The fraud toolkit: tracing, recovery and enforcement
From Farrer & Co | June 2026
To meet the rise and increasing sophistication of fraud – in England and abroad – victims need powerful legal tools and lawyers who know how to use them. Similarly, those wrongly accused of fraud can quickly find themselves embroiled in damaging English litigation and in need of urgent guidance to steer them through turbulent waters.
England and Wales is widely regarded as one of the leading global forums for the pursuit of civil fraud, asset-tracing and recovery claims: it offers a combination of procedural flexibility, judicial willingness to intervene early, and a sophisticated body of common law and equitable remedies (specifically designed to protect victims of fraud).
In appropriate cases, the English courts are willing to grant freezing injunctions (over worldwide assets) and disclosure orders, or to compel third parties (such as banks and other financial custodians) to divulge confidential information – and to do so on a 'without notice' basis to avoid tipping off fraudsters. The English courts contain specialist divisions led by judges with deep experience of commercial fraud and cross-border disputes which, when combined with the predictable, transparent and incorruptible nature of the English legal system, can add to the appeal of England as the jurisdiction of choice for pursuing fraud claims.
In this guide, we provide an overview of the key issues involved in fraud cases and outline some of the fraud litigation tools available in England.
The Fraud & Asset Recovery team at Farrer & Co is consistently recognised for the strength of its civil fraud and asset recovery practice, acting for companies, trustees, financial institutions and high-net-worth individuals in complex and sensitive fraud disputes, including cross-border and offshore matters. We emphasise partner-led teams and early strategic assessment, including the swift but careful deployment of interim remedies and a recovery-focused litigation strategy. This is especially valuable in fraud cases where speed, judgement and tactical precision are critical and second chances are rare.
Our team is highly regarded by clients and peers (and opponents) for their judgement, diligence and understanding of complex disputes, alongside their ability to handle matters involving confidentiality, reputational risk and high personal or institutional stakes.
Jolyon Connell
Partner
Obtaining information evidence from third parties and tracing assets – Norwich Pharmacal and Bankers Trust orders
By Jolyon Connell, Blue Elliott and Sally Mantell
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This guide is not intended to be a substitute for legal advice tailored to the specific circumstances of our clients. If you wish to discuss any of the matters covered in this guide in more detail, please contact Jolyon Connell or your usual contact at Farrer & Co.
Fraud & Asset Recovery team
The Fraud & Asset Recovery team at Farrer & Co is highly regarded by clients and peers (and opponents) for their judgement, diligence and understanding of complex disputes, alongside their ability to handle matters involving confidentiality, reputational risk and high personal or institutional stakes.
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