Asset Tracing & Financial Investigation
Professional asset tracing services to locate hidden property, bank accounts, investments, and offshore holdings. We provide comprehensive financial investigations for divorce proceedings, fraud cases, debt recovery, and legal disputes across Wales.
When individuals attempt to hide assets during divorce proceedings, conceal wealth to avoid debt repayment, or transfer property to evade legal judgements, professional asset tracing becomes essential. Our financial investigation team has the expertise, resources, and legal knowledge to uncover hidden assets and provide court-admissible evidence of concealed wealth.
Based in Rhigos, South Wales, we serve solicitors, businesses, and individuals throughout Cardiff, Swansea, Newport, and across Wales. We work closely with family law solicitors, commercial litigation teams, insolvency practitioners, and debt recovery specialists to identify and document hidden assets.
Our asset tracing investigations combine traditional investigative techniques with modern financial intelligence gathering. We access specialist databases, conduct property searches, analyse company records, and investigate offshore holdings to build a comprehensive picture of an individual's true financial position.
Assets We Can Trace
We locate all types of hidden or undisclosed assets across the UK and internationally
Property & Real Estate
Residential properties, commercial premises, land holdings, buy-to-let portfolios, and property held in trust or through companies.
Bank Accounts & Savings
Current accounts, savings accounts, ISAs, offshore bank accounts, and accounts held in other names or jurisdictions.
Business Interests
Company directorships, shareholdings, partnership interests, sole trader businesses, and dormant companies used to hide assets.
Vehicles & Luxury Assets
Cars, motorcycles, boats, caravans, aircraft, and other high-value vehicles registered in the UK or abroad.
Investments & Pensions
Stocks and shares, investment portfolios, pension funds, cryptocurrency holdings, and other financial instruments.
Offshore Holdings
Assets held in offshore jurisdictions, foreign property, international bank accounts, and complex corporate structures designed to conceal wealth.
When Asset Tracing Is Needed
Divorce & Matrimonial Cases
One of the most common scenarios for asset tracing is divorce proceedings where one party suspects the other is hiding assets to reduce their financial settlement. We investigate:
- •Undisclosed property and investments
- •Assets transferred to family members or friends
- •Business interests concealed or undervalued
- •Offshore accounts and foreign property
- •Pension funds and investment portfolios
Fraud & Financial Crime
When fraud has been committed, tracing the proceeds of crime is essential for recovery and prosecution. We assist with:
- •Locating assets purchased with stolen funds
- •Tracing money laundering activities
- •Identifying beneficiaries of fraudulent schemes
- •Supporting Proceeds of Crime Act investigations
Debt Recovery & Judgement Enforcement
When individuals or businesses owe money but claim to have no assets, we investigate to locate:
- •Property and vehicles that can be seized
- •Bank accounts for attachment orders
- •Employment income for earnings orders
- •Assets transferred to avoid creditors
- •Hidden business interests and income streams
Commercial Disputes
In business disputes, we trace assets to support litigation and enforcement:
- •Director and shareholder asset searches
- •Company asset investigations
- •Insolvency and bankruptcy investigations
- •Partnership dispute asset tracing
Our Investigation Methods
Property & Land Registry Searches
We conduct comprehensive searches of the Land Registry to identify all property owned by the subject, including properties held in their name, jointly owned properties, and properties held through companies or trusts. We also search historical records to identify recently transferred or sold properties.
Company & Directorship Searches
Using Companies House records and specialist databases, we identify all companies where the subject is a director, shareholder, or person with significant control. We analyse company accounts, assets, and financial performance to assess hidden wealth held through corporate structures.
Financial Database Searches
We access specialist financial databases to trace bank accounts, credit agreements, and financial products. Whilst we cannot access account balances without legal authority, we can identify the existence of accounts and financial relationships that may not have been disclosed.
Surveillance & Lifestyle Analysis
We conduct professional surveillance to document the subject's lifestyle, spending patterns, and assets in use. This can reveal luxury vehicles, expensive properties, and a standard of living inconsistent with declared income or assets.
Social Media & Digital Intelligence
We analyse social media profiles, online activity, and digital footprints to identify assets, lifestyle indicators, and connections to undisclosed property or businesses. People often inadvertently reveal hidden assets through social media posts, photos, and check-ins.
International & Offshore Investigations
For subjects with international connections, we work with our network of overseas investigators to trace assets held in foreign jurisdictions, offshore bank accounts, and property abroad. We have experience investigating assets in Europe, the Caribbean, and other common offshore locations.
Legal Compliance & Court Use
All our asset tracing work is conducted in full compliance with UK law including the Data Protection Act 2018, GDPR, and relevant financial regulations. We only use lawful methods to gather information and never engage in illegal hacking, bribery, or other unlawful activities.
Our asset tracing reports are prepared to court-admissible standards and can be used in divorce proceedings, civil litigation, insolvency cases, and criminal prosecutions. We provide detailed documentation of our methodology, sources, and findings, and can provide expert witness testimony when required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you access someone's bank account details?
We cannot access bank account balances or transaction details without legal authority (such as a court order). However, we can identify the existence of bank accounts, credit agreements, and financial products through specialist databases and investigations. Once accounts are identified, your solicitor can apply for disclosure orders to obtain full account details for legal proceedings.
How long does an asset tracing investigation take?
Timeframes vary depending on the complexity of the case. Basic UK property and company searches can be completed within 3-5 working days. Comprehensive investigations involving surveillance, international assets, or complex corporate structures may take 2-4 weeks. We provide realistic timeframes during our initial consultation and can expedite urgent cases for court deadlines.
What if the assets are held offshore or abroad?
We have experience tracing assets in offshore jurisdictions and work with a network of international investigators. Whilst offshore investigations are more complex and time-consuming, we can identify foreign property, international bank accounts, and offshore company structures. Success depends on the jurisdiction and the level of secrecy involved, but we have successfully traced assets in Europe, the Caribbean, and other locations.
Can asset tracing help with my divorce case?
Yes, asset tracing is commonly used in divorce proceedings where one party suspects the other is hiding assets. Our investigations can identify undisclosed property, business interests, investments, and offshore holdings. The evidence we gather can be used to support applications for financial disclosure orders and to ensure a fair financial settlement. We work closely with family law solicitors throughout Wales.
Is asset tracing legal?
Yes, asset tracing is entirely legal when conducted using lawful methods. We comply with all UK legislation including the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR. We only use publicly available information, specialist databases we are authorised to access, and lawful investigative techniques. We never engage in hacking, bribery, or other illegal activities. Read our guide on UK private investigator laws.
How much does asset tracing cost?
Costs vary significantly based on the scope of work. Basic UK property and company searches start from £300-£500. Comprehensive asset tracing investigations including surveillance and detailed reporting typically range from £1,500-£5,000+. International investigations may cost more due to the complexity and overseas investigator fees. We provide transparent quotes before beginning work. See our pricing page for detailed information.
Need Asset Tracing Services?
Contact our financial investigation team for a confidential consultation. We provide free initial assessments for all asset tracing enquiries.