When financial pressure builds, business owners often lose perspective. Expenses creep up. Cash flow tightens. Decisions become reactive. Directors are juggling staff, clients, creditors, and personal stress, often without the space to step back and see a way forward.
Karina Romanova understands this reality intimately.
As a Supervisor at O’Brien Palmer, Karina works at the coalface of corporate insolvency, supporting directors, creditors, and advisors through some of the most challenging moments of their business lives. She specialises in corporate insolvency and works closely with OBP’s senior liquidators to guide matters day to day.
But what truly defines Karina’s work is not just technical expertise. It’s empathy.
Seeing the People Behind the Business
“Insolvency isn’t just about companies,” Karina says. “It’s about people.”
Family businesses. Long-term employees. Owners who’ve poured years of effort, sacrifice, and hope into something that suddenly feels out of control. Karina works directly with these people, managing correspondence, explaining processes, and providing calm, practical guidance when clarity is most needed.
She sees insolvency not as a punishment, but as a process that can bring resolution, structure, and in many cases, a genuine second chance.
Finding Purpose in Insolvency
Like many insolvency professionals, Karina didn’t set out to work in this field. While studying law, she initially imagined herself in court. Insolvency wasn’t even on her radar until a mentorship opportunity introduced her to the industry.
What she found was a profession that combined legal thinking, commercial problem-solving, and something just as important: human connection.
“No two matters are ever the same,” she says. “And every case has a real story behind it.”
Turning Crisis Into Outcomes
Karina has worked on matters where businesses were able to restructure and continue trading through voluntary administration or small business restructuring. In one case, a family-run company struggling under mounting debt was able to re-set operations, reach an agreement with creditors, and protect long-term jobs.
In another, a mechanical repair business impacted by COVID shutdowns was supported through a restructure that strengthened future revenue by securing key industry agreements. Transparency, planning, and early engagement made the difference.
“These outcomes matter,” Karina explains. “Not just for directors, but for employees, creditors, and the wider community.”
A Personal Story That Shapes Her Approach
Karina’s empathy is deeply personal. Born in Russia, she migrated to Australia at the age of five without speaking English. Her mother came here for a better life, determined to make it work despite enormous challenges. That experience stays with Karina.
“I see so many clients with similar stories,” she says. “People who came here, built something from nothing, and did their best. Sometimes things don’t work out, and that’s why we’re here to help.”
Human-Centred Insolvency at OBP
At O’Brien Palmer, insolvency is not about blame. It’s about solutions, dignity, and moving forward. Karina is proud to be part of a culturally diverse team that understands the human impact behind every decision and works to support directors, creditors, and communities alike.
Because behind every business is a person.
And every person deserves clarity, respect, and a path forward.
If you or someone you know is experiencing financial distress, reach out.
The sooner the conversation begins, the more options you have.
📞 Call us at (61) 2 9232 3322 for a confidential chat.
📩 Email us at: obp1@obp.com.au
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