Family ownership & governance
Who has
a say?
One sibling runs the company. Another owns shares and works elsewhere. I help families clarify what each person can decide and what needs their agreement.
Hear each perspective
What would be fair
to both children?
The family is considering passing on ownership. Both children could hold shares. Only one wants to manage the business.
What can I approve on my own?
Running the company and having authority to act are different responsibilities. Which decisions can I take day to day, and which go to the board?
When will I be heard?
I work elsewhere, but my shares matter to me. I want to understand how dividends are decided and when I’ll be consulted on a major change.
What has actually been approved?
The board needs a record of who may act and within what limits. The family’s advisers can then confirm which documents and mandates give effect to that decision.
Starting points
01 — 02What needs
deciding?
A question may arise while the business is growing, during a founder’s absence or ahead of a handover. Start with the decision your family faces now.
Check what must be paid, when funds will be available and who can authorise their use.
Several decisions
are connected.
Look at ownership, family priorities and authority together before committing to a structure.
Inside a Capital Review
The cash is there.
Can it be used?
A supplier is waiting. The founder is away. A bank balance answers only the first of the company’s questions.
How I work with your advisers₹12 lakh
The forecast covers the payment.
The finance team has identified the amount due and the cash to meet it.
Who has authority to release it?
The alternate signatory’s mandate and payment limit still need confirmation.
Ask the bank to confirm the mandate.
The finance lead records the bank’s confirmation or takes the outstanding question to the board.
Family Continuity Architect
Sandeep
N. Setty
I listen to the people affected by a decision. We work out what the family needs to agree, what the business can support and which questions belong with your CA, advocate or banker.
Also in print
Q4 Capital Allocation: Direction Before Drift
Before you get in touch
A sentence or two about the decision is enough. Please leave out account details, private documents and other family members’ names.
I reply to written enquiries within one business day. A covering partner responds when I’m unavailable.
The first conversation is complimentary. If further work makes sense, we agree the scope and fees separately.