Resources Unearthed is a specialist employee share scheme (ESS) adviser for mining and resources executives across Australia, providing vesting advice, administration and tax coordination.
Brett Cribb and James Marshall are experienced financial planners who work closely with mining and resources executives to navigate the complexities of employee share schemes, executive remuneration and wealth management. Their expertise extends across share vesting events, ESS administration, taxation considerations and long-term financial planning strategies.
While employee share schemes can create significant wealth opportunities, they also introduce complexity and risk. Effective management requires ongoing administration, a clear understanding of taxation implications and a coordinated approach that aligns ESS decisions with broader financial, retirement and wealth objectives.
Share Vesting Advice
Executive share scheme insights and advice about the implications of a range of complex considerations relating to executive remuneration packages. Includes advice on vesting, retained shares and the implementation (including taxation reporting) of advice.
Australian & International Tax
- Understanding Australian and international tax strategic implications
- Provision of tax information to your Australian and foreign taxation advisers to ensure compliance
Employee Share Scheme Administration
- Reconstructing existing and historical employee share scheme information to understand after-tax consequences and apply to financial planning/tax strategies
- Maintaining a long-term cost-base record for shares retained to meet income tax and capital gains (CGT) obligations
- Obtaining and retaining scheme information, including plan rules, grant and vesting information
- Ensuring compliance with company policies including trading blackout periods and permission to trade requests
we are
Employee Share Scheme Specialists
We are employee share scheme strategists advising high earning individuals and business leaders in mining and resources.
Brett Cribb
With more than 20 years experience in mining and resources, and 11 in underground mining including four as underground mining manager, Brett is well qualified to coordinate integrated financial and business advice for executives, professionals and business owners in these sectors.
James Marshall
James is a highly qualified, award-winning Financial Planner and Executive Share Scheme (ESS) strategist advising executives, professionals, business owners and expatriates predominantly in mining and resources but also in health, biotech, pharmaceuticals, technology and construction, ASX listed companies.
Why choose us
Financial Advisers & Employee Share Scheme Specialists
Brett and James are the driving force behind multi award-winning holistic financial advice which is underpinned by an ‘advice-team’ approach that considers wealth management, Superannuation and SMSF, investment strategies, personal risk insurance and estate planning in alignment with tax and business advice and legal services.
est.
2013
A decade of collaborative experience
20
yrs.
Experience in mining and resources
Stratus Financial Group and its advisers are Authorised Representatives of Fortnum Private Wealth Ltd ABN 54 139 889 535 AFSL 357306. The information contained within this website does not consider your personal circumstances and is of a general nature only. You should not act on it without first obtaining professional financial advice specific to your circumstances.
We offer specialised Executive share scheme services
Employee Share Scheme Specialists
Many resources executives work in pressurised and demanding environments and, by their own admission, do not have the time to make considered financial decisions about their future and the implications for their employee share schemes.
We offer specialised assistance and fully coordinated services for mining and resources executives with options and shares as part of their broader financial planning strategy.
Looking to educate your leadership team or employees about employee share schemes? Our experienced presenters deliver practical ESS keynote presentations, workshops and education sessions tailored to the mining and resources sector. Learn more about our Employee Share Scheme Speakers.
Employee share scheme Frequently asked questions
What is an employee share scheme (ESS)
An employee share scheme (ESS) is an arrangement where a company provides employees with shares, options or rights to shares, often as part of their remuneration package. For many mining and resources executives, an ESS can represent a significant component of their overall wealth and present complexities, particularly with taxation.
What's the difference between an employee share scheme and an executive share scheme?
The terms are closely related. Employee share scheme (ESS) is the broader term used by the ATO for share-based remuneration arrangements. Executive share schemes is generally the language used when describing complex plans offered to senior leaders, often involving performance rights, options and longer vesting periods. Resources Unearthed advises on both.
How are employee share schemes taxed in Australia?
Employee share schemes can be taxed at different stages, including grant, vesting or sale, depending on the structure of the plan and whether concessions or tax deferral arrangements apply. Tax outcomes can become more complex where international employment, multiple jurisdictions or executive remuneration arrangements are involved.
Do I need a specialist ESS adviser?
If shares, options or performance rights form a meaningful part of your remuneration, specialist advice can help with vesting events, tax reporting, cost-base management, trading restrictions and broader wealth planning considerations that may not be addressed by general financial advice alone. Given our experience advising mining and resources professionals, we can also assist with many of the practical and plan-specific administrative requirements associated with employee share schemes.
What does an ESS adviser do?
Resources Unearthed provides share vesting advice, ESS administration support, strategic advice for vested shares, cost-base reconstruction and record keeping, Australian and international tax coordination, assistance with company trading policies and blackout periods, and integration of ESS holdings into a broader financial planning strategy.
When should I seek ESS advice?
Ideally before significant events such as receiving a grant, approaching a vesting date, selling shares, changing employers or moving overseas. Early advice can help you understand potential tax consequences, manage compliance obligations, reduce future tax implications, and make more informed decisions about your employee share scheme holdings.
Why do mining and resources executives require specialist ESS advice?
Many mining and resources executives receive a substantial proportion of their remuneration through employee share schemes, performance rights and long-term incentive plans. Specialist advice can help manage vesting events, taxation obligations, compliance requirements and the integration of ESS holdings into a broader wealth management strategy.