1. Identify the asset and the transaction chain
The points below define the practical scope for this decision.
- Describe the asset, origin, current location and intended destination
- Record the owner, seller, buyer, agents, brokers, introducers, custodians and carriers
- Map every payment, delivery, inspection and title-transfer step
- Separate commercial introductions from regulated advice or brokerage
2. Run sanctions and ownership checks
Screen the relevant individuals and entities against the applicable official lists before introductions, payment, delivery or performance. Do not rely on a single database or an old PDF; the applicable jurisdiction and current official source matter.
The check should cover direct parties, beneficial owners, controllers, intermediaries, banks, carriers, insurers, custodians and any person who may receive funds or economic resources. Ownership and control can matter even where a name is not directly listed.
3. Confirm financial-services and banking feasibility
Ask the banks and payment providers whether they will process the proposed currencies, jurisdictions, counterparties, asset type and payment sequence. A bank’s internal risk policy may be stricter than the minimum legal position.
Document required KYC, source-of-funds, source-of-wealth, invoices, licences, contracts, proof of ownership and any payment authorisation or licence question before promising a closing date.
4. Check insurance and custody
Confirm whether the asset can be insured for the relevant value, route, storage, inspection and handover conditions. Check exclusions connected with sanctions, conflict zones, origin, transport mode, embargoes or disputed title.
The checklist should identify who bears risk before inspection, during transport, at temporary storage and after delivery, and which document proves each handover.
5. Validate the route and trade restrictions
Map the physical route, transit states, ports, airports, carriers, customs requirements and any trans-shipment. A route that looks commercially efficient may create export-control, import, sanctions, insurance or banking problems.
For assets such as art, jewellery, precious stones, vehicles or other high-value goods, confirm origin, provenance, valuation, export permissions, import requirements and custody records with the relevant specialists.
6. Set decision gates before money moves
The points below define the practical scope for this decision.
- No non-refundable payment before identity, ownership and sanctions checks
- No delivery promise before insurance and route confirmation
- No closing date before banking and payment feasibility
- No asset release before inspection, title and custody documents are complete
- Escalate unresolved questions to qualified legal, sanctions, tax, banking or insurance advisers
How ICON IMAGE coordinates the process
ICON IMAGE can structure the commercial brief, map stakeholders, organise document requests, prepare meeting materials and coordinate the transaction workstream. Regulated legal, sanctions, tax, banking, insurance and customs decisions remain with appropriately qualified professionals.
Editorial sources
Primary sources used to verify the factual statements and publication dates in this article.