Thys is the team leader of the Insolvency and Business Rescue practice at Cox Yeats in Durban. He specialises in the litigious aspects of liquidations, sequestrations, and business rescues, with extensive experience in complex, high-value recoveries for commercial and financial institutions both locally and internationally.

His clients include major banks, financial institutions, business rescue and insolvency practitioners, as well as large domestic and multinational companies, including listed entities. Thys also regularly advises curators appointed under the Prevention of Organised Crime Act (POCA) and assists creditors impacted by POCA-related orders.

Thys’ expertise spans offers of compromise, creditor representation in business rescue proceedings, drafting and reviewing business rescue plans, debt recovery litigation, and cross-border insolvency applications, including recognition of foreign proceedings. He frequently acts in matters involving voidable dispositions, insolvency enquiries, and interrogations under the Companies and Insolvency Acts, as well as related ancillary litigation.

He is highly regarded for his technical insight and is often invited to present to financial institutions on insolvency and business rescue developments. Thys has also contributed to judicial training as a speaker at the South African Judicial Education Institute (SAJEI) seminar on business rescue.

In addition, Thys is well-versed in compiling and analysing creditors’ claims in business rescue, liquidation, and sequestration proceedings, conducting formal insolvency enquiries, and participating in creditors' meetings. He is also experienced in alternative dispute resolution and regularly represents clients in arbitration proceedings.