Insolvency Practitioners Association (IPA)
The Association was formed in 1961 as a discussion group of accountants specialising in insolvency. Over the early years it grew in stature and numbers until it became incorporated under its current name in 1973.

During the 1970's and the early 1980's the activities of certain practitioners gave the insolvency profession a bad name. This problem was addressed in the Cork Report and subsequently the Insolvency Act 1986 by the introduction of licensing for insolvency practitioners.

The Association then became a Recognised Professional Body under this Act, empowered to grant and renew insolvency licences. It is the only RPB whose membership comprises solely of insolvency practitioners.

The Association's members, in the main, act as Trustees in Bankruptcy, nominees and supervisors of voluntary arrangements, liquidators, administrators and administrative receivers of companies.

In 1989 the Association's examinations became the basis for the Joint Insolvency Examination. The following year the Association was instrumental in the formation of the Society of Practitioners of Insolvency as a service body to the insolvency profession and in 1994 the Joint Insolvency Monitoring unit was formed jointly with the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

The Association plays an active role in those various bodies and is also represented on the DTI's Licensing Forum for Insolvency matters.