The Bankruptcy Register Search (BRS) is an online service provided by the Australian Financial Security Authority (AFSA) that allows users to search the National Personal Insolvency Index (NPII) for information about an individual’s bankruptcy or insolvency status in Australia. The NPII contains electronic records of most personal insolvency proceedings, including bankruptcy, debt agreements, and personal insolvency agreements. This register focuses on individuals only and does not include companies.

Users can pay a small fee ($15* per search – as at Jan 2026)) to access official extracts or reports detailing an individual’s insolvency history. The service is especially useful for employers, finance lenders, and creditors who need to verify whether a person is bankrupt or involved in insolvency proceedings.

How it can be used in background checks:

• Employment Screening: Employers can use the Bankruptcy Register Search to identify if a potential employee is currently bankrupt or has been involved in insolvency arrangements, which may affect their suitability for roles requiring financial responsibility or trust.
• Credit Risk Assessment: Lenders and financial institutions can check the insolvency status of applicants to assess creditworthiness and reduce financial risk.
• Debt Recovery and Legal Considerations: Creditors can determine if a debtor is under insolvency administration to understand legal restrictions and decide on appropriate debt recovery actions.
• Compliance: Using official data from the BRS ensures compliance with regulatory requirements when performing due diligence or background investigations involving financial integrity.

This official and authoritative source supports informed decision-making, mitigates risks associated with financial insolvency, and promotes transparency in hiring, lending, and commercial dealings.