How to manage financial distress

Against this background, companies and individuals should take precautions as far as possible and prepare themselves to cope with the rapidly evolving situation and potential financial impact that may follow. The Restructuring and Insolvency Faculty Executive Committee of the Hong Kong Institute of CPAs feels a responsibility to provide information to the public that may help in this situation. Ultimately, if companies or individuals require help to resolve their difficulties, Hong Kong has a pool of experienced insolvency professionals within both the public and private sectors who stand ready to assist and are able to leverage their expertise, integrity and professionalism.

There are various debt relief measures available in the market. In circumstances where companies are unable to meet their financial obligations even though their business is viable, directors are encouraged to explore restructuring options that may rehabilitate and safeguard the interests of stakeholders, creditors, employees and others, as early as possible.

First ports of call: Companies with bank loans facing short-term cash flow constraints and difficulties servicing their debt should consider talking to their lenders. A number of banks at this time have indicated a willingness to talk to their customers and may be able to make adjustments to repayment arrangements.

Some landlords may also be willing to talk to tenants and make specific arrangements in relation to rental payments.

Government assistance: The government has received approval from the Finance Committee of the Legislative Council (LegCo) to set up an Anti-epidemic Fund, which includes provision for financial assistance for some especially hard hit industries, including retail, transport, food licence holders and the convention and exhibition industry. Funding has also been approved for a special 100 percent Loan Guarantee under the SME Financing Guarantee Scheme, which is intended to cover rents and employee wages for six months, or an element thereof up to HK$2 million, for eligible enterprises. Viable businesses suffering short-term cash flow problems may wish to consider their eligibility for support under these schemes, taking note of any relevant application deadlines.

Business restructuring may be an option. Directors and business owners should consult a restructuring and insolvency professional as early as possible and avoid potential criminal breaches of the law by, for example, continuing to run up further debt with little prospect of paying this back.

Directors and business owners need to be aware of and observe their statutory obligations particularly in this difficult business environment. Some important obligations include:

Ensuring payroll is on time: Payment of wages within seven days of the end of the wage period according to the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57, sections 23 and 25). Failing to pay employees on time may result in directors, senior management or business owners being held personally liable, upon conviction by the court. Labour Department statistics show numerous convictions with fines in the last quarter of 2019 alone.

Keeping books and records up to date: Companies are required to keep accounting records for seven years under the Companies Ordinance (Cap. 622, section 377), as well as under the provisions of the Inland Revenue Ordinance (Cap. 112, section 51C). Requirements to keep, and make available for inspection, company records, such as minutes, memorandum, and registers are set out in sections 654, 655 and 657 of Cap. 622.

Avoiding the risk of fraudulent trading: In case of serious financial difficulties leading to a possibility of corporate insolvency, directors may be exposed to a risk of personal liability if they trade on credit while knowing that the company is unable to pay its debts (Companies (Winding Up and Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance (Cap. 32, section 275)). This is particularly challenging in a tough economic environment. To mitigate the risk of fraudulent trading, directors have a duty to take appropriate action such as seeking professional advice and, where necessary, invoking the statutory insolvency regime to commence liquidation proceedings, as set out in Cap. 32.

If a company goes into liquidation and, following investigation, one or more directors are found to be at serious fault and unfit to be directors, even where criminal prosecutions are not pursued, those directors can be disqualified by the court from being involved in the management of a company for up to 15 years (Cap. 32, Part IVA).

Other than the above, debtors may also be approached by, or encouraged to seek out the services of, financial intermediaries offering “informal” debt restructuring arrangements, which often involve taking out further loans negotiated by the agents to pay off existing debts. Debtors should think very carefully before being induced to enter into such arrangements, which will normally require fees to be paid to the financial intermediaries but, in practice, may merely defer bankruptcy, and the debtor may end up owing a larger debt. The Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau has published advice on engaging financial intermediaries.

In summary, given the deteriorating economic environment, directors, business owners, employees and members of the public should take steps to prepare themselves for all possible financial eventualities. To reduce the risk of corporate or personal insolvency, they should look into their financial status and put in place measures to mitigate potential exposures. If their situation is already financial distressed, they should stay calm and rational and consider the various options that may be available. Where appropriate, it is advisable to consult counsellors or professional advisors, including qualified and experienced restructuring and insolvency professionals.