Anish WADIA C.Arb, CIP(FAIADR), PAP-KFCRI, SFBiam, FACICA, FMIArb, FHKIArb, FSIArb, FPIArb, FAArb, FPD, FAMINZ(Arb/Med), FMP-KFCRI, CFCILS, LL.B., B.Com., is a highly experienced and internationally accredited full-time independent Chartered Arbitrator, Emergency Arbitrator, Accredited Mediator and Adjudicator; with experience in common law and civil law systems, laws of China and Hong Kong, other hybrid legal systems across the African continent, and an understanding of Islamic laws.
He is also an Accredited Sports Arbitrator (AIAC / Olympic Council of Malaysia), and a lawyer in India (Advocate), England & Wales (Solicitor Advocate), and Kazakhstan (AIFC Court).
He is the first ever Indian qualified lawyer and the youngest ever individual in the world to be accredited as a Chartered Arbitrator (C.Arb) in CIArb’s over 100-year history. Has held and currently holds several other senior leadership roles on the Boards / Governing Council of several ADR organisations across the globe including in India, Germany, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Switzerland, U.K. and U.S.A.
The European Commission (Directorate-General for Trade) of the European Union (EU) in Brussels (Belgium) appointed him (w.e.f. June 2022) as one of only 64 individuals in the world suitable for appointment as a Chairperson for Arbitrations in bilateral disputes under the EU’s trade agreements with third countries. The selection and scrutiny process took over 1.5 years and was conducted by members of the independent selection panel of experienced international judges and academics, nominated by the EU Parliament, the EU Council, EU Member States and the European Commission.
He is a recipient of numerous accolades in the field of International ADR including being ranked by Who’s Who Legal in Arbitration 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 as “one of the most recommended arbitrators” who “is precise and diligent, very considerate on the impartiality and due process” and whose “experience includes acting under the ICC Rules in disputes involving parties spanning across EMEA and APAC” as well as being recognised for “his practical and quick approach to render Awards is well known and admired among peers”.
He is admitted on the ADR Panel/Roster/List/Database of over 70 (seventy) Institutions across the globe spanning every continent including CIArb's Global Presidential Panel. He is regularly invited as a Speaker, Trainer and Lecturer on topics related to International ADR across the globe including for members of the Judiciary (including Supreme Court Justices in The Bahamas, Cameroon and Pakistan).
