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Chapter 15

Bridging Borders in Cross-Border Insolvency and Asset Protection

 

Chapter 15 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code governs cross-border insolvency—the recognition and coordination of foreign bankruptcy proceedings within the United States.
It serves as the gateway through which international debtors, creditors, and insolvency representatives can seek U.S. court assistance to manage global assets, stay litigation, and coordinate multinational restructurings.

 

At SJKP LLP, our Cross-Border Insolvency and Restructuring team advises debtors, foreign representatives, financial institutions, and investors on Chapter 15 proceedings involving asset protection, recognition of foreign main proceedings, and international debt recovery.
We provide the legal and strategic framework needed to navigate complex, multi-jurisdictional insolvency challenges efficiently and effectively.

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1. Chapter 15: The Foundation of Cross-Border Insolvency


Integrating Global Insolvency Systems Through Legal Cooperation

 

Chapter 15 was enacted to align U.S. bankruptcy practice with the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency, promoting cooperation between courts, administrators, and creditors across jurisdictions.
It provides mechanisms to protect assets located in the U.S. and to prevent conflicting rulings in multinational bankruptcy cases.



Key Objectives of Chapter 15


  • - Cooperation between U.S. and foreign courts in insolvency matters.

- Legal certainty for trade and investment in global markets.

- Fair and efficient administration of cross-border insolvencies.

- Protection of creditor and debtor interests in multiple jurisdictions.

- Facilitation of corporate restructuring and asset preservation across borders.

 

Through Chapter 15, a foreign representative (such as a trustee or liquidator appointed abroad) may petition U.S. courts for recognition of the foreign proceeding—granting rights to manage U.S. assets, pursue litigation, or obtain injunctive relief.



2. Chapter 15: Recognition of Foreign Proceedings


Securing Legal Standing in the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts

 

Recognition under Chapter 15 is the cornerstone of international insolvency cooperation.
It determines whether the foreign proceeding will be treated as a foreign main or foreign non-main proceeding, each offering distinct protections.



Recognition Process and Classification


  • 1. Petition for Recognition 
  • Filed by a foreign representative with supporting documentation, such as certified copies of the foreign court order and evidence of authority.
  •  

2. Main vs. Non-Main Proceedings 

  • - A foreign main proceeding exists where the debtor has its center of main interests (COMI), granting broad protections including the automatic stay.

- A foreign non-main proceeding applies where the debtor has an establishment but not its COMI, offering more limited relief.

 

3. Court Determination and Relief – Upon recognition, U.S. courts may grant immediate relief, including asset protection, discovery rights, and cooperation orders.

 

We assist clients in preparing recognition petitions that meet all statutory and evidentiary requirements, ensuring smooth interaction between U.S. and foreign courts while minimizing procedural delays.



3. Chapter 15: Relief and Protections Available


Preserving Assets and Stabilizing Global Restructurings

 

Once a foreign proceeding is recognized, Chapter 15 enables U.S. courts to extend a range of protections similar to those in domestic bankruptcy cases—critical for preventing asset dissipation and ensuring orderly restructuring.



Available Reliefs and Judicial Powers


  • - Automatic Stay (11 U.S.C. §1520) – Stops all collection, foreclosure, and litigation against the debtor’s U.S. assets.

- Asset Turnover Orders – Directs entities holding U.S.-based property to surrender it to the foreign representative.

- Discovery and Examination – Permits the foreign representative to obtain information and documents concerning the debtor’s assets or financial condition.

- Entrustment and Cooperation Orders – Authorizes joint administration and information exchange between U.S. and foreign courts.

- Injunctive Relief – Protects against creditor interference during ongoing foreign restructuring or liquidation.

 

Our attorneys frequently represent both foreign administrators seeking recognition and U.S. creditors defending their interests in these proceedings, balancing jurisdictional efficiency with asset protection.



4. Chapter 15: Strategic Use in Global Restructuring


Coordinating Multinational Workouts and Asset Recoveries

 

Chapter 15 is not only a defensive measure—it is a strategic instrument for global restructuring and recovery.
It enables companies with cross-border footprints to coordinate multiple insolvency regimes and achieve consistency across creditor negotiations.



Integrating Chapter 15 with Foreign Proceedings


We help clients:

  • - Use Chapter 15 to enforce foreign restructuring plans in the U.S.

- Protect U.S.-based subsidiaries and bank accounts from aggressive creditors.

- Facilitate multi-jurisdictional asset sales under unified supervision.

- Coordinate with foreign courts and administrators under protocols like the Cross-Border Insolvency Guidelines.

- Implement Section 363-style sales in conjunction with recognized foreign main proceedings.

 

Our cross-border practice bridges U.S. insolvency principles with international regimes—allowing smoother restructurings across regions such as Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.



5. Chapter 15: Key Stakeholders and Their Interests


Balancing International Priorities and Legal Obligations

 

Chapter 15 cases bring together diverse interests—foreign debtors, U.S. creditors, trustees, and courts—all with competing claims and jurisdictions.
Our attorneys are skilled at managing these complexities through clear communication and coordinated legal strategy.



Representing Diverse Parties in Chapter 15


We represent:

  • - Foreign representatives seeking recognition and relief.

- U.S. creditors protecting local claims and lien rights.

- Debtors with international assets facing parallel insolvency proceedings.

- Investors and purchasers pursuing distressed asset opportunities under Chapter 15 protection.

 

Our team ensures that every stakeholder’s objectives—recovery, enforcement, or protection—are advanced effectively within the framework of U.S. and foreign insolvency law.



6. Chapter 15: Challenges and Emerging Trends


Navigating the Globalization of Insolvency Law

 

The increasing globalization of trade and finance has made Chapter 15 cases more common—and more complex.
Emerging issues include digital asset recovery, cryptocurrency insolvencies, and the interplay between data privacy laws and cross-border discovery.



Recent Developments and Case Law


  • - Recognition of foreign cryptocurrency liquidations, establishing precedent for digital asset protection.

- Expanded use of COMI analysis, allowing flexibility for debtors with multi-jurisdictional operations.

- Coordination between U.S. and UK/EU courts, especially post-Brexit.

- Environmental and ESG obligations, now being integrated into global insolvency planning.

 

We stay at the forefront of these developments, guiding clients through evolving legal standards and strategic implications of Chapter 15 recognition.



7. Why Choose SJKP LLP for Chapter 15 Counsel


Global Perspective. Legal Precision. Strategic Execution.

 

At SJKP LLP, we combine deep experience in bankruptcy law, international finance, and cross-border dispute resolution to deliver results that align with client goals.
Our attorneys have represented debtors, foreign representatives, and creditors in high-value Chapter 15 proceedings involving assets across North America, Europe, and Asia.

 

We collaborate seamlessly with foreign counsel to ensure that every recognition petition, asset protection motion, and recovery effort adheres to both U.S. law and international comity principles.
Our goal is simple: preserve value, promote efficiency, and resolve cross-border insolvency matters with precision and foresight.


30 Oct, 2025
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The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading or relying on the contents of this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with our firm. For advice regarding your specific situation, please consult a qualified attorney licensed in your jurisdiction.
Certain informational content on this website may utilize technology-assisted drafting tools and is subject to attorney review.