This article examines the emerging trend of U.S.-based companies with Canadian ties initiating primary insolvency proceedings in Canada and seeking recognition in the United States under Chapter 15 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code. As described herein, this two-step strategy enables debtors to take advantage of the flexibility and efficiency of Canadian restructuring regimes, while securing key U.S. bankruptcy protections.
A Strategic Shift in Cross-Border Insolvency
1. What is insolvency?
Insolvency is defined in section 95A of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)(Act) as the inability of a company to pay its debts when they fall due. Australian law applies a cash-flow test rather than a balance-sheet test, meaning the inquiry does not turn on the numerical gap between assets and liabilities.
On January 26, 2026, the Court of King’s Bench of Alberta (ABKB) held that the Alberta Department of Energy and Minerals (Alberta Energy) is required to first advance its claim for royalty arrears owed by an insolvent energy company within ongoing restructuring proceedings of that insolvent company, before seeking recovery from jointly liable solvent co-lessees.
Between the Hammer of Debt and the Anvil of the Law: Dubai Courts Uphold Compassionate Justice in GCC National’
Rules of Territorial Jurisdiction in Insolvency Lawsuits: A Reading of Dubai Court of Cassation Rulings
Insolvency cases raise fundamental questions regarding the geographical scope of litigation, especially given the economic integration between the Emirates. One of the most prominent questions is: Can a debtor file an insolvency lawsuit before Dubai Courts while residing in another Emirate?
Overview. The first Bankruptcy Law was introduced in 1993 (“1993 Law”). It remained in place for 10 years and was replaced in 2003 (“2003 Law”). Subsequently, the National Assembly adopted an entirely new bankruptcy law in 2014 (“2014 Law”[1]).
In a move that exemplifies the flexibility of the UAE’s judicial system, the Dubai Court has issued a landmark ruling declaring the insolvency of an Arab national. The individual had accumulated civil debts totaling AED 736,000, leading to a complete inability to meet financial obligations.
2026 will see an increase in Hong Kong disputes over fraud claims, cryptocurrency and insolvency, greater judicial collaboration with mainland China, and further digital transformation of local court processes, according to the firm's Hong Kong litigation team.
"Hong Kong commercial litigation continues to deliver landmark decisions with global impact," said the firm's Head of China and local litigator Jojo Fan.
In brief
Background
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) on 22nd December 2025, amended the IBBI (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations (CIRP Regulations) to introduce sub-regulation 3A to existing regulation 38 (Amendment).