Our latest insights

In estate planning, the focus is often on technical elements like drafting a will, appointing executors, minimising tax, and ensuring assets pass as intended. While these steps are important, they only form part of the picture.

The 2025 Grant Thornton Family Business Report revealed that only 19 per cent of family businesses have a documented succession plan in place. This finding is both striking and concerning, especially at a time when generational transition has never been more complex, and the stakes have never been higher.

Treasury has released the most recent rework of the proposed Division 296 tax. Although it has provided some much-needed relief from the original draft, the rework now includes addition hurdles requiring careful planning and consideration.

Starting from 1 July 2026, the general transfer balance cap will increase from $2m to $2.1m, allowing further tax benefits for superannuation fund members.

The 2025 family business survey found that 63 per cent of family businesses are already mentoring rising generation family members; 60 per cent are gradually integrating the rising generation into decision making and 31 per cent are engaging external advisors to support development.

As family businesses transition from one generation to the next, more family members become involved in the business. What usually begins with a couple of founding members quickly grows to include siblings, and cousins each with their own experiences, personalities and perspectives.

Recent findings from the Family Business Report 2025 reveal that cash-flow management and economic uncertainty are the most pressing concerns for businesses in the construction and real estate sectors.

From 1 July 2026, superannuation guarantee contributions must be paid on payday, with funds reaching employees’ accounts within 7 business days. This replaces the current quarterly payment cycle and means 15 months of super payments will be made in a 12-month period – a major shift in cash flow management.

In October, APRA Executive Board Member Suzanne Smith delivered a speech at the ICA Conference 2025. In her speech, Suzanne Smith urged the insurance industry to embrace resilience, innovation, and leadership as core pillars to future proof the industry, at a time of heightened scrutiny around operational resilience, consumer trust, and the evolving risk landscape driven by climate change and artificial intelligence.

The 2025 Family Business Report explored the mindset of Australian family business leaders as they navigate an increasingly complex and uncertain landscape. While the top challenges varied between incumbent leaders and the rising generation – ranging from staffing and cashflow to succession planning – there was notable alignment with the broader threats identified in the survey.

Our 2025 Family Business Survey revealed a recurring theme that presents both a challenge and an opportunity: succession planning. Succession is often viewed as a pivotal moment in a family business’s lifecycle.

The Superannuation Legislation Amendment (Tackling the Gender Super Gap) Bill 2025 presents the opportunity to evenly split superannuation balances amongst spouses.