Business-related financial abuse
Protecting people from business-related financial abuse
We need stronger safeguards to protect people when businesses are used to cause financial harm. This hidden form of abuse leaves victims with devastating debts and few pathways to justice.
When business becomes a tool for harm
Someone close to you, like a partner or family member, might use a business to cause you financial harm. This can happen when:
- you find business debts in your name you didn't agree to
- someone files false tax returns using your name
- you’re listed as a company director without your knowledge
- a family business is used to hide money from you
- you work in a family business without fair pay
- you can’t access information about a business you legally co-own.
This abuse is a type of family violence.
The impact of business-related financial abuse
Lifelong impact
On the victim's financial wellbeing, job and housing security, and mental health
$5.7 billion
Lost every year by people experiencing financial abuse
No legal protection
Against fraud by partners or family members
No suitable support
To help people resolve this complex abuse and its debts
$5 billion+
Cost to our economy every year in lost productivity and mental health impact
Bank and government loss
Hundred of millions of dollars lost in fraudulent, unserviceable loans and unrecovered taxes.
What we want to see
What we're doing to help end this abuse
Our small business financial counsellors identified this problem during COVID when clients sought help with fraudulent loans, forced directorships and tax fraud. We saw no clear path to resolve these complex situations.
We're now leading a national campaign to address business-related financial abuse through:
- research roundtable with government and industry
- government submissions to a 2024 Parliamentary Inquiry into financial abuse and the Inspector General of Taxation
- specialist advice to key advisory groups
- media engagement highlighting the impact on victims
- briefings with ministers, MPs and senators across politics
- establishing the Financial Abuse in Business Advisory Network.
Customer story
A surprise bankruptcy notice led Christine to uncover $12 million in financial abuse
Read Christine's storyWho we’re working with
Business-related Financial Abuse Advisory Network members
We also work closely with these important organisations.
Help us stop business-related abuse
We are leading a national effort to end this financial abuse – will you join us? If you or your organisation want to help, we want to hear from you.
Contact us