Sequor Law announces the election of Daniel M. Coyle and Nyana A. Miller as the firm's newest Partners, recognizing their exceptional talent in asset recovery and international insolvency. Sequor Law announces newly elected Partners Open Firm News Open January 18, 2023 2 minutes read Sequor Law January 18, 2023, Miami, Florida Sequor Law, a boutique, Miami-based international law firm working in the areas of asset recovery, financial fraud, insolvency and financial services litigation, both domestically and cross-border, is delighted to announce that attorneys Daniel M. Coyle and Nyana A. Miller have been elected as the firm’s newest Partners. This most recent promotion confirms the firm’s ongoing dedication to growth and its commitment to the development of attorneys. “We couldn’t be prouder in welcoming our newest class of Partners. Both Daniel and Nyana have demonstrated exceptional talent and have distinguished themselves with skill and commitment as invaluable advisors to our clients,” said founding shareholder Gregory S. Grossman. “We have no doubt they will continue to do incredible work for our clients. Elevation to Partner at our firm requires consistently delivering excellent results, but also exemplifying the principles and attributes that define a Sequor Law lawyer.” Daniel Matthias Coyle focuses his practice on bankruptcy, creditors’ rights, secured transactions, collections, executions, asset recovery and cross-border insolvency. He represents financial institutions and other creditors in bankruptcy and state court litigation, including commercial loan enforcement cases, foreclosure of commercial real property and replevin, and suits on notes and guaranties. Additionally, he represents lenders in the negotiation and documentation of workout agreements, loan restructuring, forbearance agreements and loan sale agreements. Nyana Abreu Miller focuses her practice on cross-border insolvency, marital asset recovery and financial fraud. Nyana has represented individuals, corporations and trustees seeking recognition under chapter 15 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code, evidence under 28 U.S.C § 1782, for use in litigation pending abroad and domestication and enforcement of foreign judgments under Florida’s Uniform Out-of-Country Foreign Money-Judgment Recognition Act. She is also fluent in English, Spanish and Portuguese. “Daniel and Nyana have enhanced the reputation of the firm and reflect our relentless commitment to our clients through their pursuit of excellence, hard work and leadership. We look forward to their continued success, as we continue to build our firm,” said founding Shareholder Edward H. Davis, Jr. ****** Sequor Law is a Miami-based international law firm representing financial institutions, sovereign governments and state-owned enterprises, public and non-public companies, insolvency practitioners, and individual clients in the areas of asset recovery, financial fraud, insolvency, and financial services litigation. More information is available at www.SequorLaw.com. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Chambers & Partners ranked firm with Band 1 attorneys in Asset Recovery and Bankruptcy Litigation. ICC FraudNet member. Board-certified in international litigation. Relentless. Global. Pursuit. Sequor Law is an international law firm representing financial institutions, sovereign governments and state-owned enterprises, public and non-public companies, insolvency practitioners and individual clients in the areas of asset recovery, financial fraud, insolvency and financial services litigation. 25 25 25 years years years After years of experience in powerhouse firms, Founding Shareholders Edward H. Davis Jr. and Gregory S. Grossman recognized a distinct need in the international Asset Recovery and Cross-Border Insolvency market for more specialized legal services. In 2000, they founded the specialized international firm now known as Sequor Law. The firm grew quickly, bringing together an award-winning, multilingual team that serves as thought leaders in the field. With a proven record of success, Sequor Law represents fraud victims, court-appointed fiduciaries, domestic and international corporations and financial institutions, and government entities. The firm also draws on a powerful global network of professionals and resources that work relentlessly for our clients. Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) since 2004 Issued by Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE): Certified Fraud Examiners understand how fraud is committed, detected, and prevented. Individuals who have obtained the CFE credential understand the underlying factors that motivate people to commit fraud and are trained to identify red flags that indicate evidence of fraud and fraud risk. They are able to trace fraudulent transactions, interview suspects to obtain information and confessions, write investigation reports, advise clients on their findings, and testify at trial. Global Restructuring Review Sequor Law is proud to be recognized in Global Restructuring Review’s GRR 100, featuring the world’s leading firms for cross-border restructuring and insolvency matters. The Florida Bar - International Litigation and Arbitration Sequor Law has become the Florida firm with the most attorneys who are board certified in International Litigation and Arbitration . Approved by the Florida Supreme Court in 2020, International Litigation and Arbitration is a new certification program that recognizes attorneys’ special knowledge, skills, and proficiency in various areas of law, professionalism, and ethics in practice. Chambers and Partners Chambers provides insights into the world’s leading lawyers, based on extensive research and interviews with clients, attorneys, and third-party experts. Chambers and Partners’ USA and Litigation Support Guides ranked the firm: Band 2 – Bankruptcy Litigation , 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025. Band 2 – Asset Tracing & Recovery (Global-Wide) , 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024. Band 1 – Asset Tracing & Recovery (Global-Wide) , 2025. Individual Achievements: Gregory S. Grossman : Bankruptcy Litigation Leyza B. Florin: Bankruptcy Litigation and Bankruptcy Restructuring Fernando J. Menendez, Jr .: Bankruptcy Litigation Edward H. Davis, Jr. : Bankruptcy Litigation Who's Who Legal Who’s Who Legal recognized Sequor attorneys and professionals as: Thought Leaders Global Elite – Asset Recovery, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025. Expert – Asset Recovery, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025. Thought Leaders and Experts are selected based on client and peer recommendations, the attorney’s track record, and a rigorous evaluation process. No more than 5% of practitioners in any WWL global practice area guide are selected as Global Elite Thought Leaders. Latinvex Top Latin American Law Firms Latinvex 2022 and 2021 Top Latin American Law Firms named Sequor Law among the top 50 firms and ranked the firm #3 in Litigation . Shareholder Leyza Florin Blanco was also named among the Top 100 Female Lawyers in Latin America by Latinvex in the 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025 Editions. Nyana Abreu Miller was also named among the Top 100 Female Lawyers in Latin America in the 2023 Edition. Based on an exclusive Latinvex survey, these annual rankings are determined using a combination of factors, including value, prominence and scope of work, and references among clients and peers. Super Lawyers - Rising Stars Lists Ten Sequor attorneys have been selected to the Super Lawyers or Rising Stars lists . Most recently, Christopher A. Noel was named a Rising Star in the 2023 and 2025 editions of Super Lawyers, as well as Juan J. Mendoza in the 2025 edition. Selection is based on a careful nomination and vetting process using peer evaluations and independent research. Only lawyers in the top 5% of their state are selected as Super Lawyers, and only 2.5% of top lawyers, who are 40 years old or younger or in practice for 10 years or less, are selected as Rising Stars. Best Lawyers® - Best Law Firms Sequor Law earned 11 rankings across several of the firm’s key practice areas in the U.S. News’ 2020 and 2025 edition of “Best Lawyers®” “Best Law Firms”. U.S. News’ “Best Lawyers®” “Best Law Firms” is a leading survey of lawyers worldwide that ranks firms in 75 practice areas nationally. A tiering system is used to rank overall scores based on quantitative and qualitative data Best Lawyers® Sequor Law is pleased to announce that more than four of the firm's partners were recognized in multiple categories in the 2025 32nd Edition of The Best Lawyers of America®. Founding Shareholder Edward Davis was recognized in Bet-the-Company Litigation , Commercial Litigation , International Arbitration – Commercial and Litigation – Banking and Finance , Founding Shareholder Gregory Grossman was recognized in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law and Litigation – Bankruptcy , Shareholder Leyza B. Florin was recognized in Commercial Litigation and Litigation – Bankruptcy and Shareholder Fernando Menendez was recognized in Bankruptcy and Creditor Debtor Rights / Insolvency and Reorganization Law . Leyza Florin Blanco was also recognized as one of Florida’s Top 100 Lawyers and Top 50 Women Lawyers in 2023. LawDragon 500 Since 2020, four Sequor shareholders have been recognized in the Lawdragon 500 Leading U.S. Bankruptcy and Restructuring Lawyers . Edward H. Davis, Jr. was recognized in the areas of Creditors’ Rights, Asset Recovery, and Financial Fraud Litigation; Gregory S. Grossman, was recognized in the areas of Bankruptcy & Insolvency Litigation, including Cross-Border matters; Leyza Florin Blanco was recognized in the areas of Bankruptcy & Financial Restructuring, particularly in litigation; and Arnoldo “Arnie” Lacayo was recognized in the areas of Financial Fraud, Asset Recovery, and International Insolvency Litigation. Lawdragon’s 2020 U.S. guide recognized 294 U.S.-based lawyers in the Global guide due to their work in cross-border cases and 500 U.S. all-stars, whose focus was primarily national. Latin Lawyer Edward H. Davis, Jr. was named among 100 Leading Lawyers by LatinLawyer in 2023. LatinLawyer is the definitive source of news, analysis, and research for the regional legal community. South Florida Legal Guide South Florida Legal Guide named Sequor Law’s shareholders among the region’s Top Lawyers and Up and Comers in 2021 . Top Lawyers are nominated by their peers based on their extensive experience and outstanding record of success. Also peer-nominated, Up and Comers are distinguished as the next generation of leaders in the South Florida legal communities with a minimum of 10 years in their practice. Accolades Sequor Law attorneys are regularly recognized nationally and internationally for our extensive experience and global network within the industry. The following are some awards and distinctions Sequor Law and our attorneys have been honored to receive: We cross borders.

Sequor Law's Gregory Grossman advises on Marangoni Tread Latino America's Chapter 15 filing in Miami, seeking recognition of Brazilian restructuring proceedings to investigate detrimental transactions. Brazilian tyre co files Chapter 15 to probe “detrimental” transactions Open In the News Open February 21, 2019 2 minutes read Sequor Law By Declan Bush Marangoni Tread’s Brazilian subsidiary is restructuring in Lagoa Santa. A subsidiary of the Italian tyre conglomerate Marangoni has asked a Miami court to recognize bankruptcy proceedings it has entered in Brazil to investigate possible US assets. Marangoni Tread Latino America filed for Chapter 15 protection on 15 February in the US Bankruptcy Court in Miami, with Sequor Law partner Gregory Grossman advising. In the Chapter 15 filing, Marangoni Tread’s judicial manager Otávio De Paoli Balbino said he was appointed by the Second Civil Court of Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais, on 25 January to investigate “detrimental” transactions between the company and its subsidiaries. Balbino, a partner at law firm Paoli Balbino & Barros Sociedade de Advogados, asked the court to recognize the Brazilian restructuring so he could investigate the company’s US dealings. Marangoni Tread filed judicial reorganization proceedings in the Lagoa Santa court in September 2017 and the case was accepted on 13 November. The company claimed it was hit by Brazil’s 2014 recession, low sales, payment defaults and a higher rubber price. It said it had about 58 million reais (US$15.6 million) and about 850 creditors at the time of filing. But the Brazilian court noted “many mistakes and inconsistencies” in the accounting records the company had provided, including an incomplete list of its managing director’s personal assets. The court tasked Balbino and accountant Cleber Batista de Sousa with investigating transactions between Marangoni Tread and its Italian owners, its one Argentinean subsidiary, and four Brazilian subsidiaries. Batista found “several inconsistencies between the balance sheets and the financial books provided” and concluded several transactions “had detrimental impacts to the debtor’s finances”. He also found the subsidiaries may have acquired products manufactured by Marangoni Tread for less than their production cost. Balbino said Marangoni Tread “may have had transactions with the US subsidiary of the (Marangoni) conglomerate and other American companies”. “I need to investigate the possibility that assets in the US may have been acquired using funds belonging to the debtor,” Balbino added. Marangoni Tread was incorporated in 1998 and is owned by Italian companies Marangoni and Eurorubber. The company owned 51% of Marangoni Argentina and 99% of four Brazilian subsidiaries, but sold its shares in the subsidiaries “for little or no consideration” a year before its bankruptcy filing, according to the documents filed in the Chapter 15 case. In the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida, Miami Marangoni Tread Latino America Industria e Comercio de Artefatos de Borracha, case 19-12070 Judge Laurel Isicoff Counsel to Marangoni Tread Latin America Sequor Law Founding shareholder Gregory Grossman and associate Bruno de Camargo in Miami In the Second Civil Court of Lagoa Santa, Minas Gerais Judge Carlos Alexandre Romano Carvalho Judicial manager to Marangoni Tread Paoli Balbino & Barros Sociedade de Advogados Partner Otávio De Paoli Balbino De Almeida Lima in Belo Horizonte Read the full article here Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Stay informed with the latest news-insights from our law firm. Explore our news-insights and filter by category for tailored updates. Filter by Category: Attorney Spotlight Firm News In the News Case Results Legal Insights Events & Speaking Awards & Recognition Search News & Insights Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as. Firm News Jan 13, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Washington, D.C. Office with Addition of David Short Sequor Law expands its Washington, D.C. office with the addition of David Short, strengthening its cross-border litigation, asset recovery. Firm News Jan 12, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Expands Asset Recovery Practice With the Addition of Attorneys Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Michael Hanlon and Noah Rosenblum have joined the firm as attorneys further strengthening the firm’s. Attorney Spotlight Oct 9, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know David Short 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t think that it was a matter of inspiration, but of choice – I wanted a career that. Firm News Sep 30, 2025 3 minutes read Sequor Law Promotes Juan J. Mendoza, Christopher A. Noel, and Joseph B. Rome to Partner Sequor Law is proud to announce the promotion of attorneys Juan J. Mendoza, Christopher A. Noel, and Joseph B. Rome to partners of the firm. In the News Aug 13, 2025 1 minute read 9th Circuit Greenlights Expansive Use of Discovery Statute, Law360, Aug. 13, 2025 9th Circuit Greenlights Expansive Use of Discovery Statute, Law360, Aug. 13, 2025 Attorney Spotlight Jul 22, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alejandro Rodriguez Vanzetti 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? In college, I found myself drawn to international politics and law, especially as they relate. Attorney Spotlight Jun 2, 2025 3 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Giovanni Angles 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? When I was a kid, my dad used a memorable analogy to explain the law—he compared it to the. Firm News May 12, 2025 2 minutes read Sequor Law Welcomes Attorney Alain M. Acanda to Its Expanding Asset Recovery Team Miami, Florida – May 13, 2025 – Sequor Law, a leading international firm in asset recovery and cross-border litigation, is pleased to. Firm News Apr 25, 2025 2 minutes read Sequor Law Taps Recognized Arbitration Leader Giovanni Angles to Strengthen Global Practice Miami, Florida – April 25, 2025 – Sequor Law, a leading international disputes firm, proudly announces the addition of Giovanni Angles to. Events & Speaking Apr 18, 2025 1 minute read Sequor Law at Paris Arbitration Week: Enforcing Arbitral Awards Against Sovereigns Sequor Law joins Paris Arbitration Week to discuss enforcing arbitral awards against sovereigns, focusing on legal strategy, treaty. Firm News Apr 15, 2025 2 minutes read Sequor Law Welcomes Attorney Alejandro Rodriguez Vanzetti to Its Growing International Asset Recovery Team Miami, Florida – April 15, 2025 – Sequor Law is pleased to announce that Alejandro Rodriguez Vanzetti has joined the firm as an attorney. Firm News Apr 9, 2025 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Donation to PAWS4you Rescue Miami, Florida— In honor of National Pet Day, Sequor Law has made a charitable contribution to PAWS4you Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit. Attorney Spotlight Apr 8, 2025 5 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Tara J. Plochocki 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I had been leaning towards being a lawyer since I was young, probably because of subtle. Case Results Feb 21, 2025 1 minute read U.S. Court Orders Citibank to Comply with Financial Discovery in Kazakhstan Judgment Enforcement In a recent ruling that is of particular interest to parties seeking financial discovery relating to foreign sovereigns, Sequor Law, acting. Attorney Spotlight Jan 21, 2025 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Miguel E. Del Rivero 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? At my core, I have a passion for helping others, & at an early age I began to view the law […] Firm News Jan 13, 2025 2 minutes read Miguel E. Del Rivero Joins Sequor Law, Strengthening the Firm’s International Commercial Litigation and Asset Recovery Practice Sequor Law, a distinguished international law firm specializing in international litigation, asset recovery, representing victims of. Load More

Edward H. Davis Jr. discusses cross-border financial fraud, asset tracing, and modern asset recovery challenges in his WWL Thought Leaders Global Elite Q&A. WWL Thought Leaders Global Elite - Edward H. Davis Jr. Q&A Open Awards & Recognition Open August 25, 2022 2 minutes read Sequor Law In the complex world of cross-border financial fraud and asset tracing , experience and strategic insight are essential. In his ThoughtLeaders interview (featured in the Sequor Law article PDF), Founding Shareholder Edward H. Davis Jr. shares his perspective on what drives modern asset recovery practice and the evolving challenges practitioners face as fraudsters exploit increasingly sophisticated structures and technologies. Davis’s reflections are grounded in more than three decades of international litigation and investigative work representing victims of fraud , corruption , Ponzi schemes and other misappropriations of funds around the globe . The article weaves together Ed’s professional journey with grounded commentary on the issues shaping asset recovery today. He explains why he chose this practice area — to make a measurable difference in people’s lives by unravelling the complex legal and factual webs fraudsters set up to conceal assets. He also describes the kinds of cases that regularly come across his desk, noting that while traditional investment and corporate fraud remain core concerns, crypto-asset and internet-based frauds are increasingly front and center. A recurring theme of the piece is the interplay between legal systems and global reality. Davis identifies jurisdictional hurdles — including the reluctance of some legal systems to treat information as an asset recoverable in a tracing exercise — as among the greatest obstacles in international practice. This observation underscores the fact that asset recovery is as much about navigating foreign legal cultures and procedural norms as it is about understanding the underlying wrongdoing. The interview also touches on how technological tools are reshaping the practice. Davis points out that while emerging technologies are not yet “game changers,” they are helping practitioners uncover bank relationships and other data that were previously more difficult to access — leveling the playing field in key respects. Finally, Davis offers practical career insights for young lawyers interested in the field, emphasizing that direct experience and mentorship are irreplaceable for mastering the judgment and tactical skills required in high-stakes, highly international disputes . For a frontline look at the mindset and practical considerations of one of the field’s most experienced asset recovery lawyers , we encourage you to read the full interview in the PDF below. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Sequor Law earns Chambers USA 2019 recognition in Bankruptcy and Restructuring, with Leyza Blanco and Gregory Grossman ranked and the firm shortlisted for Diversity & Inclusion honors. Sequor Law Recognized by Chambers USA 2019 Open Awards & Recognition Open May 3, 2019 1 minute read Sequor Law We are honored to announce that Sequor Law has received the prestigious Chambers USA 2019 “Recognized Practitioner” designation among Florida law firms in Bankruptcy/Restructuring. Additionally, the firm has been shortlisted at the Chambers Diversity & Inclusion Awards: USA 2019 as “Most Inclusive Firm for Minority Lawyers”. The following Sequor Law attorneys are included in Chambers USA 2019 guide: Leyza Blanco Band 2, Bankruptcy/Restructuring Gregory Grossman Band 3, Bankruptcy/Restructuring Chambers is the authoritative guide to the world's leading lawyers, with rankings based on exhaustive research, including confidential interviews with clients and attorneys. We warmly thank our clients for their trust and confidence, which have driven these recognitions. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Sequor Law's Leyza B. Florin and Christopher Noel analyze how US courts are adopting the Judicial Insolvency Network's framework for cross-border coordination in international insolvency matters. Asset recovery column: Globalisation catches up with the US insolvency courts Open Legal Insights Open September 17, 2019 5 minutes read Sequor Law Shareholder Leyza B. Florin and attorney Christopher Noel from Sequor Law in Miami discuss recent developments in coordination and communication between courts handling cross-border insolvencies. In today’s ever-globalized world, courts are progressively recognizing the need for cross-border coordination and cooperation when dealing with insolvency matters. Earlier this summer, the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware adopted the Judicial Insolvency Network’s (JIN) Modalities of Court-to-Court Communication (the Modalities ). The Delaware court’s adoption of the Modalities followed its February 2017 promulgation of Part X: Guidelines for Communication and Cooperation Between Courts in Cross-Border Insolvency Matters (the Guidelines ). The Guidelines and Modalities represent an unprecedented attempt at creating a unified framework for coordination and cooperation, and in some cases, joint hearings. In the past, coordination and cooperation among US bankruptcy judges and courts abroad was based on section 1525 of the US Bankruptcy Code (Cooperation and direct communication between the court and foreign courts or foreign representatives), and it was accomplished on an basis, which was ultimately left up to the specific judges handling the cross-border insolvency matter. This article examines the lead-up to the District of Delaware’s adoption of the Modalities, the Modalities’ goals in facilitating cross-border communication in insolvency matters, and forecasts the implications of the Modalities upon – and assuming – their addition to the District of Delaware Local Rules of Civil Practice and Procedure. The beginnings of global cooperation The District of Delaware and the Supreme Court of Singapore announced the formal implementation of the Guidelines on 1 February 2017. The Guidelines are the result of work by judges around the world – judges in Australia, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, Canada, the Cayman Islands, England and Wales, Singapore, and the United States all contributed to their development beginning at the 2016 JIN meeting in Singapore. To date, they have been adopted by some of the busiest bankruptcy and insolvency tribunals around the world (see list at foot of article). The goal of adopting the Guidelines was “to improve in the interests of all stakeholders the efficiency and effectiveness of cross-border proceedings relating to insolvency or adjustment of debt opened in more than one jurisdiction by enhancing coordination and cooperation amongst courts”. Ultimately, the Guidelines are meant to benefit all stakeholders in cross-border insolvencies, by improving efficiency in the insolvency process and reducing litigation costs. The Guidelines comprise an introduction setting forth objectives, 14 enumerated guidelines providing guidance on protocols, and an appendix addressing joint hearings. Delaware moves the ball On 25 July 2019, the JIN announced its adoption of the Modalities. On the same day, Judge Christopher Sontchi , chief judge of the US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware, entered an order adopting the Modalities on an interim basis, pending the District Court’s annual review of its Local Rules. This means the District of Delaware will now follow the Modalities when dealing with cross-border insolvency matters, even before they are formally adopted into the Local Rules. The Modalities include guidance concerning the designation of a so-called facilitator, the initiation of communications between judges, arrangements for those communications, and the actual communications between judges. Each of these areas of guidance will be discussed below. Laying the groundwork The Modalities apply to all direct communications between courts in cross-border insolvency proceedings. They also govern the mechanics of communication between courts in parallel proceedings, such as a Chapter 15 proceeding in the US where there is a simultaneous foreign main proceeding abroad. In general, the Modalities anticipate that a judge in a matter with cross-border elements (the initiating judge) will attempt to communicate with other judges and courts considering the same insolvency matter (the receiving judge). To accomplish this objective, courts are now requested to publish information regarding facilitators so that there is a clear line of communication. Among the information in the facilitator, publication will be the facilitator’s identity (the District of Delaware has identified its clerk of court to act in this role) and the language for the initial communication, as well as what technology is available to facilitate communication. This basic information was not necessarily easily obtained in the past, and a clear designation of with whom to communicate and how those communications should be made, will alone facilitate greater coordination and cooperation among those involved in cross-border insolvencies. Saying hello Once the groundwork for communication is established, and there is a clear line of communication with a court’s facilitator, the judges involved in parallel cross-border insolvency proceedings should exchange relevant information to keep the line of communication open. The initiating judge should provide basic information to the receiving judge, such as the facilitator’s contact information, the initiating judge’s contact information, information concerning the matter before the initiating judge, the nature of the matter, whether the parties before the initiating judge have consented to the communication, and the specific issues upon which communication is sought. Once this initial communication is accomplished, then the facilitator should step in and assist with coordinating between the initiating and the receiving judges. Setting a date After a line of communication is open, the initiating and receiving judges’ facilitators are free to communicate and arrange for the two judges to speak, with or without the presence of counsel or the parties. The initiating and receiving judges have great leeway in how communication is made, and the Modalities provide only that the two judges should be satisfied with the arrangements, including appropriate translation services and protocols to communicate confidential information via a secure method. The first meeting and ongoing discussions. After the necessary protocols are in place, the Modalities suggest that the initiating and receiving judges communicate in accordance with the Guidelines. Additionally, the Modalities provide that, should the two judges so wish, they may discontinue the use of their respective facilitators to allow for an efficient line of direct communication. This may also be done without the presence of counsel or the parties. Ultimately, the Modalities’ goal is to allow easy, efficient, and productive communication between the initiating and receiving judges so as to improve efficiency. A globalized world Now that the District of Delaware has, at least initially, adopted the Modalities, it is foreseeable that other US Bankruptcy courts will follow suit. The number of cross-border insolvency proceedings that could (and will) benefit from increased coordination and cooperation across borders is ever growing. All parties – creditors, debtors, bankruptcy estates, and insolvency tribunals – stand to benefit from the Modalities when handling cross-border insolvencies. Moving forward, the potential impact on cross-border insolvency practice is great. Both insolvency courts and practitioners alike will need to work together to implement the Modalities and Guidelines so that all involved are familiar and comfortable working with this new framework. Additionally, through ongoing efforts, cross-border insolvency matters should become more streamlined and efficient. The free flow of information will take much of the uncertainty out of cross-border situations where multiple parallel proceedings are involved. In sum, the Modalities and Guidelines now facilitate the insolvency practice’s ongoing evolution in an ever-more-globalised world. Courts Adopting the Guidelines for Communication and Cooperation Between Courts in Cross-Border Insolvency Matters The US Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware The Supreme Court of Singapore The US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York The Supreme Court of Bermuda The Chancery Division of England & Wales The Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court The Supreme Court of New South Wales The US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida The Seoul Bankruptcy Court The Grand Court of the Cayman Islands The Commercial List Users’ Committee of the Superior Court of Justice – Ontario (Commercial List) The District Court Midden-Nederland, in the Netherlands To view the original article, click here. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

A Florida bankruptcy judge preliminarily approved an $8 million settlement resolving Banco Santos’ racketeering and fraud claims against Espirito Santo Bank. Fla. Judge OKs Espírito Santo’s $8M Deal With Bankrupt Bank Open In the News Open December 23, 2014 2 minutes read Sequor Law By Carolina Bolado A Florida bankruptcy judge on Tuesday indicated that she would sign off on an $8 million settlement ending bankrupt Brazilian bank Banco Santos SA’s racketeering and tort suit against Portugal-based Espirito Santo Bank. In a hearing in Miami, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Laurel Isicoff said she would sign off on an order preliminarily approving a deal that resolves a suit filed by Banco Santos’ court-appointed administrator, Vanio Cesar Pickler Aguiar, claiming the bank lost $38.7 million through ESB’s fraud and money laundering. The judge noted that there were no objections filed to the settlement agreement and urged the attorneys to get the order in quickly so that she could sign off on it before the holiday break. In the adversary proceeding, filed in December 2013, Aguiar claims that ESB diverted millions in Banco Santos’ assets through various corporate entities to Florida, from which they were transferred offshore and laundered, according to the complaint. In the suit, Aguiar requested not just the $38.7 million the bank allegedly lost, but also treble damages of $116 million. ESB rebuts all of the claims in the complaint. Banco Santos was ordered into a court-supervised liquidation by the Second Bankruptcy and Judicial Reorganization Court of Sao Paulo in September 2005. Aguiar filed a Chapter 15 petition in December 2010 in the Southern District of Florida listing $500 million to $1 billion in assets and more than $1 billion in liabilities. The Espirito Santo group, which traces to a storied Portuguese banking family, saw four of its companies file for creditor protection in July after a central bank audit two months earlier had turned up accounting irregularities at Espirito Santo International SA, the group’s holding company. The Portuguese central bank in August unveiled a plan to split up BES, the country’s second-largest lender, under a rescue plan backed by €4.9 billion ($6.4 billion) in state money after the bank failed to weather losses on its exposure to the Espirito Santo group. Authorities in several countries are investigating the dealings of the Espirito Santo empire. Switzerland’s financial regulator said in September that it is looking into the distribution of financial products by a Swiss bank, Banque Privee Espirito Santo SA, which is tied to the Espirito Santo group. Aguiar is represented by Edward H. Davis Jr. , Gregory S. Grossman , Arnoldo B. Lacayo and Nyana A. Miller of Astigarraga Davis . ESB is represented by Samuel J. Capuano and Gary M. Freedman of Tabas Freedman . The adversary proceeding is Aguiar v. Espirito Santo Bank, case number 1:13-ap-01934, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. The bankruptcy is In re: Banco Santos SA, case number 1:10-bk-47543, in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Florida. Click to view full article. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

A Florida federal judge remands Turkish businessmen's attempt to block a $388M arbitral award back to state court, finding their removal to federal court was untimely. Turkish Brothers’ $388M Award Fight Sent Back To State Court Open In the News Open February 11, 2020 3 minutes read Sequor Law By Kelly Zegers Law360 (February 11, 2020, 7:37 PM EST) — A Florida federal judge has let a Turkish company go back to state court as it seeks to enforce a $338 million arbitral award, finding that two Turkish businessmen’s removal to federal court last year was untimely. U.S. District Judge Rodney Smith said brothers Mustafa and Sefa Çevik’s time-barred removal of the case was an attempt to seek a different ruling after a Florida state court confirmed the arbitral award that stemmed from a soured chromium ore mining license deal with the company, Turchrome Krom Madencili Sanay Ve Dis Ticaret Ltd. Sirketi Turkey. In determining the Çevik brothers’ removal was untimely and granting the company’s motion to remand, the judge applied a previous court’s ruling on an international arbitral awards convention that found a party couldn’t willingly proceed with discovery and trial in state court only to remove “when the first bite of what appears to be a ripe apple turns extremely sour.” In this case, the brothers were trying to take a “second bite at the apple,” Judge Smith said. “It could not be clearer from defendants’ motions filed in the instant case that this is exactly what defendants are trying to do; after receiving an adverse ruling from the state court when the state court confirmed the arbitral award, defendants are now trying to obtain a different ruling in this court — first through removal and then through their motions to dismiss,” the judge said. The award in question had been issued to Turchrome in arbitration against Mustafa Çevik, which Turchrome initiated after yields at chromium ore sites failed to meet expectations. The arbitration took place in Paris under the auspices of the International Chamber of Commerce. The suit, which accuses Mustafa Çevik of fraudulently transferring certain real estate to Sefa in an effort to avoid paying the award, claims the two brothers have numerous assets in South Florida that could be used to enforce the award, including real estate, at least one business, and a Mercedes and a Range Rover. The federal judge’s ruling was in step with Turchrome’s contention that the Turkish businessmen failed to remove the case because the convention’s phrase “before the trial thereof” meant that trial begins when both sides present an argument on an issue of law or fact, according to court documents. The brothers called that interpretation “aggressive,” arguing that removal is timely as long as it happens before the state court has adjudicated on the merits of all of a plaintiff’s claims or dismissed the entire suit, the judge said. The judge acknowledged the businessmen’s reading of the existing case law on “before the trial” wasn’t unreasonable because there’s not a lot of case law on it. The Florida state court confirmed the arbitral award in May last year, according to court records. The brothers had moved to dismiss Turchrome’s motion to confirm the award. “The unfavorable ruling was not on just any claim; it was on the l[i]nchpin claim because the fraudulent transfer claims are dependent on confirmation of the arbitral award,” the judge said. Because of his finding on the timeliness issue, the federal judge said the court wouldn’t address Turchrome’s waiver argument. Turchrome had asserted the businessmen waived their rights to remove by litigating the case in state court before removal. The judge denied Turchrome’s motion for costs, according to the order. Representatives for the parties did not immediately respond to requests for comment Tuesday. Turchrome Krom Madencili Sanay Ve Dis Ticaret Ltd. Sirketi Turkey is represented in state court by Leyza B. Florin , Bruno de Camargo and Edward H. Davis Jr . of Sequor Law PA and Matthew D. McGill of Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP. Mustafa Çevik, Sefa Çevik and Charisma Marble LLC are represented by Aliette D. Rodz and Kristin Drecktrah Paz of Shutts & Bowen LLP. The case was Turchrome Krom Madencili Sanay Ve Dis Ticaret Ltd. Sirketi Turkey v. Cevik et al., case number 1:19-cv-22910, in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida. To view the original article, click here. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Michael Hanlon of Sequor Law on cross-border asset recovery and financial fraud — and why curiosity is the most essential skill for unraveling complex cases. Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon Open Attorney Spotlight Open May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more to the kind of work it allows you to do — untangling complicated situations where the facts aren't obvious and the stakes are real. 2. Why did you choose the areas of law that you practice? Asset recovery and financial fraud work felt like a natural fit because it's part legal analysis and part investigation. It takes problem solving to a new level: you're reconstructing stories from incomplete information, often against the odds. Beyond that, the work is inherently cross-border, which blends my passions for languages and the law into one. 3. What skills do you draw upon when it comes to your specific practice areas? At the forefront of the skills I draw on for asset recovery and financial fraud matters is curiosity, along with being comfortable with the unknown. Navigating the unknown in a way that is calculated and driven by a desire to unravel what really happened is essential to crafting a plan — and to deviating from that plan when the situation calls for it. 4. What is the most rewarding part about your job? The most rewarding part of my job is getting clarity — or rather, fighting to uncover clarity where there initially wasn't any. It's the moment when something that looked opaque starts to make sense, and you can actually do something with that understanding. 5. Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your career. One of my many mentors taught me, through action and inaction, that in order to grow, you have to be willing to be wrong and even more willing to be corrected. 6. If you weren't practicing law, what would you be doing? Given my love of languages, I would probably be an interpreter and/or translator. 7. What might people be surprised to learn about you? I have lived in Spain, Brazil, and Italy, and I speak Spanish and Portuguese fluently. 8. What is a good book or article you read recently? O beijo do rio by Stefano Volp. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Get to know Sequor Law Attorney Joseph Rome, an asset recovery and commercial litigator who shares insights on his practice, career path, and his approach to complex fraud and insolvency matters. Attorney Spotlight: Joseph Rome Open Attorney Spotlight Open June 6, 2023 2 minutes read Sequor Law What inspired you to pursue a law career? I don’t come from a family with many lawyers. As I started meeting friends of friends that were lawyers, and I realized we were on the same intellectual wave length, which made me want to be part of their community. Only later did I start to develop a deep understanding and enjoyment of the work that lawyers do day to day. What skills do you draw upon when it comes to your specific practice areas? I am lucky to be able to apply a lot of skills as an asset recovery and commercial litigator, but the one that has been the most important is curiosity. And yes, curiosity is a skill—it takes practice to consider what pieces of the puzzle are missing, to see beyond the surface of what someone might be telling you, and to ask those follow up questions and investigate further until you really, deeply understand an issue. Why did you choose those areas of law? They allow me to apply so many of the skills that I’ve spent so much time cultivating—my cases are frequently international and cross-cultural, I get to employ my language skills, I get to test myself arguing in court, I get to write persuasive briefs, I get to meet (and occasionally cross-examine) interesting people, and I get to learn and explain interesting, complex business practices. What is the most rewarding part about your job? Even in situations where I may not be able to promise to deliver the legal result that a client might wish for, it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to help a client understand what the law says and for them to feel like their case has been fully presented in the strongest possible way. Tell us about a mentor who made an impact on your career. When I was working as a prosecutor, I had a mentor that pulled me onto one of her cases for a discrete task, but then proceeded to make sure that I truly understood everything that was happening on the case. She was incredibly open to explaining why she was doing everything that she was doing and tried hard to find ways to involve me in the process, which ended up being a great way for me to develop as an attorney. If you weren’t practicing law, what would you be doing? I have a master’s in East Asian History, so I would probably have done a PHD and become a professor teaching Chinese or Japanese history and art history. What might people be surprised to learn about you? I run-commute to the office. It’s a fantastic way to clear my head at the start and end of the workday. What is a good book you read recently? Hands down, the Neapolitan Novels by Elena Ferrante. I guess that’s technically four books, but they were apparently written as a single story. They describe a world that is both exotic and familiar, both specific and universal, and I couldn’t stop thinking about them for weeks after I finished. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.

Edward H. Davis Jr. and Andres H. Sandoval assess the Panama Papers leak’s impact on transparency and why asset recovery lags due to evidentiary challenges and litigation hurdles. Panama Papers update: progress and impediments Open Legal Insights Open November 10, 2017 7 minutes read Sequor Law Scandalous revelations of suspicious financial activity exposed by the Panama Papers have toppled political leaders, induced regulatory reforms and prompted greater cooperation from Panama itself towards international efforts to combat tax evasion. But Edward H Davis Jr and Andres H Sandoval would like to see more headway in the area of asset recovery. In April 2016 the Suddeutsche Zeitung released the ground-breaking publication covering the ‘Panama Papers’ – a massive leak of 11.5 million documents from the Panamanian Mossack Fonseca firm and its affiliates, formerly the world’s fourth-largest provider of offshore incorporation services. Shortly thereafter, due largely to the efforts of the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ), limited information extracted from the Panama Papers was digitised and disseminated to the public in the searchable Offshore Leaks Database maintained on the ICIJ’s website. [1] The impact of the Panama Papers leak in the political, journalistic, investigative and financial arenas is plain to see. However, well over a year later, the Panama Papers fervour is only now creeping into the asset recovery arena. That it has taken this long to arrive is frustrating, but perhaps predictable in light of evidentiary concerns and the inherent difficulty in commencing litigation. Regardless, this signals the next step in combating tax evasion, corruption, fraud and money laundering in the wake of the historic leak. Facts and figures The global effect and pervasiveness of the Panama Papers leak is unrivalled. The 11.5 million leaked documents, dating back nearly 40 years, contain information on more than 214,000 offshore entities, in more than 200 jurisdictions, created by Mossack Fonseca. Major financial institutions alone drove the creation of nearly 15,600 offshore entities. Of these financial institutions, HSBC and its affiliates were responsible for the creation of more than 2,300 offshore corporate vehicles. Others, such as Banque J Safra, UBS AG and Societe Generale, were not far behind. The Panama Papers also exposed 140 politicians from over 50 countries to charges of bribery and corruption for allegedly improper ties to offshore corporate vehicles in no fewer than 21 financial havens. As a result, 14 current and former heads of state as well as over 30 current and former politicians or public figures have come under scrutiny by governmental bodies. Several top government and corporate officials have cracked under the pressure, including, notably, the former Prime Minister of Iceland, Sigmundur Davia Gunnlaugsson, who resigned just days after the initial media coverage of the Panama Papers leak. Other political figures have been faced with high- profile investigations, including Argentina’s Mauricio Macri, Ukraine’s Petro Poroshenko and Pakistan’s former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif. These investigations are bearing fruit. In late July 2017, Pakistan’s Supreme Court deemed Sharif unfit to be a member of parliament for reasons of dishonesty and corruption. The Supreme Court’s decision is the culmination of months of proceedings sparked by the Panama Papers leak, which linked Sharif’s family members to purchases of luxury real estate in London through offshore corporate vehicles. Further, on 31 July 2017, the National Accountability Bureau, Pakistan’s top anti-corruption unit, announced it would file formal corruption charges against Sharif, his children, son-in-law and the former Pakistani Finance Minister, Ishaq Dar. Beneficial effects Among the seemingly more positive effects, the Panama Papers leak has fuelled a global push towards transparency and accessibility of information regarding the ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) of opaque offshore entities and accounts. Just weeks after the leak, the United States executive administration under former President Barack Obama announced it would implement regulatory reform to increase financial transparency and combat tax evasion, corruption and money laundering. Among the various measures, in May 2016, the US Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) promulgated new rules on customer due diligence requirements, which require financial institutions to identify any natural person beneficially owning more than 25% of, or otherwise controlling, the institution’s legal entity customers. Similar initiatives are being pushed in the United Kingdom, Germany and others in the G20 group. Only time will tell if these initiatives prove to be effective or are just window dressing. Cleaning the backyard The Panama Papers leak has also exerted pressure on countries previously resistant to increased financial transparency – namely, Panama. In 2016, Panama’s Vice President Isabel de Saint Malo pledged Panama’s willingness to sign the Convention on Mutual Administrative Assistance in Tax Matters – an agreement developed jointly by the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) and the Council of Europe to combat tax evasion through the automatic sharing of residents’ financial information. Holding fast to that pledge, on 3 March 2017, Panama deposited with the OECD its instrument of ratification of the Convention, which came into force in Panama on 1 July 2017. Panama has also signed an information-sharing treaty with Mexico and continues its negotiation of similar agreements with Spain, Italy, Germany, the UK and Switzerland. As of 12 June 2017, the OECD reports 112 jurisdictions currently participating in the Convention. Delayed Recovery Where the Panama Papers have had much less impact than was originally hoped for is in the asset recovery arena. Following the leak, early commentators predicated litigation in the financial havens themselves, such as the British Virgin Islands, Jersey, Hong Kong and Panama, as well as financial centres that may house assets or UBOs, such as Switzerland, the UK and the US. However, now over one year later, this litigation has largely yet to be seen. This is disappointing in light of estimates that as much as 8% of the world’s financial wealth (approximately US$7.6 trillion) is held in financial havens. Further, according to Gabriel Zucman, economist, professor and author of The Hidden Wealth of Nations, as much as 80% of that hidden wealth is not reported to the tax authorities of any country. Equally astounding, the Stolen Asset Recovery (StAR) Initiative – a partnership between the World Bank Group and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to promote international efforts to end financial havens for corrupt funds and prevent the laundering of the proceedings of corruption – estimates that up to US$40 billion per year is stolen by corrupt public officials around the world. Those most affected by this hidden wealth are the citizens of the governments susceptible to tax evasion, corruption and the illicit diversion of funds, as well as the victims of fraud where the opaque corporate structures are used to hide the proceeds of these crimes. As a result, these jurisdictions often suffer from undeveloped infrastructure, failing health facilities and inadequate educational institutions. While it may be no less important to investigate and expose the corrupt actors that prey on these governments, there must also be a focus on and concerted effort to recover the value that has been secreted in financial havens and often elsewhere. A Start There may be signs of change, however. On 14 July 2017, the US Department of Justice commenced a civil forfeiture proceeding against approximately US$144 million in assets – primarily, a luxury yacht and Manhattan real estate-allegedly representing the proceeds of corruption, bribery and money laundering. The allegations concern prominent businessmen Kolawole Akanni Aluko and Olajide Omokore, and Nigeria’s former Minister for Petroleum Resources, Diezani Alison-Madueke. The US alleges in part that Aluko and Omokore purchased, luxury real estate in London and high-end furniture for Alison-Madueke’s benefit and, in return, Alison-Madueke used her influence to steer lucrative state oil contracts to companies ultimately owned or controlled by Aluko and Omokore. The ICIJ’s Will Fitzgibbon first reported in July 2016 on the links between Aluko, Omokore and Alison-Madueke as detailed in the Panama Papers. This led to investigations in Nigeria, the UK and elsewhere. Evidence and privilege concerns So, what is the reason for the tardy arrival of the Panama Papers’ impact in the asset recovery arena? Firstly, a lack of competent evidence. The ICIJ’s Offshore Leaks Database largely, if not entirely, lacks source documentation. The same is true of the ICIJ’s database for the ‘Swiss Leaks’ and the ‘Luxembourg Leaks’ in previous years (other than documents expressly approved by Luxembourg authorities). Similarly, it is unclear to what extent, if at all, the Panamanian authorities have disseminated to the public or shared with authorities of other countries the documents seized from Mossack Fonseca’s offices following the initial leak. While there may be legitimate reasons for restricting the disclosure of source documentation, the availability of only extracted and secondary information poses hearsay, trustworthiness and other evidentiary problems for authorities, asset recovery professionals and victims in constructing asset recovery cases. More must be done to allow access to this critical information. Secondly, it is an open issue as to whether information taken from the Panama Papers is privileged or protected. Additionally, the issue is complicated by the possible application of foreign law, making it difficult to know which privilege rules apply. Though exceptions to privilege may exist, such as the crime-fraud exception under US law or the iniquity exception under English law, this issue must be weighed carefully. Rather, a best practice would be to treat the Offshore Leaks Database as an important tool in the investigative toolbox and a springboard to pursue additional disclosure in the appropriate jurisdiction. In this respect, emerging asset tracing techniques in recent years can assist greatly in closing the fence around intricate offshore structures. With respect to the US, these techniques include pursuing disclosure proceedings in aid of foreign litigation under 28 USC § 1782, the subpoenaing of information from banks in order to trace the flow of monies through different jurisdictions, and seeking recognition of foreign bankruptcy proceedings under the UNCITRAL Model Law on Cross-Border Insolvency. By using the Model Law, foreign bankruptcy trustees can gain access to US-style discovery and broad turnover powers of assets within the territorial jurisdiction of the United States. Whatever the reason for the delay, the fervour to see positive change prompted by the Panama Papers must now enter the next phase: concerted efforts to pursue – on behalf of the victims of tax evasion, corruption, fraud and money laundering – the vast hidden wealth that has been secreted through the use of opaque offshore corporate vehicles. Such efforts are long overdue. Click to view the full article. Notes: Panama Papers Website Edward H. Davis Jr (+1 305 372 8282, Ext. 228, edavis@ sequorlaw.com) is a founding shareholder of Sequor Law. Davis was recognised as the Asset Recovery Lawyer of the Year by Who’s Who Legal in 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016. With nearly 30 years of experience, he focuses his practice on asset recovery, financial fraud and the pursuit of misappropriated assets throughout the world on behalf of the victims of fraud. Davis is also a leading member of the ICC Commercial Crimes Services FraudNet Network. Open Back to all Entries Share this article Facebook X (Twitter) WhatsApp LinkedIn Copy link Latest News & Insights Open Open Attorney Spotlight May 19, 2026 1 minute read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Noah Rosenblum 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was drawn to law because I've always enjoyed solving complicated problems and thinking.. Attorney Spotlight May 9, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Michael Hanlon 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was less drawn to law in the abstract and more.. Firm News Apr 11, 2026 2 minutes read Sequor Law Celebrates National Pet Day with Continued Support of Paws4You Rescue In recognition of National Pet Day, Sequor Law is proud to continue its support of Paws4You Rescue, a Miami-based nonprofit... Attorney Spotlight Jan 29, 2026 2 minutes read Attorney Spotlight – Get to Know Alain M. Acanda 1. What inspired you to pursue a law career? I was inspired to pursue a career in the law after having negative experiences with the law as.