Total first-time retail insolvencies in FY26 have just nudged past FY25 numbers, according to new data from ASIC.
In the corporate watchdog’s Australian insolvency statistics, total first-time retail insolvencies in FY26 are currently at 875, with June data yet to be included and May data yet to be finalised.
This covers the first time a company has fallen into insolvency – either administration or liquidation.
At 875, this is just above the 871 total insolvencies recorded in FY25, with June last year recording the highest lift in insolvencies in retail of 94.
Compared to other industries, retail insolvencies in FY26 to-date are quite elevated, but lagging behind construction (3,010), accommodation and food services (1,819) and other services (1,209).
Overall first-time insolvencies across all industries also continue to remain elevated, however, recent months have shown what appears to be a softening. March and April this year saw less first-time insolvencies compared to the same months last year, down 9.8 per cent and 10 per cent respectively. However, they both still remain above their FY24 counterparts. May is yet to be counted.
When it comes to all insolvency appointments, including first, subsequent and transitional, retail sits at 1,146 in FY26 to-date, which is just below the FY25 number of 1,152. With June yet to be counted, it is expected FY26 numbers will bump ahead.
All insolvency appointments across all industries also appear to be softening in recent months. Year-on-year, all insolvency appointments fell in every month so far this year. January saw 895 total insolvency appointments, down by 204 compared to last year. February was elevated at 1,605, but slightly down by 53 compared to last year.
The largest drop was seen in March, down 319 to 1,599, with April down by 150 to 1,426.