As 2025 draws to a close, this newsletter reviews key developments that have shaped the commercial disputes landscape over the past year and offers our views on significant English court decisions. We then look ahead to the trends likely to define 2026. We also reflect on another productive and successful year for Hausfeld’s Commercial Disputes team.
HOW DID 2025 CHANGE THE LEGAL LANDSCAPE?
Financial services
The Insolvency Service has for many decades been the Government department responsible for the oversight of bankruptcies, compulsory insolvencies and, in more serious cases, the disqualification of individual directors.
When WeWork faced turmoil globally, leading its U.S. parent company to file for bankruptcy protection in 2023, few expected its Indian affiliate to become a case study in strength and discipline. Once seen as a symbol of the “new economy,” WeWork’s downfall illustrated the dangers of excessive growth, inflated valuations, and weak governance where the promise of change often exceeded execution. In this context, WeWork India operated under a brand license and was supported by the Embassy Group, taking a different route.
Written by - James Conomos
Over the past few years, Australia’s construction sector has been facing unprecedented pressure, and by mid-2025, the effects have become painfully clear. Dozens of major construction companies across Queensland and nationally have gone under, leaving behind unfinished projects, unpaid contractors, and thousands of affected workers.
1 | 15 Introduction The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC/Code) is a landmark legislation which was enacted in 2016 to put in place a consolidated and holistic legal framework for resolution of stressed assets in India. Since its enactment, IBC has been one of the most dynamic legislations which has undergone several revisions on account of various learnings arising out of resolution of large volume of stressed assets in its initial phases.
U.K. Turnaround and Restructuring update June 2025 Since our February update, we have seen geopolitical developments and rapidly evolving trade policies come to the fore, creating a level of uncertainty that is likely to persist for the remainder of the year and define companies’ strategic activities as a result.
Introduction
The Impact of Tariffs and Economic Shifts on Canadian Insolvencies
Insolvency Now Navigating Uncertainty: The Impact of Tariffs and Economic Shifts on Canadian Insolvencies Issue 12
Contents
Introduction
1
Insolvency Data Analysis
4
CCAA Proceedings in Canada
7
Regional Observations
12
Business Openings and Closures
15
Looking Ahead
17
Key Contacts
18
Key developments in 2024
2024 has seen one of the most significant insolvency cases in recent years. In June, Justice Leech handed down his judgment on the claim brought by the liquidators of BHS against certain of its former directors for wrongful trading and misfeasance. This judgment is likely to have important consequences for the D&O market.
It was particularly noteworthy as it was the first time that the directors of a company had been found guilty of the novel claim of 'misfeasant trading'.