When a company is in financial distress, creditors must consider whether to place the company into a formal external administration process. If they do so, the publicity and disruption that accompany a formal appointment may worsen an already fragile situation. Conversely, if no action is taken, the company may continue to burn cash, leaving creditors with little or no prospect of recovery.
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.
The Supreme Court of New South Wales has provided guidance as to the meaning of “true employer” for the purposes of the external administration provisions of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) (the Act) in In the matter of Mosaic Brands Limited (administrators appointed) (receivers and managers appointed) [2025] NSWSC 959. The decision is important for liquidators and receivers of large corporate group where there are individual trading and employing entities and funds have been recovered from circulating assets.
Introduction
The Supreme Court of New South Wales has clarified the circumstances in which a liquidator may recover deposit funds paid to a third party and the extent to which a counterparty may rely on the good-faith defence under section 588FG of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).
Successful outcomes for clients seeking to obtain winding up orders against foreign companies with local agents. The case summaries below, of Re Anagram International LLC (recs and mgrs apptd) [2025] VSC 267 and the earlier matter of W Capital Advisors Pty Ltd (in its capacity as trustee for the W Capital Advisors Fund) v Mawson Infrastructure Group, Inc (NSD1395/2024), provide guidance on how parties can best position themselves for success in these circumstances.
Relevant Law
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.
Key Insights
- The surge of distress and insolvency that occurred in 2024 showed no signs of stopping in 2025.
- Inflation, continued regulatory changes and global uncertainty have contributed to the continued rise in insolvency appointments, especially in the construction and hospitality sectors.
- Key trends included M&A, lenders supporting an operational or balance sheet restructuring, government intervention and increased regulatory scrutiny of private capital.
1. Distress and restructuring trends in 2025