Happy New Year and welcome to 2026!

I’m honored to serve as Chair of IWIRC this year—and especially proud to be the first Asia-based member in this role. For those who don’t know me, I’m Australian and have lived and worked in Hong Kong for over 12 years (with some time on secondment in London). My career began as a restructuring and insolvency lawyer, and today I’m an Investment Manager at Omni Bridgeway, a global leader in litigation funding.

Why IWIRC matters to me

IWIRC has been a cornerstone of my professional and personal journey. When I moved to Hong Kong in 2013 as a junior lawyer, I knew just one person in the city. Attending an IWIRC event changed everything—it gave me a network, friendships, and opportunities that shaped my career. From joining the Hong Kong board to taking on international leadership roles, I’ve learned that the more you engage with IWIRC, the more you gain.

What’s Ahead in 2026

• Flagship International Conference – Dublin, 3–5 June

Preceded by the Leadership Summit (2–3 June), this event will feature world-class technical content, professional development, and networking opportunities—all in the vibrant city of Dublin. Keep an eye out for registrations opening later this month— I hope to see you there!

• New Website Launch

Early 2026 will bring a refreshed, user-friendly website designed to better serve members and network boards.

• Strategic Plan Progress

We’re halfway through our three-year strategic plan. In 2025 we undertook a governance review (with the new structure effective on 1 January 2026) and made organizational improvements like the website upgrade. Our Strategic Planning Task Force will continue driving initiatives to ensure IWIRC’s long-term success.

Our Strength Lies in Local Networks

IWIRC’s power lies in its ability to connect members globally while fostering strong local communities. With 57 networks worldwide, the local network boards create opportunities for collaboration, education, work referrals and networking in their respective insolvency & restructuring communities.  If your network needs assistance, please reach out to your regional director, or Sara-Ann Wilson (Global Director, Executive Committee).   



Our regional directors in 2026 are:

• Asia: Claudia Cheah and Catriona Lim
• Canada: Nerina Jahja
• Caribbean: Gemma Bellfield
• Europe, Middle East & Africa: Luci Mitchell-Fry and Grainne King
• Latin America: Liv Machado
• United States: Krystal Mikkilineni and Alison Franklin

Set Your IWIRC Goals for 2026

January is an optimistic time when many of us set goals for the year.  IWIRC can truly be part of both your professional and personal life, and I therefore encourage you to use IWIRC to achieve one of your goals this year.  Networks can also set their own goals during their board meetings in January.  Here are some ideas:

For Members:

1. Invite an IWIRC member you don’t know well for coffee or lunch.
2. Bring a non-member colleague to an IWIRC event.
3. Volunteer for a speaking opportunity—or nominate an emerging leader.
4. Join your local network board.
5. Attend the Dublin conference in June.

For Networks:

1. Host a joint event with a network you haven’t collaborated with before.
2. Explore the new website features—training sessions coming soon!
3. Nominate someone for an IWIRC award (WOYR, Founders Awards and Rising Star).
4. Succession plan: identify 2–3 women to approach for board roles and engage them throughout the year.

IWIRC exists to help you Be Connected, Be Inspired, and Be Informed. If you have ideas or need support, please reach out to our Administrative Director, CC Schnapp (ccschnapp@iwirc.com).

Wishing you a successful, safe, happy and prosperous 2026!

Eloise Matsui

About International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation (IWIRC): IWIRC is committed to the connection, promotion, and growth of women in insolvency and restructuring professions worldwide. Since 1993, IWIRC has been connecting women worldwide through a global membership of more than 2,400 attorneys, bankers, corporate-turnaround professionals, financial advisors, and other restructuring practitioners. The organization provides its members with relationship-building, educational, career enhancement, and promotional opportunities. Be Inspired. Be Informed. Be Connected. For more information, visit us at www.iwirc.com.

International Women's Insolvency & Restructuring Confederation

ccschnapp@iwirc.com | Tel 404-689-5969 | www.iwirc.com