Type of refusal
Frozen funds with a counterparty in Spain
The counterparty behind frozen funds in Spain is usually a registered legal entity, such as a platform operator, a broker, or a fund vehicle. Its legal form, directors, and registered address can be checked in Spain's public register before any claim is filed. See the frozen funds refusal overview for how this type of case is classified. The competent authority for this type of refusal is determined by the applicable procedural rules.
Who is actually on the other side
Most counterparties holding frozen client funds in Spain operate as a sociedad limitada or sociedad anónima, registered with the Registro Mercantil. That register discloses the registered name, tax identifier, address, share capital, and the individuals with signing authority. Background on the jurisdiction generally is set out on the Spain jurisdiction page. The register does not show whether the company still holds the assets it was entrusted with, or whether an account was frozen without notice to investors, a pattern discussed in what it means when a counterparty stops replying. A search also shows whether the entity is dissolved or in insolvency proceedings, which changes who can be pursued at all.
What to secure before the counterparty reacts
Before the counterparty has time to react, collect everything that fixes the state of the relationship, such as account statements, transfer or wallet confirmations, correspondence where the freeze was first mentioned, and the exact contractual terms governing withdrawal. Screenshot balances and platform messages with timestamps, since dashboards can be altered or accounts closed without notice. Where funds sit on a platform rather than with an individual, the first questions to ask are set out under platform and frozen account matters. Who carries the burden of proving the funds are actually frozen is explained in the burden of proof on frozen crypto accounts. Whether an interim measure to secure assets is available depends on the facts of the case.
Where a judgment would have to be enforced
Where a judgment must be enforced depends on where it was issued. A judgment from another EU member state is recognised and enforced in Spain without a separate exequatur step. A judgment from a Hague 2019 Convention state can use that route once it applies between the two states; the EU joined the Convention on 29 August 2022, in force from 1 September 2023. Foreign documents must be legalised; Spain has applied the Apostille Convention since 25 September 1978, subject to the declared reservation. Enforcement against assets in Spain is set out on the enforcement to Spain page; the reverse route sits on enforcement from Spain to the UK. The firm does not work success-fee-only, and its registration can be checked via the register explained at how to verify a law firm.