Season’s Greetings from the ABI International Committee leadership. It is hard to believe how quickly pumpkin spice and caramel apples have turned into peppermint mocha and eggnog. The weather is turning colder, and the holidays are quickly approaching. We hope that the end of 2023 brings you time with family and friends, and maybe even a little bit of international travel. We wish you and your family health, happiness and prosperity in 2024.
Second Annual International Matter of the Year Award
On Oct. 24, 2023, our committee awarded the Second Annual International Matter of the Year Award to In re China Fishery and the Honorable Mention to In re Modern Land. The International Matter of the Year Award is awarded to a matter that (1) results from the completion of a unique, strategic or challenging international transaction or litigation; (2) displays excellence from beginning to end, including a high level of professional expertise, creativity and/or skill necessary for the successful completion of the matter; and (3) is of international legal significance and impact in relation to the distressed/insolvency industry, including how the matter will facilitate or hinder international cooperation on a going-forward basis. Congratulations to all the professionals involved in these two cases. Click here to learn more about these cases and why they were selected as the winners of this award.
Fall 2023 Past Events
- Webinar Series: Directors’ Duties Across Borders in the Insolvency Zone: Our committee hosted the first webinar in a series that will cover key jurisdictions around the globe focusing on bankruptcy-type proceedings in foreign jurisdictions. The first webinar was held on Oct. 17, 2023, and examined the situation in France, Germany, Ireland and the Netherlands.
- Cross-Border Insolvency Program: On Oct. 24, 2023, our committee hosted the Cross-Border Insolvency Program at the offices of Blank Rome LLP in New York City. This annual day-long program featured a unique gathering of speakers from several nations, who discussed today’s most relevant cross-border cases and topics. Click here to read about the program.
- Winter Leadership Conference: ABI’s Winter Leadership Conference was held from Nov. 30-Dec. 2 in Scottsdale, Ariz. Our committee partnered with the Health Care Committee to present Senior Care: Financial Stressors in the Sector Across Borders. The speakers were Suzanne A. Koenig of SAK Healthcare (Riverwoods, Ill), Charles Phiri of CP Advisers (PTY) LTD (Johannesburg, South Africa) and John E. Thomas of Squire Patton Boggs (Washington, D.C.).
Upcoming Events
- Webinar Series: Directors' Duties Across Borders in the Insolvency Zone: Join us on Jan. 11, 2024, for our second webinar in this series, which will focus on bankruptcy-type proceedings in the Americas. Click here to register for this event.
- Webinar: Recent Developments in International Insolvency ADR: Our committee has partnered with the Mediation Committee to host a webinar on recent developments in international bankruptcy mediations. The webinar will be scheduled for sometime in January 2024. Check back at www.abi.org/calendar-of-events.
- Virtual Meet and Greet: We are planning a virtual meet and greet for Q1 2024. This will be a great chance for committee members to learn more about the activities of the International Committee and how to get involved in the committee, and to network with other committee members. Stay tuned for more details.
- 2024 Look Ahead Series: In Q1 2024, our committee will be participating in the 2024 Look Ahead Series, in which we will be discussing hot international issues likely to be at the forefront in 2024, after which there will be an opportunity to network. Stay tuned for more details.
Welcome to Our New Committee Members
The International Committee continues to grow, and we’d like to extend a particular welcome to our newest members. You can read a bit about some of our newest members in the “New Member Spotlight” section of this newsletter. Our new members perfectly highlight the international reach of this committee.
Opportunities to Get Involved
- Listserv: We are looking for members interested in posting to our listserv on hot international insolvency topics (no more than 300 words per post). Our hope is to use these short posts as a starting points for members to engage, discuss and learn. Do you have a question you would love feedback on or a view on a recent case or issue? Maybe you are interested in understanding something and would appreciate hearing from our members regarding their views on the issue. If you are interested in this opportunity, please contact Communications Manager Adam Swick at adam.swick@akerman.com.
- Q1 2024 Newsletter: The International Committee is always looking for people interested in writing on international insolvency issues. If you are interested in contributing to future newsletters, please reach out to Co-Newsletter Editors Simon Eickmann and Evan Zucker at simon.eickmann@pluta-management.com and evan.zucker@blankrome.com.
- Webinars: Do you have a great idea for an international webinar? Our committee is always looking for hot topics in the international insolvency space. Please contact Special Projects Leader Ken Kraft at kenneth.kraft@dentons.com to discuss your ideas.
Global Insolvency Webpage
Keep up with international content between newsletters by visiting ABI’s Global Insolvency webpage (https://globalinsolvency.com), where you can find the latest news on issues pertaining to global insolvency and search for resources on a country-by-country basis.
Warm Regards and Happy Holidays!!!
—Evelyn Meltzer
Adam Crane
Co-Chairs