Official Receiver

The Official Receiver is a civil servant employed by the Insolvency Service (an executive agency of the Department for Business and Trade) who acts as the initial liquidator or trustee in compulsory winding-up and bankruptcy cases. Under the Insolvency Act 1986, the Official Receiver investigates the conduct of the bankrupt or the directors of the wound-up company and reports to the court.

In practice

The Official Receiver takes immediate control of the debtor's assets upon the making of a bankruptcy or winding-up order. They conduct an initial investigation, realise assets where appropriate, and may hand over to a licensed insolvency practitioner if the case justifies it. The Official Receiver also administers debt relief orders and may apply to the court for bankruptcy restrictions orders where the debtor's conduct warrants it.