Foreign Asset Tracing and Recovery

What is Foreign Asset Tracing?

Foreign asset tracing is the process of identifying and locating assets that are held outside of a person or entity's home jurisdiction, typically for the purpose of recovering funds in legal or financial disputes.

This process can be complex and may require the expertise of legal and financial professionals with experience in international law and cross-border transactions.

Foreign asset tracing is often used in cases of fraud, embezzlement, or other financial crimes, where assets may have been hidden or transferred to offshore accounts or other jurisdictions in an attempt to conceal them from authorities or creditors. Asset tracing can be a crucial step in recovering funds that may have been wrongfully obtained or diverted.

The process of foreign asset tracing typically involves gathering information about the individual or entity in question, including their business dealings, financial transactions, and known or suspected assets. This information may be obtained through public records, financial institutions, or other sources, and can help to identify potential leads for further investigation.

Once potential assets have been identified, the tracing process may involve further investigation and legal action to recover those assets, such as filing a lawsuit, obtaining a court order, or working with foreign authorities to freeze or seize assets. It is important to note that foreign asset tracing can be a complex and challenging process, requiring expertise in international law and cross-border transactions. It is highly recommended that individuals and companies seek the assistance of experienced legal professionals when undertaking foreign asset tracing - that is where we come in.  

Did your spouse or parent leave a bank account overseas when they passed?

Recovering a deceased loved one's foreign bank account can be a complex process, and will depend on a number of factors, including the country in which the account is located, the amount of money involved, and whether the deceased had a will or other estate plan in place. Here are some general steps you can take to try to recover the account:

  1. Locate the account: The first step is to determine whether your loved one had a foreign bank account, and if so, where it is located. This may involve reviewing their financial records, contacting the bank or banks they used, or working with a financial professional with expertise in international banking.

  2. Determine ownership: If the account was solely in your loved one's name, it will typically become part of their estate and be subject to the probate process. If the account was jointly held with another person, the surviving account holder may be able to access the funds immediately. In either case, you will need to provide documentation of your loved one's death, such as a death certificate, to the bank in order to begin the process of accessing the account.

  3. Work with legal and financial professionals: Recovering a foreign bank account can be a complex process, and may require the assistance of legal and financial professionals with expertise in international banking and estate planning. Depending on the country in which the account is located, you may need to work with a local attorney or other professional to navigate the legal and regulatory requirements.

  4. Comply with local regulations: Each country has its own laws and regulations governing the recovery of foreign bank accounts. You may need to obtain a court order, provide documentation of your loved one's estate or other legal documents, or comply with other requirements in order to access the account.

It is important to note that recovering a foreign bank account can be a time-consuming and challenging process, and success is not guaranteed. Working with professionals like us can help to increase your chances of success, and can also help to ensure that you comply with all local laws and regulations.

Need legal assistance with tracing or recovering your assents abroad? Our expertise in international law can help.

Contact us to book a consultation with a lawyer.