Choosing the Wrong Legal Structure Can Cost You Years

The legal structure you choose affects tax, risk, growth, and liability. This session explains legal structures in simple terms so you can make the right choice.

3 CPD units June 2, 2026 2 presenters

What will set you apart

By completing this course you will gain the following competencies

  • The main legal structures used in business
  • The advantages and disadvantages of each structure
  • How liability differs between structures
  • How structure affects tax and compliance
  • When trusts make sense and when they don’t
  • Common mistakes when choosing structures
  • How to advise clients confidently on structure

Event breakdown

  • Overview of common legal structures
  • Sole proprietors and partnerships
  • Companies and liability considerations
  • Personal liability companies explained
  • Trusts and joint ventures
  • Risk and compliance differences
  • Tax and reporting implications
  • Common structure mistakes
  • Advising clients on structure choice
Category: Law and ComplianceType: CPD CourseCPD category: Other

Description

Choosing a legal structure is one of the most important decisions a business will make, yet it is often done without proper understanding. This session explains sole proprietors, partnerships, joint ventures, companies, personal liability companies, and trusts in clear, practical terms. Delegates will learn how each structure affects liability, compliance, and long-term growth. The focus is on real-world impact rather than legal theory. Designed for professionals advising businesses, this session helps delegates understand when each structure is appropriate and how to avoid costly mistakes. By the end of the session, delegates will be better equipped to guide clients toward safer, more suitable business structures.

Presenters

Willem Otto

Willem Otto — I am a young, newly qualified CA (SA) who completed his articles at a medium sized audit firm specialising in SME Audits. I started my journey as a financial manager in January 2024 at Renforcer investments, where we specialise in filling the gap between numbers and people and building long lasting relationships and as such had the opportunity to gain experience in many different management roles. With the help of my experienced co-workers at Renforcer, who have combined experience of 20 years as financial managers, I have made the transition into FM and is ready to help others make that transition as efficiently as possible. I have experience in leadership and public speaking due to my involvement with internal training presentations at Renforcer, as well as the audit firm where I worked.

Corne van Schalkwyk

Corne van Schalkwyk — Corne van Schalkwyk is a qualified CA (SA) and part of the top leadership of Renforcer Investments. Being a financial consulting firm, it allows him to be on the board of clients as a financial director and work closely with other financial managers and directors to grow companies and strengthen their identities. He has gained experience over the past 12 years in various industries and in his dealings with various stakeholders. The journey was started within the audit environment at KPMG and developed into being a senior presenter at KPMG and Deloitte in complex transactions and financial statements to groups of companies, including JSE Listed companies. His last 5 years was spent in the role as a Financial Manager and Financial Director at various entities over multiple industries.

You will earn a certificate

On successful completion you will receive a certificate for 3 CPD units in Other.

Requirements

  • Laptop, desktop, or mobile device with internet access
  • Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome, Safari, or Firefox browser