Irene Byela Named to ABI’s 2025 40 Under 40 List Honoring Rising Leaders in Bankruptcy and Insolvency

GlassRatner is proud to announce that Irene Byela has been named one of American Bankruptcy institute’s (ABI) 2025 40 Under 40 honorees, a prestigious recognition celebrating outstanding young professionals in the bankruptcy and insolvency community.

Selected by a panel of seasoned insolvency experts, the award honors individuals under the age of 40 who demonstrate exceptional leadership, professional achievement, and service to the industry. Irene will be formally recognized at the ABI Winter Leadership Conference on December 5, 2025, at the JW Marriott Tucson Starr Pass in Tucson, Arizona.

Irene Byela is an Associate Director at GlassRatner, where she helps guide companies and stakeholders through financial distress, bankruptcy proceedings, and complex litigation-driven restructurings. Known for her expertise in forensic accounting, fraud investigations, and financial dispute modeling, Irene is a trusted resource for debtors, creditors, and legal teams facing high-stakes insolvency challenges. Her hands-on experience with Chapter 11 reorganizations, asset tracing, and damages analysis – combined with her analytical skills and strategic mindset – makes her a standout contributor to successful turnarounds and special situation engagements.

Irene holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and Finance, a Master of Professional Accounting, and an MBA with a concentration in Business Intelligence and Cyber Security. She is also fluent in Ukrainian and Russian, and in 2023 authored the article What is Forensic Accounting? for the Georgia Society of CPAs.

“I am truly honored to be recognized among such a talented group of professionals. This award reflects the invaluable mentorship and collaboration I’ve been fortunate to experience throughout my career, and I’m proud to contribute to a profession that combines both analytical depth and professional integrity – and grateful to work in a field that changes both the mind and the heart,” said Irene.

“Irene’s recognition as one of ABI’s ‘40 Under 40’ is a testament to her exceptional intellect, integrity, and impact. Her work consistently elevates our firm and delivers meaningful results for our clients. We couldn’t be prouder of her achievements,” said Ian Ratner, CEO at GlassRatner.

About The American Bankruptcy Institute

ABI is the largest multi-disciplinary, nonpartisan organization dedicated to research and education on matters related to insolvency. ABI was founded in 1982 to provide Congress and the public with unbiased analysis of bankruptcy issues. The ABI membership includes nearly 10,000 attorneys, accountants, bankers, judges, professors, lenders, turnaround specialists and other bankruptcy professionals, providing a forum for the exchange of ideas and information.