Insights | Kobre & Kim — Disputes and Investigations

In Chapter 11 bankruptcy cases where the chances of recovery seem slim, global unsecured creditors may have to get creative and look outside the U.S. to improve their prospects.
Assets in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) – the world’s second largest economy – offers a surprising source of asset recovery opportunities.
We explain how creditors can unlock value in China and maximize their recovery.

The global crypto industry may have celebrated prematurely at a reported win by LBRY amici against the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.
In fact, enforcement threats are at an all-time high, and the SEC and other regulators are emboldened.
Only by matching the regulator’s aggressiveness with equally aggressive strategies can industry players see success.

U.S. government regulators are ramping up enforcement actions against traders for alleged market manipulation and spoofing.
Exchanges and self-regulatory organizations are piling on, subjecting traders to their own investigations.
Traders should not be afraid to stand up to these entities, and there are effective counteroffensive measures that can drive successful outcomes.

Reputation is both a highly valuable and sensitive asset for ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs), and is constantly at risk.
A strategically placed narrative aimed at undermining an individual’s commercial or political objectives can “snowball” to impact many aspects of their personal and professional lives.
We explain how defensive and proactive strategies can be deployed to defend an UHNWI’s reputation, demonstrate their source of wealth and protect their freedom of movement around the world.

Korean and U.S. antitrust enforcers are working ever closer together in investigating potential anticompetitive behavior.
Korean companies are at risk – even conduct based entirely in Korea could be scrutinized.
We look at the enforcement hotspots and how Korean companies can deploy an effective multijurisdictional defensive strategy.

A coming global economic downturn will put sovereign debt under pressure.
It may appear near impossible for creditors and investors to enforce this debt against sovereigns, but those who succeed can see extraordinary returns.
We explain how deploying creative cross-border strategies can overcome the toughest sovereign debtors and unlock the key to success.

The Korean corporate landscape is becoming more favorable for activist campaigns.
Foreign activist investors have new opportunities to push for change and maximize value, even against the biggest chaebols.
Our team explains what these developments mean and how investors can take advantage.

Victims of large-scale and sophisticated fraud in Brazil may struggle to recover their assets by only using tools available in the domestic legal system.
However, a growing interest in fighting cross-border crime by U.S. authorities, together with the power of tools in the U.S., provide victims with a potentially better path to success.
Our cross-border team explains what strategies victims can deploy to achieve results.

Tightening global credit conditions will put more corporate high-yield debt issuers and private borrowers from emerging markets at risk of default.
This can spiral into complex cross-border disputes with creditors, threatening the company’s survival.
Fortunately, there are creative and aggressive strategies available for debtors to limit their exposure and protect their bottom lines.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is becoming increasingly friendly to global judgment creditors looking to enforce their judgments.
Recent developments signal increased receptivity to fast-tracking recognition and enforcement through reciprocity.
We survey the landscape and look at how the country can form a crucial part of a worldwide enforcement campaign.

Minority shareholders have options to stand up to majority shareholders and directors, such as unfair prejudice claims or derivative actions.
However, if these do not achieve the desired result, one more tool is available to exert pressure: a just and equitable winding up.
We lay out how this tool can be applied in five key jurisdictions for corporate structures in Asia.

Global sanctions targeting, among others, Russian individuals and entities are layering on top of anti-money laundering measures.
These will directly impact players in the art market, raising their litigation and enforcement risks.
We explain two particular triggers stakeholders should be aware of.

As the place of incorporation for many entities, Delaware has become a center for resolving high-stakes, cross-border insolvencies.
But many parties, especially from outside the U.S., default to using Chapter 11 bankruptcy, when it can be long, drawn-out, unpredictable and costly.
Our Insolvency and Delaware teams outline alternatives in the state that could be quicker and cheaper.

As geopolitical tensions heighten, Chinese ultra-high-net-worth individuals may become increasingly at risk of becoming the target of forfeiture by hostile foreign governments.
Governments around the world have shown increasing willingness to go after assets owned by those in disfavored jurisdictions.
By deploying a coordinated global strategy, Chinese UHNWIs can lawfully defend their legitimately earned wealth.

The U.S. Department of Justice has released new guidelines that signal their aggressive prosecution of individuals and companies outside the U.S.
At-risk non-U.S. companies must understand the potential implications of the DOJ’s new position.
Our global Government Enforcement Defense team explains why internationally based former U.S. government lawyers are best positioned to address the issues.