The ability to locate assets, establish clear lines of ownership, identify encumbrances, and evaluate recovery strategies is a critical element in many disputes and the resultant litigation cases.  

There has long been tension between increasing global transparency around beneficial ownership, driven by recent legislation targeting financial crime and tax evasion, and the continued use of sophisticated (often offshore) corporate structures designed to obscure true asset ownership. The rise of digital assets and sophisticated concealment techniques has further complicated this fundamental landscape.

Secretariat supports multinational corporations, external counsel, and litigation funders in navigating the complexities of global asset tracing and recovery. Whether preparing for litigation or enforcing judgments, we work alongside clients to optimize asset recovery outcomes across legal, regulatory, and financial dimensions.

Our comprehensive Asset Tracing and Recovery capabilities are practical, results-oriented, and include the following:

• Exposing Hidden Networks and Connections
  We have developed a proprietary platform to scrape all accessible open-source information, capturing not only public records, press coverage, and social media, but also leveraging deep and dark web scraping tools, leaked/breach data, archived information, and obscure filings to uncover valuable leads. Our advanced data analytics capabilities enable us to identify hidden relationships, asset trails, and complex corporate structures that would otherwise remain obscured.
• Global Reach and Local Knowledge
  Our team brings extensive global experience and a nuanced understanding of local laws.  We know where and how asset information is stored, often at the provincial or local office level, and how to lawfully access it. We also maintain a trusted network of in-country sources who offer unique, off-record insights into counterparties, business dealings, and asset ownership, providing a distinct advantage beyond public data.
• Strategic Recovery and Tactical Execution
  We have supported legal teams in hundreds of previous engagements involving asset tracing and enforcement actions. Our experience enables us to anticipate and detect asset dissipation, uncover leverage points and pressure strategies, develop and execute targeted recovery plans, and support interim measures such as freezing orders or disclosure applications.

Key Experts