Asset tracing service

We often find that the subjects of our investigations have sought to hide their assets. Motivations behind this can vary from case to case; whether the subjects decide to conceal their assets for tax reasons, or for other motives such as fear that their assets could be taken from them as part of a divorce settlement or as the result of other litigation.

If an individual feels that they may be sued at some point in the future, or that a divorce is potentially on the cards, then over time they may take steps to move capital and to obscure their true assets. The motivation in many cases is to avoid those assets being seized or awarded to a winning party as a result of litigation or a divorce.

Assets can be hidden using a number of different methods... From simply making a property purchase which they ‘forget’ to ever mention to you; to setting up a company, or a network of companies which are used to funnel funds through dividends/salary payments. Others may even seek to move money into offshore accounts/companies or to slowly accumulate cash used for making large purchases. The tactics which can be used by subjects in these cases are innumerable, and it often takes a professional investigator to scratch the surface when searching for assets.

We would typically start an asset trace by performing a background check on the subject, and utilizing any information on them which can be gathered from the public domain. Subjects can often become complacent and may provide subtle clues through their social media profiles or internet presence, such clues can often help to facilitate further investigation of their lifestyles and assets.

A full analysis of the subject’s digital footprint can often provide vital leads when performing an asset trace. Other information such as properties/addresses or business interests which are directly linked to the subject form a solid starting point when performing an asset trace and can be used during further investigation if necessary.

Basic asset trace service

If you need to find someone’s assets, then our basic asset trace service usually forms a good starting point.

Basic asset traces include:

• Social media check/alias check
• Commercial asset trace (UK/international reverse directorship checks)
• Property ownership search*
• Historical property ownership search*
• Insolvency, CCJ, and bankruptcy check

If you would like to order a basic asset trace then please get in touch us.

*Property ownership checks typically include information such as the dates of property purchases and prices paid, for purchases after October 2001 only.

Our asset tracing services are completely discreet and confidential, with all information sourced legally and through compliant means. This means that we do not require consent from the subject in order to access information about them.

What is the purpose of an asset trace?

Asset traces are used as ‘pre-sue’ reports in many cases; the purpose of an asset trace being to find hidden assets which could be linked to any given individual. Assets could come in the form of land or property ownership, holding company ownership, stocks/shares, to vehicles, business assets, jewellery, et al.

There are often great incentives for our clients to locate any assets belonging to the subject in their case. Locating assets can allow us to build a more complete view of a subject’s overall net worth. During divorce, this information can be used in order to ensure that our client receives a fair deal.

Similarly, if you are considering a path of litigation with the ultimate goal of recovering funds, then an asset trace can help to establish whether or not the subject owns anything of value which might justifying proceeding with litigation.

Do I need an asset trace?

If you are considering litigation or negotiating divorce, then it makes sense to understand the subject’s financial state before deciding how to proceed. As the old adage goes, you “can't get blood from a stone”, and performing due diligence in the form of a suitable asset trace can help to ensure that you are well informed before taking the step to pursue a costly path of litigation.

After all, if a person has no assets or capital then it may not worthwhile to pursue litigation against them, as there will be no assets which you may seek to be awarded. Performing a suitable asset trace can help to justify the pursuit of litigation.

Similarly, if you are divorcing someone that is perhaps being less than completely honest about their financial situation, then tracing their assets may prove to be a very worthwhile endeavour, as it might help you to negotiate more favourable terms.

Will they find out that I have run a trace on them?

No records are created during an asset trace besides our report – this means that the subject will never find out that their assets have been traced, unless of course you tell them.

Can you offer a personalized asset trace?

Yes, of course. Many asset tracing cases can benefit from a personalized approach, depending on the needs and requirements of our client in each case. We often provide surveillance alongside asset traces, for example, which can help to form a picture of the subject’s lifestyle and activities. During divorce cases, surveillance might also help to gather evidence of infidelity or nefarious behaviour.

After understanding your needs and agreeing a path forward, our team will work diligently to identify and locate any hidden assets belonging to the subject in your case.

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There are many variables involved with conducting an asset trace investigation, and with much dependant on the circumstances our tactics can also vary. If you would like to order a basic asset trace or a personalized quote then please get in touch with one of our experienced team members and we will do our best to help.