Insights | Kobre & Kim — Disputes and Investigations

Client Alert September 11, 2025

Unlocking Superior Recoveries for US Dollar Noteholders Against Brazilian and Latin American Issuers

International creditors are facing a shrinking pool of available capital for repayment on their claims in Brazil and Latin America.
As companies struggle to navigate ever-increasing amounts of debt, there are strategies US dollar noteholders can take to improve their position and fast-track a swift recovery.

Client Alert August 21, 2025

U.S. Court Expands How Creditors May Enforce Judgments Against Sovereigns

Creditors pursuing claims against sovereign states may find new opportunities.
A recent U.S. court decision opens the door to recoveries once thought out of reach, reinforcing the value of well-planned, globally coordinated strategies to maximize returns and speed up enforcement.

Client Alert August 14, 2025

New DOJ Data Transfer Rules Heighten Risks for China-Linked Businesses

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)’s new Data Security Program imposes strict limits on U.S.-based companies transferring sensitive personal or government-related data to entities linked to “countries of concern”.
With steep penalties and reputational fallout at stake, China-linked businesses should proactively map data flows, prepare for enforcement risks, and manage public perception early.

Publications August 6, 2025

Naomi Yang on How Korean Companies Can Strategically Navigate U.S. Litigation for Korea Legal Times

Kobre & Kim’s Naomi Yang, who leads the firm’s cross-border litigation efforts from Seoul, was recently featured in Korea Legal Times.

Publications July 31, 2025

Polly Wilkins with the Financial Times Advisor on AI Fault Lines between UHNW Generations

Kobre & Kim’s Polly Wilkins, who focuses her practice on representing ultra-high-net-worth individuals and their families in both international civil and criminal disputes and investigations, shared her expertise on the threats posed by AI-generated disinformation with the Financial Times Adviser in an article titled “AI has opened fault lines that threaten the rich’s succession plans.”

Client Alert July 31, 2025

UAE Foundation Structures Help Protect Intergenerational Wealth

Family offices are increasingly turning to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for sophisticated wealth structuring, taking advantage of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and the Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).
Central to this shift is the attractiveness of UAE foundations, standalone legal entities, similar in function to common law trusts.
When properly structured, they support cross-border resilience and align with broader wealth planning strategies.

Publications July 30, 2025

Michael Kim Discusses South Korea’s Activist Investing Landscape with The Deal

Kobre & Kim co-founder Michael Kim recently joined The Deal’s Ronald Orol on the Activist Investing Today podcast to share his perspective on the evolving landscape of activist investing in South Korea, drawing from his experience at the forefront of major cross-border disputes.

Publications July 28, 2025

Alexandria Swette, Jonathan Cogan, and Daisy Joo with Reuters Legal — “User” Misrepresentations: The Legal Risk the Tech Industry Isn’t Talking About

Authored by Alexandria Swette, Jonathan Cogan, and Daisy Joo, this timely article explores an emerging legal risk for tech companies, fintech, and crypto platforms: misrepresentations about user metrics.

Client Alert July 24, 2025

Cross-Border Strategies for Latin American Parties Facing Chinese Investment Risks

As Chinese investment in Latin America grows, so do legal risks for Latin American companies.
Cross-border strategies such as using Hong Kong arbitration, offshore insolvency tools, and targeting decision-makers can help improve outcomes in disputes with Chinese entities.

Client Alert July 17, 2025

Managing Cross-Border Risks Amid Renewed U.S. FCPA Enforcement

The U.S. Government’s latest guidance marks a renewed focus on Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement following a temporary pause.
Companies operating across borders should proactively assess their exposure; strengthening compliance, identifying vulnerabilities, and managing reputational risks are key to navigating this evolving landscape.

Publications July 16, 2025

Sydney Johnson with ZeroShadow on How Industry Leaders Can Change Crypto Freezes and Recovery

Kobre & Kim’s Sydney Johnson shared her expertise on recovery of stolen crypto assets with zeroShadow in a recent article titled “North Korea Laundered $1 Billion of Crypto in 4 Months. How Industry Leaders Can Change Crypto Freezes and Recovery.”

Client Alert July 11, 2025

Russian Entities Seek Arbitration in Hong Kong’s Neutral Forum

As Western sanctions limit access to traditional dispute resolution forums for parties from Russia and other sanctioned jurisdictions, entities are increasingly turning to Hong Kong for cross-border arbitration.
With its neutral legal environment, absence of local sanctions, and global enforceability of awards under the New York Convention, Hong Kong offers a strategic and practical alternative—particularly for sensitive, high-stakes disputes and those involving offshore asset structures.

Client Alert July 3, 2025

Chinese Infrastructure Investors Can Effectively Challenge Sovereign Debtors

Chinese investors are playing an increasingly significant role in sovereign-related investments worldwide, especially in Europe, Africa, and Latin America.
This raises enforcement challenges linked to sovereign immunity.
Investors and claimants facing sovereign debtors should adopt bold, non-traditional strategies beyond litigation to effectively protect their interests and navigate these complexities.

Publications July 2, 2025

Michael Ng and Daniel Zaheer Discuss Strategies Following Busted M&A Deals

Michael Ng and Daniel Zaheer discussed Kobre & Kim’s strategies for parties harmed by misconduct following cross-border merger and acquisition deals, including misuse of confidential information, in a feature interview with Israel Desks.

Client Alert June 26, 2025

Cross-Border Tools for Korean Creditors Seeking Recovery from Brazilian Debtors

As economic ties between Brazil and Korea deepen, Korean companies may face challenges enforcing judgments or arbitration awards against Brazilian counterparts.
Given the complexities of Brazil’s legal system, Korean creditors should consider a multijurisdictional strategy—leveraging offshore jurisdictions and U.S. legal mechanisms—to improve enforcement outcomes and navigate the process more effectively.