels and periods cannot be treated as interchangeable. MySuper net returns use a $50,000 representative balance even when you change the fee balance. A lifecycle stage return does not track a person moving between stages. Missing figures mean not reported, not zero. Past returns do not predict future returns. Read our method and APRA's definitions.

How the products differ

legalsuper and smartMonday: product features and conditions
What to comparelegalsupersmartMonday
Membership and access

Check current employer-sponsored and personal membership terms. The account category matters when comparing fees and insurance.

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Employer and personal membership depend on the relevant product and plan.

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Accounts and products

Superannuation, pension and transition-to-retirement pension.

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PRIME super and PENSION.

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Investment choices

Members can choose managed options. Eligible accounts can also use the Direct Investment Option for ASX300 shares, selected ETFs, listed investment companies and term deposits.

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LifeStage MySuper now uses four age bands. Members can also select pre-mixed and sector options.

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Insurance

The fund has insurance options for its membership. Compare the actual policy and occupation category, rather than treating a legal-industry label or award as proof of value.

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Insurance is available; advice about a member's smartMonday insurance is included without a separate advice charge.

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Retirement income

Pension members have a managed menu and can access direct investment subject to its rules. Transition-to-retirement pension members cannot use the Direct Investment Option.

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A pension account is available under separate disclosure.

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Advice and support

The fund provides member information and support. Personal financial advice should have a clear scope and agreed fee; only eligible super-related advice fees may be paid from the account.

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smartCoach provides account-related advice. Check the scope before seeking broader planning.

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Fee details to check

Direct investing adds its own administration and other costs to the ordinary product schedule. Include these when comparing it with a pooled option or another direct-share facility.

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From 14 August 2026, the standard annual administration charge fell to $67.60 plus 0.16% of balance, with a $1,000 cap on that percentage component. Investment costs rose for most options; employer terms may differ.

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Comparing investment performance

A member who holds direct securities has a personal portfolio return. It is not meaningful to assign the MySuper return to that portfolio.

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Do not compare the new LifeStage strategy as though its allocation has remained unchanged throughout the historical LifeCycle record.

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THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on legalsuper

Editorial assessment

Worth examining for legal professionals or eligible members who want more investment control and will use the direct menu.

What deserves a closer look

  • The direct facility is unavailable in transition-to-retirement pensions.
  • A broad investment menu does not remove the need to manage concentration, cash and trading costs.

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Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

THE SUPERGURU VIEW

Our take on smartMonday

Editorial assessment

Worth comparing for members who prefer an age-based investment strategy or have a negotiated employer plan.

What deserves a closer look

  • Old pages still refer to LifeCycle; the August 2026 notice is the current guide.
  • The administration reduction does not mean every member's total fees fell.

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Based on the cited product features. These are general reasons to investigate the fund, not a personal recommendation. Supporting sources.

Before choosing between legalsuper and smartMonday

Use the membership rules to establish which accounts are available to you. Then compare the total price of the investment option and cover you need. A lower fee or higher historical return alone does not tell you which fund is suitable.

Ask both funds to confirm insurance acceptance, exclusions, waiting periods and whether cover would change when you leave your employer. Obtain advice before giving up a defined benefit or an insurance policy you may not be able to replace. ASIC Moneysmart explains the comparison checks.

Read the full legalsuper profile · Read the full smartMonday profile · Choose another comparison

Sources for legalsuper

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. Investment options
  2. Fees and direct-investment restrictions
  3. Member outcomes and direct investments
  4. legalsuper

Sources for smartMonday

Checked 2026-09-11. Documents and product terms can change after this date.

  1. August 2026 product changes
  2. Current disclosure documents
  3. FAQs and advice