Fraud Claims, Policy Shifts Drove Biggest 2025 Bankruptcies

Joe Dunn’s commentary was featured in a Law360 article reviewing the most significant bankruptcy trends of 2025. The piece highlights how allegations of fraud and shifting federal policies drove some of the year’s largest filings, including cases in the auto sector and renewable energy industry.

Joe noted that changes in government policy were a defining theme, particularly tariffs impacting companies with cross-border relationships. He also observed that the U.S. Trustee’s Office is taking a tougher stance on appointing examiners in cases involving allegations of fraud or mismanagement, even when other investigative mechanisms are in place. Additionally, Joe pointed to disputes over bankruptcy-remote entities in the First Brands case as an “interesting wrinkle” that could prompt companies to revisit how they structure similar entities going forward.