Cross-Border Debt Recovery: Sterling Recovers Debt Without Legal Action

At Sterling, we’re often called in to handle complex cross-border debt recovery situations, and that’s exactly what happened in this case involving a UK-based recruitment firm and a US-based client.

The Challenge in Cross-Border Debt Recovery

Our client had successfully placed a candidate in a senior role with a US company, but the recruitment fee remained unpaid. After months of chasing, our client handed the matter over to a solicitor, who unfortunately misjudged the value of the debt.
Settlement discussions were based on incorrect figures, leaving significant money on the table. The solicitor made an unauthorised settlement offer without informing the client, putting both the value and control of the situation at risk.

Sterling Was Formally Assigned the Case in March 

We first conducted a thorough review of the original agreement. It quickly became clear that the solicitor’s estimate had drastically undervalued the fee.The contract clearly outlined a percentage-based structure tied to the candidate’s salary, not a flat amount, which changed everything.
We advised our client to take immediate control of the situation. The solicitor’s involvement was terminated, and Sterling took full authority.

Once in Charge, We Contacted the US Company Directly 

Our cross-border debt recovery process involved direct, firm, but professional negotiation that turned the situation decisively in our client’s favour. We clarified the contractual terms, confirmed the true value of the placement, and made it clear that previous offers were not valid. As a result, the debtor acknowledged our position, and within a short timeframe, we achieved a settlement on terms significantly more satisfactory to our client, with funds paid directly to them.

Outcome of Cross-Border Debt Recovery Case

• The client recovered nearly three times more than previous offers on the table
• No legal proceedings required
• Collection costs covered by the debtor
• The client stayed in control throughout the process
• The matter resolved cleanly and professionally in just over two weeks

This Case Is a Powerful Example of the Importance of Sector-Specific Expertise 

While general legal advice fell short, our understanding of recruitment contracts and commercial debt recovery delivered real results. We didn’t just recover a debt, we protected value, restored confidence, and ensured fairness for our client.
If you’re dealing with an unpaid fee, a client that’s gone quiet, or a cross-border debt recovery situation — whether in the UK or overseas — get in touch. At Sterling, we combine commercial insight with tactical execution to get your business what it’s owed.