In a recent decision, the Swiss Federal Supreme Court has clarified equitable subordination risks in connection with shareholder loans. The key takeaways are as follows:

COVID PROTECTIONS EXTENDED TO GIVE BUSINESSES A LAST CHANCE TO PLAN RECOVERY. TIME TO CONSIDER A COVID-19 CVA?

If the announcements last week on the lack of downward tier revisions for many areas is the bad news, the silver lining for the struggling and affected businesses came in the reinstatement of the temporary suspension on the use of statutory demands and winding up petitions until 31 March 2021.

Company Voluntary Arrangements (CVAs) are an insolvency procedure established under the Insolvency Act 1986 which allow a struggling company to reach a compromise on debts due with a sufficient majority of creditors, thereby avoiding a formal insolvency. They have primarily been used only by large high street retailers and are not often considered, particularly in Scotland, a realistic option for small and medium companies (SMEs).

In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic and with a new model available, we believe it is time for a rethink.

It has been reported that Debenhams which entered administration earlier this month for the second time will be managed as a 'light touch' administration.

In this article we look at what this actually means and whether 'light touch' administration could be a useful tool for both businesses and insolvency practitioners looking to negotiate a route through the coronavirus pandemic.

On March 8, 2019, the Swiss Federal Council instructed the Federal Department of Finance to initiate the consultation process on proposed amendments to the Banking Act. 

The proposed amendments aim at increasing the effectiveness, and legal basis, of certain bank resolution measures and related topics.

Interested parties can comment on the draft proposal until June 14, 2019.

Restructuring procedure for banks

Key Points:

A forbearance arrangement is a useful instrument to ensure that both the lender and the customer are aligned on the proposed turnaround or workout.

The UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency is designed to supplement States' insolvency laws with a framework to address cross-border insolvency proceedings.