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Trick Or Treat – Business Ethics And Asset Protection

alicialgoodrow

In the enigmatic realm of business ethics and asset protection, we can draw a parallel between the masks donned during Halloween and the role of special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and limited liability companies (LLCs). Just as Halloween costumes are worn for disguise and identity protection, these legal structures serve to separate owners from their assets. However, much like costumes lose their purpose once they're removed, these structures are only effective when consistently maintained.


Navigating the Ethical Landscape of Asset Protection


At Goodrow Law, we emphasize the importance of maintaining the integrity and purpose of your business endeavors. We believe in segregating assets when it aligns with genuine business needs, taking into account individual business risks, ownership variations, and long-term plans. Our commitment extends beyond creating structures; we ensure they remain ethically sound, legally robust, and logically aligned with your business objectives.


As we delve deeper into the intricate world of SPVs and LLCs, it's imperative to recognize that the line between legitimate asset protection and ethical considerations can be blurry. The film "Laundromat" serves as a stark reminder of how these structures can be misused, allowing unethical companies to evade obligations under insurance policies, financial commitments, and other legally and ethically significant contracts. This is indeed a tricky territory, one that requires a discerning approach to business ethics.


Upcoming Regulatory Changes & the Importance of Transparency


In the evolving landscape of corporate transparency, regulatory changes are on the horizon. The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) is set to come into effect in 2024, mandating more comprehensive disclosure of ownership for all U.S. activities. The rules are still unfolding, but the penalties for non-compliance are steep. Foreign-owned companies need to prepare for these changes, integrating disclosure and compliance into their strategies through collaboration with lawyers and tax advisors. At Goodrow Law, we've formulated a comprehensive plan of action for our foreign-owned clients to ensure a seamless transition in January.


Unmasking the Corporate Veil


Plaintiffs are also increasingly concerned about the misuse of SPVs and LLCs. Many commercial claims against private companies include attempts to unmask or "pierce the corporate veil" to gain access to the assets of private owners and prevent them from hiding behind the corporate structure. Our country is grappling with when this should and should not be permitted. A recent Supreme Court case involving the Sackler Family and Purdue Pharma blocked a privately agreed settlement, leading to a re-examination of when hiding behind a company in bankruptcy should be allowed. Notably, organizations like the Boy Scouts and the Catholic Church are also in the spotlight for hiding behind their corporate structures to shield themselves from financial ruin in the face of sexual abuse lawsuits. These are both TRICKY and SCARY waters to navigate.


Maintaining the Integrity of Your Asset Protection Strategy


So, the question remains: should you – and can you – ethically use SPVs and LLCs to segregate your business assets and structure sophisticated asset protection strategies? It's a complex question that calls for a principled approach. We believe in working under a standard of "business purpose" with our clients. Do you have an independent business purpose for managing the financial, tax, operational, and investment affairs of a particular asset or business separately from other business activities? Whether you run a law practice, invest in real estate, or launch a film company, each of these activities should legitimately be in its own company. Business endeavors, just like investments, should be carefully structured based on your unique circumstances, business risks, ownership differences, and long-term plans.


Consistency and Vigilance in Asset Protection


And asset protection, much like the masks of Halloween, is only effective when consistently maintained. By the end of a long evening of tricks and treats, all the kids have removed their masks, and their costumes no longer serve the original purpose of disguise and protection of identity. Similarly, for your asset protection strategy to be effective, it's crucial to keep bank accounts, books and records, legal paperwork, insurance, and operations consistent with your separate legal entity structure.


Partnering with Goodrow Law


At Goodrow Law, we stand ready to partner with you in crafting a logical, ethical, business, and legal strategy for asset protection. We are committed to safeguarding your assets while upholding the highest ethical standards, even in the face of evolving regulations and legal complexities.


As we move forward, we invite you to reach out to us, explore our services, and embark on a journey toward securing your business assets with transparency, ethics, and the support of a dedicated legal team. Together, we can ensure that your business, much like a well-crafted Halloween disguise, stands resilient and protected, true to its core values and purpose.

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