Insolvency technical update: September 2026

Read our latest insolvency technical update, your round-up of recent developments in insolvency.

Anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing guidance for the accountancy sector

The Consultative Committee of Accountancy Bodies (CCAB) has issued revised anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing guidance for the accountancy sector (AMLGAS) following approval by HM Treasury. CCAB has also produced a one-page summary of the key changes.

Firms should update their policies, procedures and training to reflect the revised guidance and make colleagues aware of the changes.

Appendix F: Supplementary anti-money laundering guidance for insolvency practitioners, issued in 2022, remains the current appendix for insolvency practitioners. It should be read alongside the revised AMLGAS.

Find out what insolvency practitioners need to know about updated anti-money laundering guidance.

New route for VAT1 applications

HMRC has introduced a new route for Insolvency Practitioners (IPs) submitting VAT1 applications, helping to ensure that registration requests are identified and directed to the appropriate team as quickly as possible.

VAT1 applications, including those relating to companies leaving a VAT group and requiring a standalone VAT registration, should be submitted by email to vrs.newregistrations@hmrc.gov.uk.

The email subject line must use the following wording and formatting:

(VAT1-IP) VAT1 Application

This allows applications to be identified as insolvency-related registrations and routed correctly. Applications submitted without this wording may not be immediately recognised and could be subject to processing delays.

This email route is for VAT1 applications only. General enquiries, progress requests and other correspondence should continue to be directed through existing HMRC contact channels.

For queries about the registration process, including requests for a VAT1 form, call 0300 200 3700.

The HMRC Insolvency Practitioner Handbook will be updated in due course to reflect the new submission process.

VAT 700/56 (Insolvency)

Sections 3, 5, 10, 15, 17, 18 and 23 of the VAT Notice have been removed and replaced with links to the relevant sections of the Insolvency practitioner's handbook.

Court of Session court reporter process

The Lord President has issued a new Court of Session Practice Note covering the appointment, reporting by and remuneration of insolvency practitioners in corporate insolvencies. It came into effect from 5 October 2026.

The Practice Note requires court reporters appointed by the Court of Session to use the ICAS court reporter work programme. It also confirms that claims for remuneration will not routinely be sent to the Auditor of Court and explains the court’s approach to considering court reporter costs.

Find out how to access the Practice Note and the updated ICAS court reporter work programme.

SIP 3.1 consultation

The Joint Insolvency Committee is consulting on proposed changes to Statement of Insolvency Practice 3.1 – Individual Voluntary Arrangements. 

Find out why it’s being revised, what could change and how to share your views on the proposed changes.

Objections to Companies House striking off

Objections to limited companies being struck off the Companies House register after 1 December 2026 will need to be submitted through the Companies House online service. 

Legal updates

Collinge & Hamilton as Joint Liquidators of AyMa IOT Ltd (in Liquidation) v MacMillan & Ahmad [2026] SAC (Civ) 58. A recent Sheriff Appeal Court decision gives insolvency practitioners useful direction when pursuing claims against former directors and gives directors a clear warning when defending them. The court confirmed that a director can’t rely on broad statements in their defence; they must provide enough factual detail to make their position clear.