“Breaking Barriers and Balancing Power: An Analysis of Women Insolvency Professionals under the IBC in India”

Abstract

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), enacted in 2016, marked a watershed moment in India's financial and corporate governance framework. By creating a time-bound mechanism for insolvency resolution, it placed Insolvency Professionals (IPs) at the core of its implementation. These professionals are entrusted with critical responsibilities including asset management, creditor coordination, and ensuring equitable resolution. Despite the Code's gender-neutral language, the representation of women among registered IPs remains disproportionately low, reflecting a broader gender gap in India's financial and legal sectors.This research explores the challenges and opportunities for women insolvency professionals in India under the IBC framework. The study investigates the structural, social, and institutional barriers hindering women's entry and growth in this emerging domain, while also highlighting success stories that offer a glimpse of progress and potential.Using a mixed-methods approach, the paper incorporates both qualitative and quantitative analyses—drawing from official data, existing literature, case law, and interviews with women IPs. It also includes a comparative analysis with global jurisdictions to understand best practices for gender inclusivity in insolvency professions.The findings reveal that despite increasing awareness, persistent challenges—such as gender bias, lack of mentorship, and limited networking access—continue to hinder women’s professional growth. However, regulatory support, training accessibility, and institutional reforms can play a transformative role.The paper concludes with targeted recommendations, including the need for gender-disaggregated data collection, capacity-building initiatives, flexible professional structures, and inclusion mandates by regulatory authorities like the IBBI. Ensuring a balanced gender representation is not only a matter of equality but essential for enhancing the efficacy and credibility of the IBC ecosystem.