Independent legal information. This website is not affiliated with LSEG, World-Check, Refinitiv, LexisNexis or any screening provider. Eligibility, remedies and outcomes depend on law and evidence.
Distinguish a bank hold from a legal freeze
If funds are subject to a judicial order or mandatory sanctions measure, correction of a World-Check profile will not remove that restriction. If the bank has imposed an administrative hold while checking identity or transaction provenance, a focused documentary response may be more relevant.
Determining who imposed the restriction
We would identify the type of restriction, request the available legal basis, examine transaction records and supporting documents, and refer the matter to appropriately qualified jurisdictional counsel where court intervention is needed.
Documents to identify the legal basis and affected funds
| Document or record | Why it may help |
|---|---|
| Account or payment restriction notice | Establishes the relevant dates and identities |
| Transaction statements | Tests what the decision-maker actually recorded |
| Supporting source-of-funds documents | Supports an objective factual comparison |
| Any court or authority correspondence | Shows a later event or possible consequence |
No bypass of court orders or lawful sanctions
No advice here suggests moving restricted funds, concealing beneficial ownership or circumventing sanctions, bank controls or law enforcement.
First distinguish the restriction
| Category | Primary analysis |
|---|---|
| Internal bank investigation | Contract, communication, procedural complaint and documentation |
| Sanctions freeze | Official designation, licensing and competent authority process |
| Judicial freezing order | Applicable court procedure and local counsel |
| KYC hold during onboarding | Missing documents, verification or a mistaken screening match |
Two different decisions may need attention
A screening data provider can review the accuracy of its own record. A bank or regulated institution makes a separate decision about its customer relationship. The first outcome does not automatically determine the second.
"Frozen" can refer to very different legal situations
Customers often describe any inability to withdraw money as a frozen account. The terminology is not enough. A payment hold pending documents, a bank's internal temporary restriction, an official sanctions asset freeze and a court-ordered restraint may have wholly different legal consequences.
Classify the restriction
| Restriction type | Typical evidence | Primary question |
|---|---|---|
| Temporary bank compliance hold | Bank message requesting information | What verifiable documents can lawfully resolve the review? |
| Contractual access restriction | Account terms and incident log | Has the bank followed the agreed and applicable process? |
| Sanctions-related asset freeze | Official designation or regulatory notice | Which authority, exemptions or licensing process is relevant? |
| Court-ordered freezing or restraint | Served order and case reference | What immediate legal steps and deadlines apply? |
| Payment processor reserve | Merchant terms and reserve statement | Is this a contractual settlement dispute rather than bank AML? |
Securely document the timeline
Record when access ceased, which payments are affected, whether the provider gave an explanation, how much money is held and any deadlines. Use sensible bands at initial intake rather than sending account numbers or statements through an unsecured website. For an asset restraint, local qualified counsel should evaluate the order before any communication or transaction.
What may be possible
Depending on the legal basis, a response may involve documentary clarification, internal review, formal bank complaint, regulator or ombudsman pathway, sanctions licence enquiry or court application. No provider-independent guarantee of funds release can be made. An inaccurate screening match might be material, but the possibility must be established rather than presumed from the word "compliance."
Frequently asked questions
Is every frozen account linked to World-Check?
No. Numerous legal and operational reasons exist.
Can money be released immediately?
There is no universal timeline; the lawful basis and authority for the hold control available actions.
Is a compliance hold the same as an asset freeze?
No. A temporary bank review, official sanctions freeze and court restraint have different legal bases.
Should I transfer funds through another person?
Do not attempt to evade lawful restrictions. Obtain jurisdiction-specific legal advice before acting.
Can a lawyer guarantee release?
No. Release depends on the source of the restriction, evidence and competent decision-maker.
Related reading
Primary sources and verification
Discuss your situation
Please describe the jurisdiction, the decision-maker, what happened and whether you have received a written screening record or bank notice. Do not upload highly sensitive personal or financial data into an unverified form.