Checklist: serving an African private clientele in compliance with the asset-recovery framework

Identify the links of the client and his entourage with the exercise of public functions, public contracts, concessions and state-owned enterprises.
Clarify the origin of the wealth in a documented manner, distinguishing income from legitimate activities, inheritances and income linked to political power.
Assess the degree of corruption in the country and the likelihood of a change of regime that could trigger a freeze.
Apply the enhanced due-diligence measures provided for politically exposed persons and document acceptance decisions.
Plan the course of action in the event of a freeze, a request for mutual assistance or a suspicious-activity report, including the retention of documents.
Avoid any participation in structures designed to conceal the identity of the beneficial owners or the origin of the funds.
Follow developments in the freezes ordered by the Federal Council and in the proceedings concerning the client’s country.

For general information only. This article does not constitute legal or tax advice, does not replace advice on an individual case and creates no lawyer-client relationship. It reflects the legal position as of September 2025.

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Dr Alexander Ressos, TEP

Rechtsanwalt/Attorney-at-Law

I am a Swiss attorney-at-law and also admitted as a solicitor in Hong Kong and in England & Wales, with almost 25 years of experience.

Together with my multilingual team, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Ukrainian and French native speakers, I advise companies and their owners from around the world on the full range of banking, corporate, commercial and tax law matters in Switzerland, including international tax planning, fiduciary services, and legal family office services including immigration & relocation or real estate investments. My practice has a particular focus on clients from growth and frontier markets in Greater China, Central Asia and the Caucasus, the rest of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America, and I equally advise clients from Europe and North America. Through an affiliated Swiss trust company, we also take care of the incorporation and ongoing administration of their companies and other structures, including accounting, tax returns and corporate secretarial services, and I serve as a professional director where required. With the support of a network of first-class cooperation partners, I also implement solutions worldwide.

My approach is to act as a trusted advisor who works directly with decision-makers, on an equal footing: I start from what you want to achieve and shape every structure, contract and tax decision around your commercial goals and how it improves your after-tax return. As “lawyers who make it happen”, my team and I stay involved until your company is set up, your structure is in place and your transaction has closed, and we remain available for any follow-on work that may be required. You benefit from bespoke solutions and personal attention, and sound, friendly and practical advice. We are not the lowest-cost provider in the market, nor do we intend to be; our aim is to deliver well-founded, proper solutions and excellent value for money.

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