Bankruptcy Claims Trading: Allocating Buyer and Seller Risks, Blocking and Other Strategic Maneuvers

A creditor with a right to payment (claim) from the bankrupt debtor can transfer that right to a third party for whatever consideration the parties decide. Parties are interested in acquiring claims to derive some benefit, which may be control or leverage in the case of a long term investment return. From the purchaser's perspective, some claims are straightforward, but others may require extensive due diligence, market analysis, and review of complex financial documents, especially those of significant secured lenders.

Entities that seek to acquire claims are often specialist investor hedge funds that some critics contend are self-interested and disruptive to the reorganization process and its goals. Courts have developed ways of addressing perceived risks of abuses from claims trading to circumvent Bankruptcy Code formalities.

For trade creditors, a potential trader's typical claim assignment can be daunting and could contain onerous conditions. The panel will review, among other things, typical terms offered and the critical issues to be negotiated, the actual rights and duties that are or are not conveyed, the timing of the transfer and payment, and required disclosures and filings under the Bankruptcy Code. Holders of claims must fully understand the risks they are taking and the potential for indemnity claims down the road.

Listen as the panel discusses the claims trading industry and what creditors seek to benefit from transactions.