Ciarb launched its new Guideline on Multiparty Arbitration at a reception at 12 Bloomsbury Square last night, 16 May 2023, organised during London International Disputes Week.

The purpose of multiparty arbitration is to cover circumstances where more than two parties are involved in a dispute. This can improve efficiency, consistency, provide flexibility and can result in cost savings for the parties. Ciarb’s new Guideline provides examples of the most widely encountered scenarios in multiparty arbitrations and guidance on the various issues which should be considered. It reviews the conditions that should be satisfied when deciding whether to pursue a multiparty pathway and shows how to use the procedural options offered by multiparty arbitration in an efficient manner. The scope of the Guideline covers situations where non-signatories to an arbitration agreement express their consent to participating in the arbitral proceedings.

Catherine Dixon, Ciarb’s Director General, says, “Ciarb’s best practice Guideline on Multiparty Arbitration provides guidance on the key considerations in a multiparty arbitral process. It supports the use of multiparty arbitral proceedings to improve efficiency and consistency and provides a framework for conducting the arbitral process whilst continuing to ensure ethical and professional practice. Ciarb's Guidelines aim to promote best practice in arbitration and to provide parties, arbitrators and other stakeholders with a framework for conducting arbitral proceedings in a fair, efficient and effective manner. Ciarb’s Guidelines are developed with input from Ciarb members with specialist knowledge and expertise. We thank all those involved in developing the Guideline on Multiparty Arbitration.”

Read the Guideline on Multiparty Arbitration

More information on Ciarb Guidelines and Ethics