Asset Tracing and Hidden Asset Investigations
Following the money through bank accounts, companies and trusts to identify undisclosed assets in family law and commercial disputes.
Find the Money Before the Matter Is Decided
When one party controls the finances, the most important assets are often the ones that are hardest to see. Money moves between personal accounts, companies and trusts; property is bought in other names; cash income never reaches the tax return. Without forensic analysis, those assets can fall outside the settlement or judgment altogether.
AuditTrace Forensic Accountants has been tracing assets and money trails since 1999. Led by Steven P. Rider CA CPA, we reconstruct the flow of funds from bank statements, ledgers, tax returns and public records, and explain clearly where the money went and who controls it now.
Our asset tracing work supports family law property settlements, commercial disputes and fraud investigations, and draws on our Xero and ERP data forensics expertise to go straight to the source data.
Our Asset Tracing Services
Bank and Fund Flow Tracing
Reconstructing the movement of money across personal, business and trust accounts to show where funds went and when.
Hidden and Undisclosed Assets
Identifying assets omitted from financial disclosure, including accounts, investments, vehicles, property and loans.
Company and Trust Structures
Unravelling related companies, discretionary trusts and loan accounts to establish who controls and benefits from assets.
Transfers Around Separation
Examining transfers, gifts, loan repayments and asset sales before and after separation for signs of dissipation.
Property Ownership Tracing
Tracing the funding, ownership and sale proceeds of real property, including properties held through related entities.
Cash and Lifestyle Analysis
Comparing declared income with actual spending to identify unexplained wealth or unreported income.
Freezing Order Support
Financial analysis to support applications for freezing (Mareva) orders where there is a real risk of assets being moved.
Asset Tracing Reports
Independent reports with fund-flow charts and schedules, prepared in accordance with APES 215.
How We Trace Assets
Define the Questions
We agree the assets, people, entities and time periods to be examined, and the deadlines that apply.
Gather and Secure Records
We collect bank statements, ledgers, tax returns, subpoenaed material and public records such as ASIC and land title searches.
Trace and Reconcile
We follow each flow of funds, reconcile it across accounts and entities, and identify gaps that need further records.
Report the Findings
We present clear findings, supported by fund-flow charts and schedules, in the format your matter requires.
When Asset Tracing Is Needed
- Family law property settlements with incomplete or inconsistent disclosure
- Business owners with complex company and trust structures
- Shareholder and partnership disputes over diverted funds
- Fraud and misappropriation, where recovery depends on finding the money
- Estate disputes involving transfers made before death
- Suspected dissipation of assets before a hearing or settlement
Why Choose AuditTrace for Asset Tracing
- Since 1999: more than 25 years of forensic investigations and money-trail analysis
- Data expertise: Xero Certified Advisor and Advanced Cloud ERP Consultant, so we work from complete ledger data
- Structures expertise: Registered Tax Practitioner with deep experience in companies and discretionary trusts
- Property knowledge: Member of the Australian Property Institute
- Court experience: expert reports for the FCFCOA, NSW courts and NCAT
- Independent: all work performed in accordance with APES 215
Frequently Asked Questions
What is asset tracing?
Asset tracing is the forensic process of following money and assets through bank accounts, entities and transactions to establish where they came from, where they went, and who now holds or controls them.
Can a forensic accountant find hidden assets in a divorce?
Often, yes. By analysing bank statements, business records, tax returns and spending patterns, a forensic accountant can identify gaps and inconsistencies in disclosure that point to undisclosed assets or income, and help your lawyer frame targeted requests and subpoenas.
Can assets held in a trust or company be traced?
Yes. We analyse distributions, loan accounts, related-party transactions and the movement of funds between entities to show how assets are held, funded and controlled.
What records do you need to trace assets?
Typically bank and credit card statements, financial statements and tax returns, company and trust records, loan documents and property records. We can work with incomplete records and will identify what else should be requested.
How far back can you trace transactions?
As far as reliable records allow. The relevant period depends on the legal issues, and in many matters we review several years of transactions, focusing on the periods identified by your lawyer.
Do you prepare asset tracing reports for court?
Yes. We prepare independent expert reports in accordance with APES 215 and the applicable expert evidence rules, and can give evidence about our findings.
Discuss an Asset Tracing Matter
Tell us what you suspect and what records exist. We will confirm whether we can assist and outline how we would approach the tracing, in confidence.