2025 programme - R3 Annual Conference

Programme

13:40

Networking and cultural activities

Meet at Westin Dragonara resort for social networking activities. These are included in all delegate conference tickets but must be pre-booked. Activities include:

Harbour boat trip – Enjoy a scenic cruise and explore the stunning coastline from the water.
Vineyard tour & tasting – Visit a local vineyard, learn about the winemaking process, and enjoy a tasting experience.
Trip to Valletta – Take a short, guided tour of Malta’s historic capital, followed by free time to explore at your leisure.

19:00

Networking reception and BBQ

R3 will welcome all attendees to join us for a networking reception and informal dinner. The reception will be on a beautiful terrace (weather permitting) with ocean views and give attendees a chance to network in a relaxed setting. Drinks reception from 19.00 and dinner will be served from 20.00.

Day 2

Registration and networking

09:15

Welcome and opening remarks

R3 President welcomes attendees for an engaging full day programme, including extending thanks to our main sponsor CAPA.

Speaker

Tom Russell

Director,

James Cowper Kreston

09:30

The future of the profession

How has R3 evolved to meet the changing demands of members and the profession. Hear what we have planned and what we predict for the future and how R3, and our members, can work together to drive the shape of that future.

Speakers

Tom Russell

Director,

James Cowper Kreston

Caroline Sumner

CEO,

10:10

Class of 2025 – part 1

Hear from a range of members from within the profession in these short sessions. Each of the Class will share their respective story as to how they came into the profession and how this has helped inform and shape their approach to their role and work within the profession.

Speakers

Philippa Lai

Associate,

Crowell & Moring U.K. LLP

Grace Whatman

Senior Vice President,

AlixPartners

Richard Obank

Chair.

Partner,

Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner

10:30

The evolution of advice to directors in a post BHS world

This interactive panel session will cover how recent cases including Sequana and BHS have evolved the advice given to directors and considerations for advisors to boards in providing advice.

Speaker

Adam Brown

Partner,

Jones Day

Joseph Curl KC

Barrister,

South Square

Laura Dymott

Partner, Forensic Services,

FRP Advisory

Nick Pike

Chief Executive Officer,

Pike Restructuring Limited

Thomas Bond

Chair

Director,

Isadore Goldman

11:20

Hear from Marsh

Hear from R3’s key sponsor partner Marsh.

Speaker

John Pennie

Senior Vice President,

Marsh

11:30

Refreshment break

12:00

Class of 2025 – part 2

Speakers

Adam Qadir

Director,

Teneo

Magdalena Wegrzyn

Senior Associate,

Isadore Goldman

12:20

Future-proofing the insolvency profession – The next five years

Change is accelerating—how can insolvency professionals stay ahead? This fast-paced, interactive session explores the critical skills, innovations, and industry shifts that will define the profession’s future. From attracting top talent and mastering AI-driven insights to balancing regulatory demands with efficiency, we’ll examine what it takes to thrive. Expect a dynamic discussion on everything from cross-disciplinary expertise to ethical restructuring. With live polls audience engagement we’ll culminating in a bold call to action: What one change will you make to future-proof your practice?

Speakers

Simon Bamford

Senior Director, Head of Corporate Recovery, EMEA,

Gordon Brothers

Andy Pear

Partner,

Moorfields Advisory Limited

Mike Sheath

Director,

CAPA

12:40

Keynote session

Hear from Dr Paul Redmond who is one of the UK’s leading experts on generations, the future of employment, work and the workplace. He will share entertaining insights on the various generations in the workplace and how each group needs to relate to, motivate and understand the other.

Speaker

Dr Paul Redmond

13:30

Lunch

14:30

Welcome back

Attendees are welcomed back and will hear from R3 key sponsor partner Manolete.

Manolete in 2040: The Future of Insolvency Litigation Finance

As insolvency landscapes evolve, so must the tools and strategies used to pursue claims. This session explores how litigation funders may look to embrace change—leveraging technology, and refining litigation funding to meet the challenges of the future. We’ll discuss the impact of AI and how insolvency professionals can collaborate to drive successful outcomes. Whether you’re an IP, lawyer, or funder, this session will provide insights into the next era of insolvency litigation and the role of Manolete in shaping its future.

Speaker

Andrew Cawkwell

Chief Operating Officer,

Manolete

14:45

Crossroads of change: The Maltese way forward

Join us for what promises to be a fascinating look at the evolving world of insolvency law, practice and regulation in Malta following the recent introduction of the profession of ‘Insolvency Practitioner’ by way of statute, together with the Insolvency and Receivership Service as the regulator. It is a time of real change for our host nation of Malta and we are delighted to be joined by three leading Maltese academics and practitioners who will be sharing their insights on this brave new world.

Speaker

Dr George Bugeja

Partner,

Ganado Advocates

Tiziana Filletti

Head of Department, Commercial Law - University of Malta,

University of Malta

Dr Wayne Pisani

Partner | Head of tax, regulatory and technology,

Grant Thornton | Malta

Charles Turner

Chair

Partner,

Opus Business Advisory Group

15:25

Interview with the Insolvency Service

Tom Russell will interview the Insolvency Service on how they are evolving and changing to meet the different roles it now plays and how this impacts on the profession.

Speakers

Angela Crossley

Director, Strategy, Policy and Analysis,

The Insolvency Service

Tom Russell

Director,

James Cowper Kreston

15:55

Refreshment break

16:25

Class of 2025 – Part 3

Speakers

Imogen Beltrami

Barrister,

South Square

Emily Hayward

Assistant Administrator,

Quantuma

Giuseppe Parla

Director,

Menzies

16:40

Economic Insights on Insolvency, Restructuring, and Trade Disruptions

Insolvency and restructuring play a vital role in reallocating resources to more efficient uses—an essential economic principle. Effective processes mitigate moral hazard, manage uncertainty, and balance bargaining power through robust institutions. However, global trade tensions and tariffs risk distorting these signals, fostering inefficiency, increasing uncertainty, and intensifying risk-taking. Such disruptions challenge traditional frameworks of priority and institutional roles, potentially reshaping insolvency dynamics. These developments carry implications for global and regional growth, interest rates, inflation, and the speed of market adjustments—key variables influencing the restructuring profession’s capacity to respond effectively to economic shocks and systemic imbalances.

Speaker

Dr Gordon Cordina

Chairman, Non-Executive Director,

Bank of Valletta

17:10

Closing remarks

R3’s President offers reflections and closing remarks after a full day of content and networking.

Speaker

Tom Russell

Director,

James Cowper Kreston

19:00

Drinks reception and gala dinner

R3 will welcome all attendees to join us at the drinks reception and gala dinner. Taking place outside (weather permitting) with beautiful views of the coastline attendees will be able to catch up with colleagues on the day’s sessions and relax over a lovely dinner.

Day 3

08:30

Registration

08:55

Welcome back

Caroline Sumner R3’s CEO welcome all attendees back for the final day of the conference.

Speaker

Caroline Sumner

CEO,

09:00

Fintech insolvency: A case study

This session will cover the collapse of a company which acted as both an electronic money and payment services institution, describing the various practical and legal challenges that the liquidators faced and drawing lessons for other fintech insolvencies.

Speakers

Jamie Leader

Partner,

Enyo Law LLP

Andrew Morris

Associate Director / Business Restructuring,

BDO LLP

Deborah Tillett

Enyo Law LLP

09:40

Class of 2025 – Part 4

Speakers

Alice Fanner

Assistant Manager,

Buchler Phillips

Zuzanna Kostyra

CILEx Litigator and Advocate (Civil),

Wedlake Bell LLP

10:00

Refreshment break

10:20

AI and Insolvency

Discover how AI and emerging technologies are transforming the profession. This session brings together industry experts and practitioners who are leveraging technology to enhance decision-making, streamline workflows, and improve client outcomes. From automation to data-driven insights, learn how innovation is shaping the future of the profession and what it means for your practice.

Speaker

James Grant

Co-founder,

iwantmore.ai

Charlotte Hill

Partner, Commercial Dispute Resolution,

Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

Tony Walker

Co-founder,

Armalytix

11:10

Legal update – what is the future?

Hear from different practitioners as they put forward their arguments as to why their case will have the most impact on the future of the profession. Attendees will vote on what they think to decide the winner.

Speakers