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May 21, 2026

March 2026 Bankruptcy Filings Reach Highest Monthly Total Since 2020 clone

April is typically a softer month for filings, so some pullback was expected. What stands out is that the decline was relatively modest, leaving April at its highest level for the month since 2019 and giving Q2 a stronger start than recent quarters.

April also offers another useful measure of where the market stands. Filings were still 18.90% below the pre-Covid April average based on the 2017-2019 baseline. That means volumes have not fully returned to earlier cycle norms, but the gap continues to narrow.

Key Takeaways

  • Total filings: 56,442
  • Month over month: -1,901, or -3.26%
  • Year over year: +6,716, or +13.51%
  • Highest April total since: 2019
  • Q2 opening month vs. Q1 opening month: +23.14%
  • Vs. pre-Covid April average (2017-2019): 18.90% below

Consumer Chapters Continue to Drive the Filin

 

Author:

Steve Kennedy

Steve is the Managing Director of Commercial Banking at AIS, helping banks reduce operating costs through automation and outsourcing. Previously, he founded Amegy Bank’s energy group in 1997 and led it as EVP & Head of Energy Banking until 2022, growing it to $6 billion in loan commitments. In 2023, Steve was appointed Director of Via Renewables (NASDAQ: VIA) and joined Opportune LLP (energy consulting and investment banking) where he is currently a Senior Advisor. With 36 years in energy banking, he held leadership roles at MBank, Wells Fargo, and Amegy. Steve holds degrees from Texas A&M and Baylor.