Knowledge Centre

Business Rescue Practitioner  

1. What You Need to Know

Business rescue is a formal process regulated by Chapter 6 of the Companies Act, designed to help financially distressed companies recover and avoid liquidation.

The Companies Act allows accountants to become Business Rescue Practitioners (BRP), opening up a new revenue stream for their businesses. Business rescue is a specialist area, and this license provide the evidence required that you have mastered the subject area and will be able to deliver quality work as a BRP. CIBA is a CIPC accredited professional body and offers a practical exam preparation course, to qualify as CIBA licensed BRPs.

This license enables you to take on a strategic advisory role during one of the most critical phases of a business's life cycle.  

2. Why It Matters to You

Business rescue is a compliance function and a high-impact service that:

  • Helps businesses avoid collapse

  • Protects jobs and livelihoods

  • Delivers better outcomes for creditors

  • Enhances your reputation as a trusted business advisor.

With more businesses under pressure, professionals with turnaround expertise are in demand.

4. Typical Responsibilities

Only licensed BRPs registered with CIPC are allowed to perform business rescue services. As a licensed BRP through CIBA, you can:

  • Support licensed business rescue practitioners

  • Offer turnaround advice independently to clients

  • Assess financial distress and insolvency risks

  • Develop restructuring strategies and manage creditor negotiations.

  • File for formal Business Rescue (where required)

  • Prepare statutory reports for stakeholders and CIPC

  • Oversee implementation and monitor outcomes.

5. How to Apply

To apply for the Business Rescue Licence:

  • You must hold a relevant CIBA designation (e.g., CBAP or CFA), on at least an NQF level 7

  • Have at least 5 years of relevant experience

  • Apply through the CIBA Licensing Portal

  • Complete any required CPD and maintain compliance standards.

 

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Delaying corrective actions for clients until insolvency is unavoidable.

  • Failing to maintain transparent communication with creditors.

  • Setting unrealistic recovery goals.

  • Missing statutory filing deadlines and legal obligations.

7. Need Help?

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