How long do cross-border financial investigations typically take to resolve?

Timelines vary dramatically by jurisdiction and complexity. Simple bilateral MLAT requests between cooperative states may conclude within 6–12 months. However, multi-jurisdictional investigations involving three or more countries, encrypted communications, or complex corporate structures routinely extend to 3–5 years. Contested proceedings add further delays—appeals through Swiss federal courts alone can take 18–24 months. During this period, assets typically remain frozen, causing significant commercial harm. Strategic early engagement focusing on expedited disclosure, narrowing the scope of restraint orders, and negotiating partial releases can materially reduce both duration and financial impact.