SIPA Liquidation Proceedings — Bankruptcy Law Basics

The purposes of a SIPA liquidation are: (1) to deliver customer name securities to or on behalf of customers; (2) to distribute customer property and otherwise satisfy net equity claims of customers; (3) to sell or transfer offices and other productive units of the debtor's business; (4) to enforce the rights of subrogation; and (5) to liquidate the business as promptly as possible. 15 U.S.C. § 78fff(a). To the extent possible, consistent with SIPA, the liquidation is conducted in accordance with chapters 1, 3, 5 and subchapters I and II of chapter 7 of Title 11. 15 U.S.C. § 78fff(b). A section 341 meeting of creditors is conducted by the trustee. Noncustomer claims are handled as in an asset case. Costs and expenses, and priorities of distribution from the estate, are allowed as provided in section 726 of Title 11. Funds advanced by SIPC to the trustee for costs and expenses are recouped from the estate, to the extent there is any estate. 11 U.S.C. § 507.

Last reviewed October 2024