Introduction to the Insolvency Service's IP Database

Welcome to The Insolvency Service’s searchable database of insolvency practitioners (IPs).

What is meant by an IP?

In order to act in respect of a company as a

• liquidator
• provisional liquidator
• administrator
• administrative receiver or
• supervisor of a voluntary arrangement

 and in order to act in respect of an individual as a

• trustee of a bankrupt
• interim receiver of a bankrupt
• supervisor of a voluntary arrangement
• trustee under a deed of arrangement or
• in Scotland as a trustee in a sequestration or under a trust deed

an individual must be authorised to act as an IP.  Acting as such an office holder without being authorised to act as an IP is an offence under the Insolvency Act 1986.

Who can authorise a person to act as an IP?

Authorisation can be granted by the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, or one of seven recognised professional bodies.  Details of who authorises each IP is included in the database, together with the addresses of the authorising bodies.  If you have a complaint to make about the professional conduct of an IP then this should be directed to the IP’s authorising body.

Is the database an exhaustive list of all IPs?

All the people included in this database are IPs, but not all IPs are included on the database as some IPs have decided not to be included.  Those individuals will be able to provide you with a copy of their authorisation certificate as confirmation that they are IPs, but if you still have any doubts then as first point of enquiry you can contact Martin Baker, The Insolvency Service’s webmaster.

Click Here to return to the IP Database search page.

Click Here for instructions on how to use the searchable IP Database