When access to bank funds is restricted, businesses need counsel who can address both the legal dispute and the practical route to recovery. ZL Attorneys at Law’s work in the First Curaçao International Bank (FCIB) litigation forms an important part of its experience in complex banking and cross-border commercial disputes.
Beginning in 2006, Daniel D. Zahavi represented many international account holders seeking the release of funds held at FCIB. ZL Attorneys at Law was able to recover many millions of British pounds for its account holders.
Pursuing results through complex proceedings
The FCIB matters developed over a number of years. Account holders faced a combination of banking supervision, restrictions on payment, attachments and competing claims. The work required sustained attention to the legal basis for withholding funds, the available court procedures and the steps needed to give effect to a favourable judgment.
The public judicial record confirms that Daniel D. Zahavi of ZL Attorneys at Law obtained orders requiring the release of a substantial portion of an account holder’s balance (starting with 75%), followed by payment pursuant to that order. This documented result illustrates the practical importance of litigation directed towards access to funds.
Experience beyond obtaining a judgment
A favourable order can be an important step, but recovery may still depend on enforcement proceedings and the resolution of other parties’ rights. The FCIB litigation involved these distinctions: court-ordered relief, payment restrictions and competing claims did not always follow the same timetable.
For businesses and overseas law firms, this experience is relevant when a dispute requires local proceedings in Curaçao alongside coordination across borders. Clear analysis, careful preparation and realistic advice about enforcement are central to an effective litigation strategy. Outcomes varied between proceedings; the recoveries described here do not imply that every claim succeeded.
Commercial litigation counsel for international clients
Daniel Zahavi began practising in Amsterdam in 1996, moved to Curaçao in 2000 and established ZL Attorneys in 2003. The firm assists businesses and international counsel with commercial litigation, creditor disputes, asset-related proceedings and enforcement.
Its regional practice covers the Dutch Caribbean islands of Aruba, Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Saba and Sint Eustatius, as well as Suriname. Each matter is assessed under the applicable local law; the FCIB proceedings described here concern Curaçao.
Businesses and law firms seeking experienced local counsel are welcome to contact ZL Attorneys for an introductory discussion about their dispute, the jurisdictions involved and the result they wish to achieve.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. This article describes historical experience and is not advice on an individual claim.
Contact ZL AttorneysCase summaries provide general information. Results depend on the facts, evidence and procedural position of each matter. Past outcomes do not guarantee results.
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