Escrow freeze ripples through S&P market as sellers harden terms and compliance costs climb
- Tightening sanctions enforcement since the war in Ukraine has piled compliance pressure on escrow agents and their banks, and the Incisive freeze is the latest sign of that strain
- Sellers are hardening delivery terms and owners are scrutinising their escrow agents more closely, with the industry bracing for longer, more fraught deal closings
- Rival escrow providers report a surge in enquiries, though a thin field of trusted agents leaves the market exposed when one is knocked out
Safer is turning out to be slower and pricier, as deeper checks and rising fees stretch out closings the market once prized for their speed
