On 1 January 2019, the revised Section of the Swiss Private International Law Act (PILA) regarding cross-border insolvencies entered into force. The revision became necessary as the previous regulation was criticised in particular for its protectionist elements, which also were a recurring topic in discussions with foreign colleagues and insolvency practitioners. Particularly compared to other European countries, Switzerland had apparent modernisation potential.

The question of who is entitled to payment of compensation for PPI where a debtor has been discharged from his/her Protected Trust Deed (PTD) has given rise to conflicting judicial decisions in Scotland. In our previous article, we highlighted the uncertainty created following the decision of Sheriff Reid in the case of Donnelly v The Royal Bank of Scotland and the decision of Lord Jones in Dooneen Limited, t/a Mcginnes Associates and Douglas Davidson v David Mond.

Introduction

On October 14 2015 the Federal Council published a revision project for the Private International Law Act regarding the recognition and coordination of foreign bankruptcy proceedings in Switzerland.

Current situation

A foreign insolvency decree can be recognised in Switzerland, at request of the foreign liquidator or a creditor, only if:

Introduction
Measures against abusive insolvencies

Introduction

Due to the prevalence of the territoriality principle in Swiss bankruptcy law, a foreign bankruptcy trustee's powers to act in Switzerland are limited. In general, a foreign trustee is not allowed to collect assets located in Switzerland, even if it is competent to act under the applicable foreign law. A foreign bankruptcy trustee may, in principle, only apply for recognition of the foreign bankruptcy decree and request protective measures.

Stilli Park declares bankruptcy
Recent case law

Stilli Park declares bankruptcy

On June 2 2014 Stilli Park AG, the leaseholder of the Intercontinental Davos – a hotel with the singular shape of a golden egg – declared bankruptcy.

Introduction
Facts
Decision
Comment

Introduction

Drawing on the experiences gained from the Swissair grounding in 2001, many critical voices have been raised that Swiss insolvency law should be revised and should focus more on the restructuring of companies rather than their liquidation. Now, 12 years after the commencement of the Swissair insolvency proceedings and after various discussions and negotiations in the Swiss parliament, the revised Swiss insolvency law finally entered into force as of 1 January 2014.

Introduction
Facts
Supreme Court decision
Comment

Introduction