Asset tracing involves identifying indicators of assets, interests, businesses, property links or financial relationships relevant to a legal, commercial or private matter.
Asset tracing can support debt recovery, litigation, divorce-related enquiries, fraud investigations, insurance claims, estate matters and lifestyle audits.
Information may include company interests, directorships, property indicators, vehicles, business links, social indicators and adverse media.
Asset tracing is not the same as asset seizure. It identifies potential indicators and leads that may require legal verification or further action.
Professional asset tracing should be lawful, proportionate and carefully documented. Public records, OSINT and legitimate enquiries can provide valuable leads.
Common challenges include nominee ownership, related-party holdings, outdated records and assets held through entities or associates.
A useful asset tracing report should set out findings, confidence levels, limitations and recommended next steps for legal or commercial consideration.
Author: Adrian van Straaten, CFE | IAFCI