The Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) Explained

We're a directory, not a debt adviser. This page explains options in plain English. It is not financial or legal advice. If you want free, regulated debt advice, contact StepChange, National Debtline or Citizens Advice. For a formal insolvency solution, speak to an authorised insolvency practitioner or a debt-law solicitor.

The Accountant in Bankruptcy (AiB) is a Scottish Government executive agency. It administers and supervises key parts of Scotland’s statutory insolvency and debt system; it is not a private insolvency-practitioner firm or a personal debt-advice service. Source

Jurisdiction: This is a Scotland-only guide. It uses Scottish terms such as sequestration and diligence.

At a glance

The table is a summary of published rules, not a personal assessment. Figures and conditions can change, so use the linked authority and a regulated adviser for the current position.

A public body, not an adviser

AiB’s functions are statutory and administrative. It provides official information and oversees schemes, but its role is different from a money adviser assessing a household budget or an insolvency practitioner acting as trustee. Source

The published rules need to be read together rather than as a single deciding factor. Source

Where readers see AiB

The name appears in guidance about sequestration, MAP, Protected Trust Deeds and DAS. That does not mean all those routes work in the same way or have the same eligibility requirements. Source

The published rules need to be read together rather than as a single deciding factor. Source

AiB and professional roles

A licensed insolvency practitioner can act in a case, including as a trustee where the law allows. AiB remains the public authority with policy, administration and supervision responsibilities; the roles are not interchangeable. Source

The published rules need to be read together rather than as a single deciding factor. Source

Different UK systems

Scotland has its own insolvency law and institutions. Someone living in England or Wales will normally need information from the Insolvency Service, and Northern Ireland has its own insolvency service. Source

The published rules need to be read together rather than as a single deciding factor. Source

Getting case-specific help

The mygov.scot debt pages are an official starting point for Scottish debt information. Free money advisers and regulated professionals can explain which route may be available in a particular case. Source

The published rules need to be read together rather than as a single deciding factor. Source

Using this information

This guide explains published rules and terms, but it cannot establish how those rules apply to a particular person, household or creditor. A regulated adviser reviews the full facts, including documents, income, assets, debts and where the person lives in the UK. Source

The figures in the table are useful signposts, not a calculator or an approval decision. A small change in the facts can matter, and formal processes have duties that are not visible from a headline threshold alone. Source

Free debt-advice charities can explain the available routes without promoting a commercial firm. An authorised insolvency practitioner or debt-law solicitor can explain the legal process for a formal solution where that is relevant. Source

This page was reviewed on 10 August 2026. The linked authority is the place to check the current wording, because legislation, fees, forms and administrative guidance can change. Source

Reading rules alongside the facts

A rule can look straightforward while its application depends on evidence and timing. Account statements, valuations, creditor balances, household income, benefits, property interests and previous formal arrangements may all affect the information considered in a case. This is why the guide uses neutral language rather than treating a checklist, table or public record as a conclusion about an individual. The authority link and a regulated professional provide the route to current, case-specific clarification.

Related information

• Scotland insolvency hub
• Sequestration explained
• Debt Arrangement Scheme
• Protected Trust Deeds
• Official Receiver in England and Wales

Talk to a regulated professional. The right route out of debt depends on your specific circumstances — income, assets, debts, dependents and where you live in the UK. A regulated insolvency practitioner or a debt-advice charity can review your position and set out the options that apply to you. Find a regulated practitioner near you or contact a free debt-advice charity listed above.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Accountant in Bankruptcy a government body?

Yes. AiB is an executive agency of the Scottish Government, accountable to Scottish Ministers. Source

Does AiB decide my bankruptcy application?

AiB is responsible for the supervision of the bankruptcy (sequestration) process in Scotland, working with money advisers and insolvency practitioners. Source

Does AiB run the Debt Arrangement Scheme?

Yes — AiB administers the Debt Arrangement Scheme (DAS) in Scotland and develops its policy. Source

Is AiB the same as an insolvency practitioner?

No. AiB is a public agency that administers and supervises Scotland's statutory debt solutions; an insolvency practitioner is a separately regulated professional who may act as trustee in some cases. Source

What if I live in England or Wales?

AiB covers Scotland only. If you live in England or Wales, the equivalent body is the Insolvency Service. Source

This page is published by The Insolvency Directory for general information about UK personal insolvency and debt options. It is not financial, legal, tax or debt advice, and reading it does not create a client relationship. The information is a summary — the rules change and depend on your circumstances. For advice specific to you, contact a regulated debt-advice charity or an authorised insolvency practitioner. Last reviewed 2026-08-10.