The Sounds of the Baskerville

In another great instalment on the Ken Grace saga, on The Sounds of The Baskerville Podcast, Chris Baskerville again explains in everyday terms the complex world of insolvency practice, exploring the quasi-judicial role of trustees in a balance between law and accounting. He explains to James Flaherty and listeners his challenges chasing down the Goldsky Ponzi scheme, the importance of making info...

Following the money to uncover the truth. In this episode, Chris highlights the investigative process, the challenges faced by liquidators, and the legal strategies he employed to recover assets from financial fraud. Listen in to hear how meticulous work was required to unravel what looked like a complex financial scheme but was, in reality, a simple fraud.  What trade-offs did Chris have to make...

FOMO, fear of missing out! And when it all went south, how did a few keep the money they might have known wasn't so legit? In this episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, Chris Baskerville continues the story of his investigation of the Goldsky Ponzi scheme.  The scam defrauded investors millions by promising a 20% guaranteed return on their money. Chri explains how the fraudster, Ken Grace, use...

In this next episode of The Sound of the Baskerville, Chris Baskerville continues the story of Goldsky, a fraudulent investment scheme that claimed to use sophisticated algorithms and behavioural science to generate high returns for its clients. This time, Chris talks James through 'the information memorandum' that Gold Sky used to lure investors and points out the red flags and inconsistencies th...

What do a real estate agent, a restauranteur, a meat worker, a concreter, and an alleged mistress have in common? They were all supposedly in the Sydney office of the Goldsky Ponzi scheme, senior investment advisors. This episode of our mini-series continues on the Gold Sky Ponzi scheme, a fraud that involved a fake hedge fund and deceived investors in Australia and the US. Chris Baskerville expla...

Welcome to the first episode of 2024, the start of our series on the Goldsky Ponzi Scheme, one of the more brazen frauds in Australian history. Many people say they are ‘experts’ on this case, but let’s get the story from the man who had to unpick it. In this mini-series, we will follow the trail of Kenneth Grace, the mastermind(?) behind Goldsky. Grace contrived to be named hedge fund manager of...

In this Prologue to The Sounds of the Baskerville Podcasts for 2024, James Flaherty, talks with two insolvency experts, Chris Baskerville and Bill Cotter, about the Small Business Restructuring (SBR) regime in Australia. SBR is a relatively new option for businesses with less than $1 million in debt to restructure their affairs and avoid liquidation, with the help of a Small Business Restructuring...

A short podcast that mixes MC hammer, cliches and mixed metaphors (yes, we've probably done most of these before, but maybe not all in the one episode). Good things come to those who wait. And, increasingly, Director Penalty Notices those Directors who do not lodge r need with the ATO about tax Debts. Everyone knows (well, maybe not self-funded retirees) that the squeeze is on. Interest rates up,...

As the boss of the business, the entrepreneur, the one who understands the risks, whose advice do you respect? We often talk about getting trusted advice from qualified people, but what about other business leaders? How can you engage with them and talk shop in more detail and still keep what needs to be secret under lock and key? In this week's episode, Chris Baskerville and James Flaherty are jo...

A topic we often come back to! How come there are so many scams? How do people get trapped? And how do the crooks still get away with it? Chris Baskerville, The Ponzi King (as in the man to get who'll go after the money and the bad guys) shares the 'watch-outs. Yes, we've covered a bit of this ground before, but what does Chris see now? After some big wins in court, anything to add to the watchlis...

In this episode of The Sounds of The Baskerville, we talk about managing business cash flow from week to week. How often do small business owners rely on inconsistent income to cover their expenses?! Be it seasonal fluctuations, delayed payments, or unexpected expenses – business can be a rollercoaster ride of cash flow. How many days do things seem to be like you are 'robbing Peter to pay Paul' o...

In the latest episode of "The Sounds of the Baskerville," join Chris Baskerville as he uncovers the challenges faced in business when landlords and tenants during a crisis. In this case, usually lessors and lessees! Chris is joined by special guest Brenden McGrath, Special Counsel with extensive expertise in property issues. Get ready for an insightful conversation as Chris and Brenden explore the...

In this episode, Chris Baskerville and James Flaherty sit down with special counsel Brendan McGrath to discuss real estate issues in business interest rate squeeze. Specifically, what is he seeing about property law, insolvency, and the potential warning signs for landlords and renters alike? To property law, insolvency and small business restructuring? What is Brendan seeing out there? This week,...

We’re continuing our series on personal insolvency, and this week he's discussing what to do when you haven’t thought about the best structure for your business .... yet. Insolvency advice can mean many things – #bankruptcy , #debt relief negotiations, Part IX, administration, and more. Whatever you’re dealing with, the best advice is to seek out professional help from a qualified insolvency pract...

Where is all this taking me? And what do I need to think about before I begin the journey? And, what do I do if I am already walking the small business path but haven't got everything I need? This episode of the Sounds of the Baskerville podcast with hosts Chris Baskerville and James Flaherty combines wisdom and wit as they discuss the critical topics of asset protection and planning for the futur...

Episode 60 of the Sounds of the Baskerville. This week we have Ginette Muller (Safe Harbour specialist of GM Advisory) joining us to discuss the recent budget and the options available for Directors in a business crisis. With uncertain economic conditions, many businesses are at risk of facing threats or being in trouble. Thankfully, Chris Bakerville has reminded us of the new options available to...

Chris Baskerville and Patrick Coghlan meet again to share a wide range of issues with James Flaherty in this new vodcast. This time is all about the trade-off. The risk you take in extending credit, not paying tax or operating in a risky region or industry. And what does all that mean? Creditor watch has an uncanny ability to predict insolvency, so when people register a default, all too often, th...

In this episode, we crown Chris Bakerville as the "Ponzi Scheme Killer" for his dedication (and that of his team) in trying to help victims of financial fraud get justice. After the successful Gold Skyprosecutions, Chris shares warning signs he has seen time and time again in these scams, such as promises of high returns with little to no risk and a lack of transparency in investment operations. L...

On this Vodcast episode of The Sounds of the Baskerville, Chris is joined by Patrick Coghlan, CEO of CreditorWatch. It's a wide range of issues Chris and Patrick share with James Flaherty. Equal Opportunity on International Women's Day, Sexually Transmitted Debt, as well as the 'Great Unfix' as fixed rates come off homes this year. We hear more about the Business Risk Index and insights that Credi...

This year is shaping up to be a busy one for insolvency experts, with Director Penalty Notices still coming and ATO wind-ups back again. But what does it mean for businesses, and what will the insolvency and restructuring world do to fill the demand for help when things get tough? Doesn't look like AI can really step in! Chris Baskerville shares his thoughts on the challenges ahead. With people li...

How much will you trust? Welcome to episode 55 of the Sounds of the Baskerville. In this episode, we explore the question: how much do you trust someone who has been through bankruptcy or insolvency? Tune in now to see if bankruptcy or insolvency really is a new beginning. Has the Director come out of the problems a better business person, or have they just learned some new tricks? Chris Baskervil...

How often are family identity and lifestyles tied up with business? When it comes to the family's business, in a breakup, what is a fair share? And how can former spouses navigate the legal complexities surrounding divorce and business valuation? This time we have special guest Peirce Castensen, family lawyer, joining Chris Baskerville and co-host James Flaherty to discuss family law, divorce and...

Yes, we are looking at James' new favourite topic, Small Business Reconstruction (SBR). And critically, what do business owners and their advisers need to take away from the report and experience so far? In this first episode of Season 3 we look back on the start of the SBR legislation and the results shown in this week's report from ASIC. The report reveals that despite challenging conditions, in...

As the year draws to a close and holiday cheer fills the air, it's important to remember one thing: Debt never sleeps. We know that when Christmas comes around, some creditors take advantage of the season and send out a Creditors Statutory Demand. Thrown off guard by the holiday festivities, debtors may not realize that they only have 21 days to act on this demand. As we enjoy the warm weather, Ch...

Sure, it's a cliche. But if you're in business, you must be clear on what's best for your bottom line. It is, however, also it's essential to know your rights and to make considered decisions. Contracts and agreements are a part of every business, so it's vital to make sure that you understand them before signing on the dotted line. How often people don't... In this week's Podcast, Chris Baskervil...