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Critical Industry Updates

SBR Trends – SBR Rates Continue to Fall

Executive summaryDecember 2025 closed with a Small Business Restructuring (SBR) conversion rate of 55.5%, reflecting 91 restructuring plans completed from 164 unique SBR appointments. While a majority of businesses still navigated the process successfully, December again underperformed relative to other months — driven by compressed timeframes, reduced stakeholder availability, and practitioner capacity constraints. Looking across 2023–2026, restructuring activity shows clear growth, strong seasonal patterns, and a sustained gap between plans

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March 16, 2026
Pre-insolvency
Director Duties

Pre-Insolvency Advisors: Why They Matter and How They Work

When a business starts showing signs of financial distress, early action can make the difference between recovery and collapse. But acting early only works if you choose the right advisor. That’s where pre-insolvency advisors come in. What do Pre-Insolvency Advisors Actually Do? Pre-insolvency advisors help directors explore options before formal insolvency proceedings begin. Their role is to assess the company’s financial position, identify risks, and develop strategies that may include:

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March 11, 2026
ASBFEO
Director & Fiduciary Responsibilities

Small Business Pulse: Resilience and Realism Shape 2026

ASBFEO Pulse – February 2026 📄 Read the full report here The latest ASBFEO Small Business Pulse (February 2026) shows a sector that’s cautious but quietly gaining momentum. The Pulse index recorded a 0.1% rise this quarter, making it the fourth straight increase and placing it 1.2% above last year’s level. Small business owners are showing a clear appetite to innovate, grow, and transform — with increased exploration into new

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February 25, 2026
Liability; Director
Director & Fiduciary Responsibilities

When a Signature Becomes a Liability: 3 Lessons Directors Must Learn from ASIC’s Latest Charge

ASIC’s recent announcement of charges laid against a Western Australian company director serves as a timely reminder that director responsibilities are serious, personal, and enforceable, regardless of the company size. On 2 February 2026, ASIC confirmed that JWM, former director of JW Tiling & Stone Pty Ltd, is facing prosecution for authorising a false statement in an ASIC lodgement. The allegation? That he signed a deregistration form declaring the company

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February 12, 2026
Inside Corporate Restructuring
Director & Fiduciary Responsibilities

Inside Corporate Restructuring: What Directors Must Know

Small Business Restructuring (SBR) or Restructuring is a formal process that is registered with ASIC and listed on a Company’s record with ASIC.  For this reason, confusion arises with respect to the company status being identical to that as if the company was in liquidation – External Administrator Appointed.  Restructuring is about creating options and stabilising a business in distress. It’s a legal process governed by strict rules, designed to

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December 8, 2025
ATO
ATO Matters

7 Reasons Why SBR Appointments are Trending Low

First, does the ATO give directors’ feedback on their SBR Proposals ahead of creditors voting? Absolutely! And, if you have all of your documentation in order it can take as little as 4-business-days to receive that phone call. A statistic we at GM Advisory can attest to. Why This Matters In the world of insolvency and restructuring, timing is everything. A fast response from the ATO allows directors to: This

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October 21, 2025
Project Pushcart - shopping trolley
Internal Case Study

Project Pushcart: How Unfair Contracts Almost Killed a Small Business

The Problem: 4 Ways Unfair Contracts Caused a Cash Flow Crunch for Pushcart Firstly, the company’s troubles began when it committed to contracts that were, in reality, unprofitable. These agreements came from peak contractors who had already taken a margin before passing the work down. The final subcontractor – this small business – was left with unrealistic expectations and low margins. Secondly, retailers were slow to pay and often underestimated

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September 29, 2025
Trust, Power, and the Risk of Misuse
Case Study

Director Banned: A Gatekeeper’s Breach of Trust

In Australia’s financial system, Gatekeepers hold positions of trust. They oversee transactions, manage risk, and ensure compliance. Their role is to protect the integrity of financial dealings and the interests of others — whether they’re directors, credit providers, financial advisors, or responsible managers.  What is a Gatekeeper? When gatekeepers abuse that trust, the damage can be severe. A recent example is Ms Hildebrand, who was permanently banned by ASIC from engaging in credit activities

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September 29, 2025

🛡️Gatekeepers of the Financial System

Gatekeepers are individuals or entities who hold positions of trust and responsibility within the financial system. They play a critical role in maintaining its integrity, ensuring compliance, and protecting the interests of others. 👥 Who Are Gatekeepers? In the Australian financial context, gatekeepers include: These professionals oversee financial transactions, manage risk, and ensure that laws and standards are upheld. Their conduct directly affects the stability and trustworthiness of the financial

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September 29, 2025

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