Asset Protection Risk Management

Olvera works with company directors to understand risk points in their business and protect their assets in high-risk scenarios.  

Every day, each decision we make changes our risk. As the risk alters both positively and negatively, so does our perception of the decisions we have made.

As company directors enter into new ventures banking on success, the more experienced ones also plan for failure. In reality, the most effective asset protection structures we can adopt, with the optimal tax position, are those commenced before the initial investment is undertaken. 

There are over 250 pieces of separate state and federal legislation in Australia, which impose personal financial liability on directors and officers. It’s important for directors to understand and avoid these financial liabilities.  

Olvera works with entrepreneurs and business owners to identify their personal risk profiles and to understand their risk exposure through our RING asset protection and risk management protocol.

By understanding your risk profile and the exact nature of the risk involved, you can adopt risk management processes that will help to mitigate your exposure. Our Asset Protection and Risk Management program is built to align with the control and funding structures of your organisation, thus maximising the effectiveness of the corporate structure and minimising any potential leakages. 
WHERE IT MATTERS 

Does my business need Asset Protection Risk Management

Asset Protection Risk Management are suited for directors of businesses with one or more of the following concerns 

1

Facing potential insolvency or financial distress

2

High levels of debt or liabilities

3

Risk of personal liability for business debts

4

Vulnerability to creditor actions such as winding-up proceedings

5

Proactive safeguarding business assets from creditors

6

Planning for corporate restructuring or liquidation

7

Change in environmental and regulatory compliance or governance failures
Our Approach

How we can help 

Olvera’s asset protection and risk management services include:  

Debt Assessment

Preparing an independent assessment of your corporate and debt structures classified into passive and active asset holdings.

Risk Assessment

Determining your personal and business risk profile and appetite statement, as well as allocating your risks into key categories.

Risk Management Recommendations

Recommending and implementing changes to your corporate and personal asset structure to quarantine and mitigate risk.

Olvera Guides

Risk Management Guide

Download our latest report to understand the opportunities, challenges, and trends in the construction sector.  

Risk Management Guide
Our Experts

Olvera’s Risk Management Experts

Our team of specialist advisors are dedicated to providing expert guidance and personalised solutions for your business.  

Neil Cussen

Principal

Neil Cussen, a leading authority in insolvency and reconstruction, offers 35 years of experience, excelling in asset tracing, business recovery, and cross-border insolvencies.

Tony Wright

Principal

Tony contributes 15 years of insolvency experience to Olvera Advisors, with diverse industry expertise and a unique background in ASIC’s Enforcement Division.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions 

Get answers to common questions about Asset Protection and Risk Management  

What is asset protection and risk management in the context of business?

Asset protection involves implementing strategies to protect a company and its owner’s assets from potential risks such as creditors, lawsuits, and insolvency. It can include activities such as legal structuring, transferring ownership, and limiting liabilities to protect valuable assets. 

Asset protection is a part of risk management, as it is a specific strategy used to prevent directors from financial distress in adverse scenarios.  

Risk management, and the process of protecting one’s assets, helps directors identify, assess, and mitigate potential risks that could threaten their financial health, operations, or reputation.  

As business owners, many events may affect their bottom line and personal liability. Sometimes, these events might be beyond their control. Effective risk management protects directors from personal liability and helps ensure business continuity. 

Business owners can be personally liable for company debts if they fail to meet their legal obligations, such as trading while insolvent or failing to pay taxes. For example, Director Penalty Notices (DPNs) are one way the ATO can hold directors accountable for unpaid company tax liabilities.  

Insolvent trading is also a significant issue faced by many directors. If liable, they face a significant threat to their personal assets and may also have to close their business to settle debts.

Each company and director must undergo an assessment to determine the best way to protect their assets. However, common strategies include: 

  • Structuring the business with trusts or separate legal entities 
  • Transferring assets to a spouse or family trust 
  • Ensuring key assets are held in protected structures 
  • Implementing proper insurance coverage 

For the best chance of effective recovery, asset protection strategies should be done proactively before any threat of insolvency. This is because protective measures that are taken when the company is already insolvent may be voided under government laws.  

It is recommended for business owners take protective measures and secure their assets if they experience a change in market and regulatory conditions.  

Our team will first identify any risk faced by the company or director. This includes a comprehensive review of business operations, legal obligations, financial health, and industry-specific threats. We will then outline an asset protection plan that outlines strategies to mitigate them and secure your assets. 

Asset protection should be a proactive measure, implemented before or at the first sign of financial distress or legal challenges. This can include regulatory changes, supply chain issues, decrease in demand, or declining profits.  

Waiting until a business is already facing insolvency may limit the effectiveness of asset protection strategies. 

Failing to manage risk can result in business insolvency, loss of key assets, director penalties, legal action, and reputational damage. It may also lead to personal financial exposure for directors if they are found liable for company debts. 

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