In a groundbreaking decision of particular importance to participants in Chapter 15 proceedings, the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit issued an opinion making clear that defendants in Chapter 15 proceedings may have Safe Harbor defenses even when a liquidator brings non-U.S. common law claims. This decision, issued on August 5, 2025 in Fairfield Sentry, holds that when a liquidator uses a US Bankruptcy Court to pursue non-U.S. common law claims, it must abide by the safe harbor afforded by Section 546(e) of the U.S.

The demand by asset managers, CLOs and other investors for leveraged loans continues to fuel the market for cov-lite loans that include other terms that are attractive for sponsors. These terms often allow for liability management transactions by permitting transfers of assets to unrestricted subsidiaries, or the non-pro rata uptiering of debt and incurrence of super-priority debt with mere majority lender consent.