The IBV™ Independence Guarantee

Why independence matters

A business valuation may support significant financial, taxation or ownership decisions. Its credibility depends not only on the methods and evidence used, but also on the objectivity of the person undertaking the valuation.

Independence requires both impartial professional judgement and the absence of relationships or interests that could reasonably call that judgement into question.

IBV™ provides independently instructed business valuations, free from business brokerage, transaction commissions and fees linked to the valuation outcome.

Fixed professional fees. Never contingent on value.

Every IBV™ engagement carries a Fixed Professional Fee, agreed in writing before work begins.

Our remuneration does not depend on:

• The value concluded.
• The completion or price of a business transaction.
• Tax savings or other financial benefits arising from the valuation.
• Whether the conclusion favours a particular party.

Any additional work outside the agreed scope requires a separate agreement.

This approach is consistent with the principles underlying APES 225 paragraph 8.2, which prohibits contingent fees for valuation services requiring, or represented as having, independence.

No business brokerage or transaction interests

IBV™ does not buy, sell or broker businesses, nor does it receive transaction commissions.

Our role is to establish a supportable valuation conclusion—not to secure a sale, justify an asking price or advance a particular transaction.

Before accepting an engagement, we consider relevant relationships and potential conflicts. If a conflict arises that cannot be appropriately managed, we may decline, suspend or terminate the engagement.

This reflects the objectivity, conflict-of-interest and non-advocacy principles addressed in APES 225 paragraphs 3.2, 3.4 and 3.5.

The evidence determines the conclusion

Clients may have a preferred valuation outcome. Our responsibility is to reach the most defensible conclusion supported by the evidence, applying appropriate methods, assumptions and professional judgement.

Where the evidence supports a higher value, we explain why. Where it supports a lower value, we reach that conclusion instead.

We do not agree to predetermined values or alter conclusions to satisfy commercial expectations.

Client discussions and draft reviews are opportunities to correct factual errors, clarify assumptions and consider relevant additional evidence—not to negotiate the valuation result.

A defensible conclusion within the agreed scope

Independence does not mean that every engagement requires the same depth of analysis.

IBV™ offers Calculated Value, Limited Scope and Full Conclusion engagements. Each has a defined purpose, procedures and limitations.

Our signed reports explain the valuation subject, relevant date, methodology, material assumptions, evidence and applicable limitations in accordance with the agreed scope.

Supporting calculations and working papers are retained under our record-management procedures.

These practices reflect the evidence, reporting and documentation principles in APES 225 paragraphs 4.6, 5.2 and 6.1.

Our alignment with APES 225

IBV™ voluntarily aligns its valuation processes and reporting with relevant principles of APES 225 Valuation Services, issued by the Accounting Professional & Ethical Standards Board.

These principles address professional independence, objectivity, conflicts of interest, evidence, reporting, documentation and professional fees.

APES 225 imposes mandatory obligations on relevant members of professional accounting bodies that have adopted it. IBV's voluntary alignment is not a claim of CPA or Chartered Accountant membership, APESB certification or compliance with every membership-specific requirement.

What we do—and what we do not do

IBV™ provides independent business valuation services.

We do not broker businesses, earn transaction commissions or undertake engagements designed to produce a predetermined value.

We do not provide legal advice, taxation advice or financial-product recommendations. Those responsibilities remain with the client's appropriately qualified professional advisers.

Our valuation conclusions are prepared for the agreed purpose and authorised users. Independence does not guarantee acceptance by the ATO, a lender, court or another party.