Cross Border Debt Recovery
Strategic enforcement of international claims
At Allan Richards Solicitors, we provide comprehensive cross-border debt recovery services tailored to private clients, trustees, commercial lenders and financial institutions engaged in complex, multi-jurisdictional claims.
We act in matters involving both secured and unsecured obligations, with a strategic focus on recovery pathways that span UK, EU, EEA and select offshore jurisdictions, including but not limited to: the British Virgin Islands, Switzerland, Luxembourg, the Isle of Man, Malta, and the Cayman Islands.
Scope of Work
Our Cross-Border Debt Recovery service includes:
Pre-litigation advisory: Risk assessment, enforceability analysis, asset mapping and jurisdictional viability.
International tracing & investigative work: Locating debtors and assets through forensic tools and established intelligence networks.
Demand letters & creditor notices: Compliant with foreign procedural rules and coordinated across jurisdictions.
Enforcement of UK and foreign judgments under:
- The Brussels Recast Regulation (where applicable)
- The Lugano Convention
- The Common Law regime
- Bilateral treaties or local statutes (e.g., in Malta, Gibraltar, BVI)
Recognition and enforcement actions in civil law jurisdictions
Interim relief and freezing orders (including worldwide freezing injunctions)
Post-judgment collection procedures via bailiff, court officer, or private enforcement channels
Discreet Resolution
We prioritise strategic discretion and reputational sensitivity. In many instances, recovery is achieved without initiating formal litigation, via targeted negotiation, structured settlements, or mediated resolution frameworks.
Where court proceedings are unavoidable, we act swiftly to secure provisional measures and asset protection, leveraging local counsel and correspondent firms as needed.
Typical Mandates
Enforcement of foreign mortgage and secured lending agreements
Recovery of high-value debts arising from commercial breach or unpaid personal guarantees
Insolvency-related recovery on behalf of creditors and fiduciaries
Trustee-led claims against assets shielded via offshore structures or discretionary trusts
Why Choose Us
Dual-qualified practitioners familiar with both civil and common law systems
Access to a trusted network of foreign agents and litigation funders
Transparent fee structures with fixed-fee or contingent recovery options
Proven record of discretion and results in confidential enforcement scenarios
🔒 We act exclusively for the creditor party. Corporate entities, trustees and private lenders are encouraged to enquire via secure channel.
📩 To initiate a mandate or request a conflict check, contact our cross-border enforcement desk: [email protected]
Can a UK judgment be enforced in another jurisdiction?
Yes, in most cases a UK judgment can be enforced abroad, although the procedure varies depending on the destination jurisdiction. We advise on enforcement under the Brussels Recast Regulation (for EU-related claims pre-Brexit), the Lugano Convention, or through local procedures under common law or reciprocal enforcement treaties.
Can you assist in recovering assets located in offshore jurisdictions?
Absolutely. We have established working relationships with agents and legal counsel in offshore jurisdictions such as the British Virgin Islands, the Isle of Man, Cayman Islands and Malta. Asset tracing and enforcement strategies are adapted to local frameworks and banking secrecy considerations.
Do you act for debtors or only for creditors?
We act exclusively for creditor-side clients to avoid any conflict of interest. This includes private lenders, banks, trust companies, insolvency professionals and fiduciary officers.
Do I need a judgment before instructing recovery proceedings?
Not necessarily. In certain jurisdictions, it is possible to initiate pre-judgment remedies (e.g., freezing orders, disclosure applications) or negotiate settlements without formal litigation. We provide strategic pre-litigation advice and act on demand.
What if the debtor is a trust or a nominee entity?
We are experienced in unwinding layered structures involving trusts, nominees, and SPVs. We coordinate legal action to pierce asset protection vehicles and compel disclosure, often using court orders or local trustee obligations to obtain enforcement leverage.
Do you operate on a no-win, no-fee basis?
In select cases, yes. We may offer conditional fee arrangements or work alongside litigation funders, depending on case strength and asset traceability. Standard instructions are billed hourly or on a fixed-fee basis.
Reclaim What's Rightfully Yours
With Allan Richards Solicitors in London, navigate complex international asset recovery. Trust our expertise to safeguard and return your rightful assets efficiently and securely.