In short
The short answer
Restructuring options range from informal arrangements with creditors to formal processes such as Small Business Restructuring and voluntary administration.
The earlier a director acts, the more of these options may still be available. Once cash flow collapses, some pathways close.
Australian Financial Advisory assesses which options may apply, sets them out in writing, and introduces a registered practitioner if a formal process is chosen.
What we do
We assess every option before recommending a path
Business and financial review
We review your business structure, financials and creditor position, building a clear picture of what you owe, who you owe it to, and what options remain available.
Small Business Restructuring assessment
We assess whether a formal Small Business Restructuring may be available to you. It is a process that allows eligible directors to put a plan to creditors while remaining in control of the business.
Administration and liquidation options
Where restructuring is not possible or not appropriate, we set out the administration and liquidation options and help you understand the implications of each before committing to anything.
Written report and specialist referral
We issue a written report with clear recommended next steps, then refer you to the right licensed specialist in our network to carry out the pathway you choose.
The options
The main restructuring pathways
Small Business Restructuring
The Small Business Restructuring process allows an eligible company to put a plan to its creditors while the director remains in control, unlike administration, which appoints an external controller.
It is designed for eligible small companies that want to keep trading. Eligibility criteria apply, and creditors vote on the plan.
It requires early action. Once cash flow collapses and the business cannot meet its obligations, the SBR pathway may no longer be available.
Voluntary administration
Voluntary administration gives a business breathing room. It pauses most creditor action while an independent administrator assesses the options.
The outcome may be a Deed of Company Arrangement (DOCA) that restructures the business and allows it to continue, or an orderly wind-down if that is the better outcome for creditors.
If liquidation may be the outcome
Understanding the process before any appointment is one of the most useful things a director can do.
A liquidator owes duties to creditors regardless of who nominates them. Their job is to realise assets, investigate the company’s affairs and distribute what is available.
Taking advice before any appointment means you understand the process, your obligations and your options, rather than learning them after a creditor has acted.
Acting before a creditor applies to wind up the company keeps more options open and more of the process within your knowledge.
Our role
What Australian Financial Advisory can and cannot do
We can
- Assess whether Small Business Restructuring, voluntary administration or an informal arrangement may apply to your company.
- Explain your obligations as a director during each option.
- Set out the options and recommended next steps in writing.
- Introduce a registered restructuring practitioner or insolvency practitioner from our network.
We do not
- Act as the restructuring practitioner, administrator or liquidator.
- Guarantee that creditors will accept a plan, or promise a particular outcome. Outcomes vary case by case.
- Give legal or tax advice. Those matters are referred to appropriately licensed professionals.
Common questions
Restructuring questions
Is Australian Financial Advisory a restructuring practitioner?
No. Only a registered small business restructuring practitioner can be appointed to run a Small Business Restructuring. We assess whether the process may suit your company and introduce a registered practitioner from our network.
Does restructuring mean my business has to close?
Not necessarily. Small Business Restructuring is designed for eligible companies that want to keep trading while a plan is put to creditors. Whether it suits your company depends on eligibility and the position of the business.
Do you charge for the first conversation?
No, the initial consultation is free.
The information on this page is general in nature and does not constitute legal, financial, taxation, or insolvency advice. Australian Financial Advisory Pty Ltd provides assessment and advisory services only. All specialist services are referred to appropriately licensed partners. You should seek independent professional advice before acting on any information on this page.
Content last updated: 2 October 2026.
Get started
Book your free initial consultation
The earlier you act, the more options may still be open. Tell us a little about your situation and we will be in touch to arrange a time.
What the free initial consultation covers
- A confidential first conversation to understand your situation and confirm whether we can help.
- The initial consultation is free. There is no cost and no obligation.
- Standard professional confidentiality applies.
- If we're not the right fit, we'll say so on that call.
- Any next step is your decision. We don't push a particular outcome.