The Challenge

A UK-based company discovered that several of its historic shareholdings were no longer accurately recorded. Over time, shareholders had moved, passed away, or inherited shares without formal notification to the company. In some cases, the shares had simply been forgotten.

As a result, the company was unable to confirm:

• Who legally owned certain shares
• Whether dividends were being paid correctly
• Whether its statutory records were fully up to date

This presented a growing governance issue, with the potential to affect compliance, future restructuring plans, and shareholder communications.

Despite internal efforts, the company had exhausted its available information and could not locate the missing shareholders through conventional means.

The Challenge

A UK-based wealth management firm acquired a portfolio of clients from a retiring adviser as part of a strategic growth plan. While the acquisition provided an opportunity to expand its client base, the firm quickly identified a critical issue: much of the client data inherited as part of the purchase was outdated, incomplete, or unverified.

In many cases:

• Contact details had not been updated for years
• Clients had moved, changed circumstances, or passed away
• Records lacked confirmation that the firm could lawfully and practically engage with the individuals

Under FCA guidelines, the firm needed to be able to clearly identify and contact clients within the portfolio. Without verified data, the value of the acquisition, and the firm’s ability to service those clients compliantly, was at risk.

In today’s business world, information is power. And trust is everything. When suspicions arise within a company, from employee theft to internal fraud or unexplained absenteeism, discreet and reliable investigation can make all the difference.

At Vilcol, we’ve built our reputation on uncovering the truth through proven, professional methods. For over forty years, we’ve supported corporate clients, legal teams and financial institutions with discreet surveillance, tracing and private investigation services. Always with accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality at the heart of what we do.

We're thrilled to announce that Vilcol has been shortlisted for the prestigious 'Top Debt Tracing Agent Service in UK 2026' award by Financial Services Review Europe, one of the UK and Europe's most respected financial services publications.

Vilcol was the only company to receive recognition in the debt tracing category, highlighting our unique position within the financial services sector. This distinction underscores our innovative approach to debt recovery, our strategic client solutions, and the strong relationships we've built with customers and industry partners over the years.

Insolvency Practitioners (IPs) and Wealth Managers are under increasing scrutiny from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Among the many compliance requirements, one that’s easy to overlook is the obligation to maintain accurate and up-to-date client contact details.

This isn’t just good housekeeping. Out-of-date data can trigger delays, create regulatory breaches, and leave firms exposed to enforcement or reputational damage. The FCA expects firms to keep records current, and to be able to demonstrate that they can reach clients when needed.

That’s where Vilcol comes in: offering large-scale, cost-effective people tracing from as little as £10 per client record, with premium in-depth options available for complex cases.

Our pre marital background investigation service is for anyone who is planning to marry someone but has a nagging doubt they may not be who they say they are. It is important to seek the reassurance you need and our background checks for marriage suitability look into issues of identity, financial solvency and employment history. 

If you suspect someone you’re interacting with online might be a catfisher, here are the most common signs to look out for.

1. Limited or no social media presence

Their profile seems too new or incomplete. They have very few friends, followers, or interactions on their social media accounts. Their photos look staged, overly polished, or are suspiciously similar to stock images.

2. Reluctance to show their face

They avoid video calls or live chats, making excuses like poor internet connection or lack of a camera. They may send the same photo repeatedly instead of taking a new one upon request.

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It’s a sad state of affairs when catfish investigation services (a.k.a Catfish Photo Search Service) become ever more valuable as we humans live out our days in a digital world. Around every turn, somebody is there with a fake personality, trying to take advantage of vulnerable individuals. We constantly get calls from people who are unsure as to whether their friendship or romance is real or not. 
  
Catfishing is the term given to this and more and more of us, no longer just elderly, vulnerable people, face the risk of being conned in this manner. 
 
But just as technology has created the problem, so too is it allowing us to fix it. Catfish photo search programmes can help you get to the truth if you suspect that a person you're in an online relationship with isn't who they say they are.

With 40 years of experience and a team of highly trained tracing agents, it’s no surprise that Vilcol is one of the most trusted tracing agencies for solicitors and law firms in the UK. 

Approximately 3000 people per day fall victim to online fraud and scams on social media, with Facebook, Instagram, and Whatsapp being the main culprits.