We establish the legal basis
Until you know whether this is a SAR, an Account Freezing Order or an enforcement process, you cannot challenge it. This is the first thing we do.
Banks are often legally barred from telling you why your account was frozen. We identify the legal basis, deal with the bank and the authorities for you, and apply to release funds for living and legal costs.
Which applies to you?
Usually a Suspicious Activity Report. The bank may be legally unable to tell you — we find out and deal with them directly.
A magistrates' court order that can last up to two years. It can be challenged, varied or discharged — and we do that.
The court can release frozen funds for living costs and legal fees. We prepare and make that application.
Closing the relationship does not release the money. We advise on recovering funds held after a closure.
Not sure which? Tell us what's happened and we will work it out.
Four details is all we need to get started. We will come back to you with the likely legal basis for the freeze and what your options are.
The statutory clock starts without you. Early advice gives the best chance of a swift release.
How we get your money back
Until you know whether this is a SAR, an Account Freezing Order or an enforcement process, you cannot challenge it. This is the first thing we do.
We liaise with the bank's fraud team and the relevant enforcement authority on your behalf, so you are not negotiating alone or saying something that harms your position.
The court can allow frozen money to be used for living expenses, business costs and legal fees. We prepare the evidence and make the application.
We scrutinise whether the investigating body followed procedure and met the conditions for the order — and apply to vary or discharge it where it did not.
The clock is already running
It depends on the legal basis, and the deadlines run whether or not you have taken advice. Acting early is what keeps your options open.
The UKFIU's window to respond to the bank's consent request.
Begins if consent is refused.
Reached through repeated 31-day court extensions.
Granted by a magistrates' court while the matter is investigated.
Money can usually still be paid in while an account is frozen — but it is held, and cannot be used until the freeze is lifted.
Results
£630,000
Funds misappropriated in a property-transaction fraud. We compelled the bank to disclose information about the fraudulent account, despite sanctions and blocked accounts — identifying the fraudster and tracing the money, which laid the groundwork for recovering it.
$93,848
A client's account was frozen and the balance blocked for almost two months. We issued a pre-action letter against Revolut and recovered the whole amount.
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Common questions
Not directly — withdrawals and outgoing transfers are blocked. But the court can release frozen funds for living expenses, business costs and legal fees, and we make that application for you.
Send us the details and we will come back to you with the likely legal basis for the freeze and your options. Please get in touch before responding to the bank or the authorities.
No obligation. Confidential.