Understanding Financial Participant (Bankruptcy): Key Legal Insights

Definition & Meaning

The term financial participant in the context of bankruptcy refers to an entity that has significant financial agreements or transactions with a debtor. This includes any entity that, at the time of entering into specific contracts or at the time of filing for bankruptcy, has agreements with a total gross dollar value of at least one billion dollars or has gross mark-to-market positions of at least one hundred million dollars. These agreements can include securities contracts, commodity contracts, swap agreements, repurchase agreements, or forward contracts. Additionally, a clearing organization as defined under federal law can also be considered a financial participant.

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Real-world examples

Here are a couple of examples of abatement:

Example 1: A large investment bank enters into a series of swap agreements with a corporation. At the time of the corporation's bankruptcy filing, the total value of these agreements exceeds $1 billion, making the bank a financial participant.

Example 2: A clearinghouse that processes trades for various financial instruments has significant mark-to-market positions with a debtor. This clearinghouse qualifies as a financial participant under bankruptcy law. (hypothetical example)

Comparison with related terms

Term Definition Key Differences
Financial Participant An entity with significant financial agreements with a debtor. Focuses on large-scale financial transactions and specific thresholds.
Secured Creditor A creditor with a legal claim on collateral. Secured creditors have rights to specific assets, while financial participants may not.
Unsecured Creditor A creditor without a claim to specific assets. Unsecured creditors do not have the same protections as financial participants.

What to do if this term applies to you

If you believe you are a financial participant in a bankruptcy case, it's essential to understand your rights and obligations. You should:

  • Review your agreements with the debtor to assess your position.
  • Consider consulting with a legal professional who specializes in bankruptcy law for tailored advice.
  • Explore US Legal Forms for templates that may help you navigate your involvement in the bankruptcy process.

Quick facts

  • Typical minimum transaction value: $1 billion
  • Minimum mark-to-market position: $100 million
  • Relevant legal framework: 11 U.S.C. § 101 and § 561
  • Common legal areas: Bankruptcy law, corporate law

Key takeaways

Frequently asked questions

To qualify, an entity must have financial agreements with a debtor valued at over $1 billion or hold significant mark-to-market positions.