The Deputy Official Receiver is a senior statutory officer appointed to support the Official Receiver in the discharge of functions under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Act, 2025. The Deputy Official Receiver exercises such powers and performs such duties as may be delegated in writing by the Official Receiver, subject to the direction and control of the Official Receiver. The role carries significant fiduciary responsibility in relation to insolvency and bankruptcy estates, including asset protection, estate administration, statutory reporting, regulatory coordination, and judicial engagement. The Deputy Official Receiver supports the effective implementation of the national insolvency framework and safeguards integrity, transparency, and proper administration of insolvency proceedings. |
Principal Duties & Responsibilities: |
Subject to the written delegation from the Official Receiver and in accordance with the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Act, 2025, the Deputy Official Receiver may: Estate Administration & Assets Protection - Act on behalf of the Official Receiver in bankruptcies, liquidations, restructuring or rescue proceedings where no private practitioner is appointed, where interim control is required, or where directed by the Court.
- Take control of estates as authorised, including identifying, securing, insuring, managing, preserving, and realising assets.
- Implement safeguards to prevent asset dissipation and protect estate value for equitable distribution.
- Examine and adjudicate proofs of debt and administer distributions in accordance with statutory priority frameworks.
- Convene and chair creditors’ meetings and public examinations, where authorised.
Investigations & Enforcement Support - Conduct investigations into the conduct of bankrupts, directors, officers and related persons, including review of antecedent transactions and potential statutory breaches.
- Prepare investigative reports and, where appropriate, make referrals to the Court, Director of Public Prosecutions or relevant regulatory authority.
- Assist the Official Receiver in applications for judicial directions, enforcement orders, or other relief.
Court & Statutory Interface - Prepare statutory reports, affidavits, financial statements, and court filings.
- Attend court hearings and proceedings on behalf of the Official Receiver, where authorised.
- Maintain appropriate records to support judicial scrutiny and regulatory accountability.
Financial Governance & Controls - Maintain estate trust accounts, ledgers and financial records, in accordance with fiduciary and statutory requirements.
- Prepare periodic financial statements, reconciliations, and internal regulatory returns.
- Ensure compliance with internal financial controls, audit standards, and risk management protocols.
Regulatory & Policy Support - Provide procedural guidance to stakeholders, including creditors, debtors, insolvency practitioners and legal representatives.
- Support oversight of insolvency practitioners, where applicable under the FSC’s regulatory framework.
- Assist in developing internal procedures, operational manuals, guidance notes, and stakeholder education materials to support implementation of the insolvency regime.
- Facilitate cross-border insolvency cooperation in accordance with applicable statutory provisions and international best practices.
Education and Working Experience: Education: - A Master’s degree in Law, Accounting, Finance, Economics, or a related discipline; or
- A recognised professional qualification (e.g., Attorney-at-Law, CPA, ACCA or equivalent) with substantial relevant experience.
Experience: - A minimum of five (5) to seven (7) years progressively responsible experience in insolvency administration, litigation practice, audit/accounting, financial regulation, restructuring or commercial law;
- Demonstrated experience in applying legislation, regulatory standards, or court procedures.
- Experience involving fiduciary responsibilities, asset management, investigations, or court reporting is highly desirable.
Legal & Regulatory Framework The role operates within the framework of: - The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Act, 2025 (Act No. 13 of 2025), including provisions relating to the Official Receiver and estate administration.
- The Financial Services Commission Act and associated regulatory instruments.
- High Court of Belize procedures relating to insolvency matters.
- Applicable cross-border insolvency and international cooperation principles.
Authority & Delegated Powers In accordance with written delegation from the Official Receiver and subject to the Act, the Deputy Official Receiver may: - Compel production of records and information as authorised by law.
- Examine persons under oath where permitted.
- Take possession and control of estate assets.
- Apply to the Court for directions or other relief where authorised.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Behaviours: Technical Competencies - Strong knowledge of insolvency and bankruptcy law and statutory interpretation.
- Financial analysis, forensic review, asset recovery skills.
- Estate governance, fiduciary controls and risk management.
- Court reporting and regulatory compliance
- Case and stakeholder management in complex environments.
Professional Abilities - Negotiation and conflict resolution.
- Ethical judgment and independence.
- High-level written and oral communication.
Knowledge Base - Advanced understanding of insolvency, restructuring and bankruptcy frameworks.
- Sound grounding in accounting, audit, financial controls and asset valuation.
- Knowledge of regulatory oversight systems and judicial processes.
- Knowledge of international insolvency standards and cross-border cooperation mechanisms.
- Proficiency in financial management systems and case administration tools.
- Integrity, impartiality and confidentiality.
Professional Behaviours - Sound judgment under judicial and regulatory scrutiny.
- Accountability for public and estate funds.
- Leadership in complex case environments.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
- Transparent and professional stakeholder engagement.
Special Conditions of Employment - High fiduciary responsibility involving significant financial assets and judicial oversight.
- Strict conflict-of-interest, independence and ethical conduct requirements.
- Irregular hours and travel as required for asset protection, court proceedings and urgent interventions.
- Compliance with confidentiality, data security, and evidence handling protocols.
Supervisory and Relief Responsibilities: May supervise Insolvency Officers, Case Administrators, or other assigned staff within the Insolvency Unit, as designated by the Official Receiver. Working Conditions: Safe working environment with a highly motivated and skilled workforce who operate under the FSC’s core values of Integrity, Accountability, and Adaptability. |
