This episode explores the work of UNIDROTI, with a specific focus on the newly enacted Legislative Guide on Bank Liquidation. This podcast was jointly organised by III and INSOL Talks, an initiative by INSOL International. The podcast features the participation of Prof. Ignacio Tirado (UNIDROIT’s Secretary General, Professor at the Universidad Autónoma of Madrid, III Member) and Ms Myrte Thijssen (Senior Legal Officer, UNIDROIT). The podcast describes the reasons for, and the content of the UNIDROIT Legislative Guide on Bank Liquidation, which provides recommendations on how to deal with the failure of non-strategically important financial institutions. The podcast is moderated by Dr. Eugenio Vaccari of Royal Holloway, University of London (III NextGen) and Dr. Shuai Guo (III NextGen, INSOL ERA). The podcast was recorded on 26 May 2025, with information accurate at the time of recording.

This episode features a discussion with Mandip Englund, III NextGen member and Partner and Head of the Restructuring and Insolvency Group at Travers Smith, and Professor Rebecca Parry of Nottingham Trent University. Together, they explore the development and growing use of restructuring plans in England and Wales, comparing them with other insolvency and restructuring tools such as schemes of arrangement, company voluntary arrangements (CVAs), and special administration regimes (SARs).

The conversation tackles some of the most complex issues surrounding restructuring plans, including what qualifies as a “compromise or arrangement”—with particular reference to interim plans and the treatment of out-of-the-money creditors. It also addresses the evidential burden placed on debtors to demonstrate that a plan satisfies both the “no worse off” test and fairness requirements, as well as how benefits preserved or generated by the plan affect the treatment of out-of-the-money creditors.

In addition, the episode examines potential debt restructuring options for Thames Water, dispels common misconceptions about SARs, and offers insights into how these regimes might be reformed to operate more effectively in future high-profile cases. The podcast is introduced by NextGen’s co-chair, […] of […], and moderated by Dr. Eugenio Vaccari of Royal Holloway, University of London. It was recorded in early July 2025, with information accurate at the time of recording.

This episode explores the topic of financial sustainability and climate change.

Our speakers include Prof. Juanitta Calitz, who is Professor at the University of Johannesburg and a III member; Mr Harry Lawless, who worked as a financial sector specialist at the World Bank on a report on the interaction between insolvency and climate change; and Dr Eugenio Vaccari, Senior Lecturer at Royal Holloway, University of London as well as a III NextGen Executive Committee Member.

The podcast discussed the intersection between financial sustainability, climate change and insolvency regimes from the perspective of both developed and developing markets. It delved into topics including green finance and how insolvency law can play a role in resolving climate change. Part of the session was also dedicated to the analysis of municipal bankruptcies, and how ESG principals could promote the long-term resilience of financially distressed local entities.

The podcast is introduced by NextGen’s former Chairperson, Adam Crane of Baker & Partners in the Cayman Islands, and moderated by Dr. Francesca Burigo of the Università eCampus in Italy, as well as a member of the III NextGen Executive Committee. It was recorded in early February 2025, with information accurate at the time of recording.

In this episode of the International Insolvency Institute’s Global Perspectives podcast, we delve into consensual restructuring procedures in Europe. This podcast features insights from Prof. Annika Wolf (University of Applied Sciences in Emden/Leer), David Ehmke (lawyer, Germany) and Frederic Verhoeven (Hauthoff, the Netherlands). The discussion highlighted the key differences between consensual and more formal restructuring and insolvency procedures. It explored the advantages of consensual restructuring, such as speed, flexibility, confidentiality, value preservation, and the retention of control by the affected parties. However, it also addressed the challenges, particularly in cross-border cases, where differing legal frameworks, cultural variations, and enforcement complexities can make formal mechanisms like WHOA and StaRUG more appealing. Ultimately, the podcast provides a comprehensive analysis of why, in many cases, a bad settlement is preferable to a good judgment. NextGen’s Chairperson, Adam Crane (Baker & Partners in the Cayman Islands), introduces the podcast, which is moderated by Dr. Eugenio Vaccari (Royal Holloway, University of London). The podcast was recorded in early October 2024, with information correct at the time of recording.

We are excited to announce the release of a new episode of Global Perspectives, the International Insolvency Institute’s podcast series. This episode explores the evolving role and practice of insolvency practitioners (IPs), with a particular focus on their involvement in cross-border disputes. Dr. Elizabeth Streten, Lecturer at Queensland University of Technology and author of a recent publication in the field; and Andrea Harris, Partner at Grant Thornton, INSOL International Vice-President, and III Member; discuss the challenges and responsibilities faced by IPs. The conversation highlights how insolvency practitioners must balance complex legal and ethical obligations while fulfilling public functions in private roles. They examine the need for regulatory clarity at both domestic and international levels, including entry requirements, professional objectives, and interpretations of the IP role. The episode also addresses common misconceptions about insolvency practitioners, particularly the tendency to view them merely as "funeral directors" rather than facilitators of business rescue and asset recovery. It explores their vital function as communicators and educators, bridging the gap between stakeholders. The discussion further considers how accountants acting as insolvency practitioners contribute to financial investigations, including fund tracing, and how artificial intelligence may enhance their capabilities in the future. At the same time, the conversation acknowledges the limits of IPs’ expertise, particularly in highly specialized areas such as cryptocurrency and satellite technology. The podcast is introduced by NextGen’s Chairperson, Adam Crane of Baker &Partners in the Cayman Islands, and moderated by Dr. Eugenio Vaccari of Royal Holloway, University of London. It was recorded in early February 2025, with information accurate at the time of recording.

In this episode of the International Insolvency Institute’s Global Perspectives podcast, we were joined by leading international insolvency judges including Hon. Elizabeth Stong, Judge of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of New York; Hon. Aidan Xu, Judge of the High Court of Singapore; and Hon. Kazimbe Chenda, Judge of the High Court, Commercial Division in Zambia.

The central theme of the podcast is the roleof the judiciary in promoting good restructuring practices and cross-border collaboration in insolvency proceedings.

During the podcast, the esteemed judges explore the role of the judiciary in promoting cross-border insolvency cooperation, and what more can be done to enhance the judiciary’s capacity to handle complex cross-border insolvency cases. The podcast also features a list of lessons learned from the handling of complex cases, not necessarily large ones, and an interesting reference to a bakery in Brooklyn, New York.

The podcast is introduced by NextGen Program Chairperson, ⁠Adam Crane⁠ (Baker & Partners in the Cayman Islands) and moderated by Dr Eugenio Vaccari (Royal Holloway, University of London). The podcast was recorded on 15 January 2025, with information correct at the time of recording.

In this episode of the International Insolvency Institute’s Global Perspectives podcast, we are joined by expert panelists Okorie Kalu (Partner, PUNUKA Attorneys & Solicitors); Judy Muigai (Partner, DLA Piper Africa IKM Advocates); and Prof Wesley Rosslyn-Smith (Associate Professor, University of Pretoria) who discuss developments in insolvency law and practice in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Our speakers addressed topics including practitioner qualification and accreditation, expedited pre-insolvency and insolvency processes for MSEs, fostering regional collaboration, the influence of the World Bank Business Ready report on regulatory activities, and the connection between tax incentives and capacity-building initiatives for insolvency practitioners and judges.

The podcast is introduced by NextGen Program Chairperson, ⁠Adam Crane⁠ (Baker & Partners in the Cayman Islands) and moderated by Dr Eugenio Vaccari (Royal Holloway, University of London). The podcast was recorded in early December 2024, with information correct at the time of recording.

In this episode of the International Insolvency Institute’s Global Perspectives podcast, we delve into consensual restructuring procedures in key jurisdictions such as Singapore, India and France. Our expert panelists, Vasile Rotaru (Ph.D. Candidate, University of Oxford), NextGen Member Ishana Tripathi (Associate Professor, Jindal Global Law School) and NextGen Member Jo Tay (Partner, Allen & Gledhill), offer insightful commentary on the unique characteristics, challenges, and growing appeal of consensual restructuring methods in these jurisdictions. They discuss the strong tradition of consensual workouts in France (mandat ad hoc and conciliation), the increasing demand for lender-led mediation, and the need for coordinated efforts among practitioners, courts, and legislators. The panelists also address key obstacles, such as litigious or impatient creditors and the occasional aggressive stance from legal counsel.

The podcast is introduced by NextGen Program Chairperson, ⁠Adam Crane⁠ (Baker & Partnersin the Cayman Islands) and moderated by Dr EugenioVaccari (Royal Holloway, University of London). The podcast was recorded in early October 2024, with information correct at the time of recording.

In this episode of the ⁠International InsolvencyInstitute⁠’s Global Perspectives podcast, we explore hybrid insolvency procedures and workouts in Latin America to gain practical insights into how these mechanisms are implemented in real-world scenarios. Our distinguished panelists, The Hon. Adolfo Rouillon and Andrés Martinez, offered their expertise on this timely topic.

Our speakers discussed the current use and comparative effectiveness of hybrid restructuring mechanisms across various Latin American jurisdictions, highlighting how corporate structure influences whether businesses pursue these options and the tendency of family-owned smallbusinesses to avoid them. They also shed light on tax implications, potential risks of not utilizing these procedures—such as the conversion of foreign currency claims to domestic currency upon insolvency—and the formalities required to implement these processes across diverse regulatory landscapes. Additionally, the panelists reflected on the World Bank’s role in encouraging the adoption of hybrid mechanisms throughout the region.

The podcast is introduced by NextGen Program Chairperson, ⁠Adam Crane⁠ (Baker & Partners in the CaymanIslands) and moderated by Dr Eugenio Vaccari (Royal Holloway, University of London). The podcast was recorded in October 2024, with information correct at the time of the recording.

In this episode of the International Insolvency Institute’s Global Perspectives podcast, we were joined by Gabriel Olivera (NextGen) alongside Olya Antle (NextGen) and Rahman Connelly (NextGen) to discuss a critical and timely topic: nonconsensual third-party releases in Chapter 15 cases in the United States.

With the Supreme Court’s decision in Harrington v. Purdue Pharma rejecting such releases in Chapter 11 cases, this conversation explores whether Chapter 15 offers a legal loophole for their enforcement. Our guests analyze the implications for cross-border insolvency law, forum shopping, and future creditor challenges.

Tune in for a deep dive into one of the most debated issues in U.S. restructurings today.

In this episode of the International Insolvency Institute’s Global Perspectives podcast, we delve into recent insolvency law reforms in Brazil, a country that has made significant changes to its legal framework in the past few years.

Brazil introduced substantial reforms to its insolvency laws in 2005, and more recently in 2020, bringing its system more in line with international best practices. These reforms have notably improved corporate restructuring processes and have aimed to enhance the role of the judiciary and regulators in handling insolvency cases.

Our expert panellists, Joao Guilherme Thiesi da Silva (Pinheiro Neto Advogados) and Guillerme França (Lollato Lopes Rangel Ribeiro Advogados), offer insightful commentary on the effectiveness of these reforms and how they align with global trends, particularly considering their experiences in the US and Brazil. Their conversation also explores how these changes facilitate better outcomes for distressed businesses, as well as the challenges that remain, especially in terms of access to credit and cross-border insolvencies.

The podcast is introduced by NextGen Program Chairperson, ⁠Adam Crane⁠ (Baker & Partners in the Cayman Islands) and moderated by Dr Eugenio Vaccari (Royal Holloway, University of London). The podcast was recorded in early October 2024, with information correct at the time of recording.

In this episode of the ⁠International Insolvency Institute⁠’s Global Perspectives podcast, we covered the role of regulators and the judiciary in LATAM. Our expert panelists were Susana Hidvegi Arango (business insolvency, complex litigation, and arbitration advisor), Javier Armando Lorente (Lorente & Lopez Abogados) and Roberto Villaseca (Carey LLP).

In this podcast, we delve into the critical role of regulators and the judiciary in Latin America's insolvency frameworks, with a focus on Chile, Colombia, and Argentina. Each country has a distinct approach to insolvency law, influenced by historical, economic, and political factors, and the relationship between regulators and the judiciary is central to the success of these systems. We explore recent reforms in Chile that have reshaped the balance between regulators and courts, significant regulatory changes in Colombia, and Argentina’s judiciary-driven insolvency processes, which often operate without a dedicated regulator.

Our guests, experts from each country, discuss the evolving roles of regulators and judges, examining challenges such as maintaining judicial independence, managing sector-specific insolvencies, and fostering effective collaboration. They also reflect on the lessons learned from other Latin American jurisdictions and international practices that could enhance the effectiveness of these insolvency frameworks. This podcast offers valuable insights into the dynamics of insolvency law in LATAM, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the region’s legal landscape and the ongoing reforms shaping its future.

The podcast is introduced by NextGen Program Chairperson, ⁠Adam Crane⁠ (Baker & Partners in the Cayman Islands) and moderated by Dr Eugenio Vaccari (Royal Holloway, University of London). The podcast was recorded in early October 2024, with information correct at the time of the recording.

In this episode of the International Insolvency Institute’s Global Perspectives podcast, we were joined by Andrew Chan (Allen & Gledhill, Singapore) and Rabindra Nathan (Shearn, Delamore, Malaysia) who had a friendly cross-border debate about Singapore vs Malaysia and discussed the insolvency regimes in both of countries.

The podcast is introduced by NextGen Program Chairperson, ⁠Adam Crane⁠ (Baker & Partners in the Cayman Islands) and moderated by Jo Tay (Allen & Gledhill, Singapore) and Nathalie Kerr (Lim Chee Wee Partnership, Malaysia).

In this episode of the International Insolvency Institute’s Global Perspectives podcast, we went back to the

basics on cross-border restructuring and insolvency frameworks in mainland China. Practitioners Wang Lingqi

(Fangda Partners), Veronica Chan (Tanner de Witt), and Assistant Professor Guo Shuai (China University of

Political Science and Law) give us a quick lesson on the types of insolvency proceedings that apply to

companies in China, before going into what the considerations of the Chinese courts usually are in granting

recognition of foreign proceedings, the cases that have gone through the Chinese Mainland – Hong Kong

cooperation mechanism for cross-border insolvency. We look at what opportunities there may be for work

coming out of China, and our speakers share a tip or two on working on Chinese cross-border insolvencies.

In this episode of the ⁠International Insolvency Institute⁠’s Global Perspectives podcast, we covered the interaction between insolvency law and climate change. Our expert panelists were Antonia Menezes (Senior Financial Sector Specialist at the World Bank Group, III Member) and Gabriel Olivera (O’Melveny’s, III NextGen member).

After a short clarification on the terminology applicable to insolvency cases strictly connected with climate change issues, our panelists discussed the topic from a practical perspective. Mr Olivera discussed the importance and implications of the recent bankruptcies of Pacific Gas & Electric, as well as Basic Water Company. Ms. Menezes spoke about the role that MSEs may play in mitigating climate change, and what states can do to better equip these companies to deal with climate change issues. The podcast concludes with a discussion on the ramifications of climate change for the economy, as well as on the initiative currently undertaken by the World Bank to develop practical guidance on how to approach this issue from a statutory perspective.

NextGen’s Chairperson, ⁠Adam Crane⁠ (Baker & Partners in the Cayman Islands), introduces this podcast, which has been moderated by Dr Eugenio Vaccari (Royal Holloway, University of London). The podcast was recorded in late April 2024, with information correct at the time of the recording.

Singapore is on the cutting-edge of the international insolvency community, including leading initiatives such as the JIN Guidelines for Communication and Cooperation between Courts in Cross-Border Insolvency Matters; and empowering the Singapore International Commercial Court to hear cross-border insolvency and restructuring matters.

In this episode of the Global Perspectives podcast, the Hon. Justice Kannan Ramesh, Judge of the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of Singapore and President of the International Insolvency Institute is interviewed by NextGen Chairperson, Adam Crane of Baker & Partners in the Cayman Islands, and is asked about the various initiatives and developments in Singapore.

In this episode of the International Insolvency Institute’s Global Perspectives podcast, our panelists provide an overview of the history and structure of UNCITRAL and its working groups, focusing on Working Group V (insolvency law) and the current topics deliberated by the Group – asset tracing and recovery and choice of law in international insolvency proceedings.

Our panelists, Olya Antle, Adam Swick, and Jose Carles, dive into the specific issues before Working Group V and provide insight into the potential future developments concerning those issues.

NextGen’s Chairperson, Adam Crane, introduces this podcast, which is moderated by Dario Oscos.

In this episode of the ⁠International Insolvency Institute⁠’s Global Perspectives podcast, we covered the treatment of third-party releases in three European jurisdictions: the UK, Netherlands and Italy. Our expert panelists were Professor Gerard McCormack (University of Leeds), Professor Alessandra Zanardo (Ca’ Foscari, University of Venice) and Prof. Dr. Omar Salah (Norton Rose Fulbright, Tilburg University, III NextGen).

After a short introduction on what third-party releases are, our panelists discussed the topic from the perspective of their jurisdictions. Prof. Zanardo observed that in Italy the framework is fluid, and that the judicial approach to third-party releases may change as a result of recent legislative changes. In the Netherlands, Prof. Dr. Salah discussed the requirements for obtaining a third-party release as part of a Dutch scheme (i.e. WHOA). Finally, Prof. McCormack expanded on a provocative and counter-intuitive remark that the pro-release approach under English law may result in fewer companies shopping for the English restructuring forum.

NextGen’s Chairperson, ⁠Adam Crane⁠ (Baker & Partners in the Cayman Islands), introduces this podcast, which has been moderated by Dr Eugenio Vaccari (Royal Holloway, University of London). The podcast was recorded in early late February 2024, with the information correct at the time of the recording.

In this episode of the ⁠International Insolvency Institute⁠’s Global Perspectives podcast, our invited guest panelists give a critical overview of the Australian and New Zealand’s insolvency frameworks.

Our expert panelists, Professor Lynne Taylor (University of Canterbury), Dr Elizabeth Streten (Queensland University of Technology) and Dr Lézelle Jacobs (ARITA and University technology Sidney), summarized the most recent legislative and judicial developments in Australian and New Zealand’s insolvency law.

In a lively podcast, Dr Jacobs and Dr Streten summarized the results of the enquiry launched by the Parliamentary Joint Committee (PJC) on Corporations and Financial Services. This root and branch review includes several key elements for reflection, especially as the PJC advocated for the need to re-discuss the theoretical principles and objectives underpinning corporate and personal insolvency law. Prof Taylor brought the experience from her country (New Zealand), with several useful elements for reflection, particularly with reference to the treatment of financially distressed MSMEs and directors’ duties under New Zealand law.

NextGen’s Chairperson, ⁠Adam Crane⁠ (Baker & Partners in the Cayman Islands), introduces this podcast, which has been moderated by NextGen Executive Committee Member Dr Eugenio Vaccari (Royal Holloway, University of London). The podcast was recorded in early December 2023, with the information correct at the time of the recording.

Our experts panellists - Mr Bahram Vakil (Founding Partner, AZB & Partners), Ms Saloni Thakkar (Partner, AZB & Partners) and Ms Mariam Zaidi (Senior Legal Manager, Piramal Capital & Housing Finance) – discuss the changes to the treatment of secured creditors since the enactment of the Indian Bankruptcy Code in 2016. The podcast compares the current framework with the pre-COVID period as well as the period before the enactment of the new Code. The podcast also delves into the disputed treatment of secured creditors in some leading cases, such as Essar Steel and Anil Anchalia, before concluding with a short outlook on the announced reforms in the area.