Glossary · Insolvency

Receiver

A practitioner appointed, often by a secured creditor, to control and realise particular company assets and apply the proceeds to a secured debt.

The receiver's role

A receiver is a person appointed to take control of specified property of a company, commonly by a secured creditor under the terms of its security, and to realise that property for the benefit of the appointing party. A receiver who is also given power to manage the business may be described as a receiver and manager. The receiver acts within the scope of the security and the relevant appointment.

Duties and limits

While receivers have particular legal duties, including in relation to obtaining a reasonable value when selling assets, their core focus is repaying the secured creditor rather than achieving a return for all creditors. This is general information only and not legal or financial advice. The broader process is described at receivership.

Plain-English help

Confused by the jargon?

Our team explains your options in plain English — and recovers what you're owed, commission-only.