Disputes & recovery

When money gets stuck

Frozen balances, withheld rolling reserves, terminated merchant accounts and unpaid settlements are common in payments — especially for high-risk merchants, P2P operators and exchangers. Disputes also arise between partners: a team that did not return a deposit, an agent who was not paid commission, a PSP that changed terms unilaterally. This subsection lists payment lawyers and recovery specialists who handle such cases.

Typical matters

• Release of funds frozen by a PSP, acquirer, bank or EMI after account closure.
• Recovery of rolling reserves once the holding period ends.
• Contract disputes over fees, chargeback liability or termination.
• Claims against partners: unreturned insurance deposits, unpaid settlements, breach of exclusivity.
• Responses to regulator or law enforcement requests that led to freezes.
• Debt collection and enforcement of judgments or arbitral awards abroad.

How these cases usually go

Most start with a document review and a formal demand letter citing the contract and applicable law. Many are settled by negotiation; others move to the provider's complaints process, a financial ombudsman where available, arbitration or court. Outcomes depend on contract terms, jurisdiction and evidence, so no adviser can promise a result.

Preparing before you call a lawyer

• Collect the agreement, terms of service, reserve schedule and all correspondence.
• Export transaction and settlement reports showing amounts owed.
• Note the governing law and dispute clause in the contract.
• Document your KYC and compliance history with the provider.

Prevention

Good contracts and documentation avoid many disputes: see compliance outsourcing and chargeback management. For P2P deposits and partner deals, an escrow or guarantor can reduce risk.

Using the page

Filter by the country whose law governs your contract, compare firms and check Offers for fee models (fixed, hourly or success fee). Nominal hub is not a law firm; post a request describing the case to get proposals.