SYMPOSIUM FORMAT

The SIArb Commercial Arbitration Symposium, now into its eighth year, provides a distinctive and interactive forum for participants to discuss current issues and developments in the field of commercial arbitration. This year, one of our sessions will provide a rare opportunity to discuss third party funding of disputes with representatives of five leading litigation and arbitration funders operating in Asia.

The success of the Symposium is based on the free-flowing discussion of current issues, suggested by delegates, under the moderation of the experienced co-chairs. Sessions 1 and 3 will feature no set speakers. Delegates will be invited to submit topics for discussion in advance. Delegates whose topics are chosen will be invited to introduce their topics, which will then be followed by an open discussion. The topics will be grouped into themes, but the titles of these sessions are not prescriptive; participants are encouraged to present questions on any topic relevant to the practice of commercial arbitration.

Our second session picks up on a theme which we debated in 2013, but for which the landscape has changed considerably, as both Singapore and Hong Kong have enacted reforms this year permitting third party funding in international arbitration. In Singapore, the legislation has been supplemented by guidelines drawn up by SIArb, SIAC and the Law Society. This session will feature a panel of experts, including representatives of five leading funders from around the globe who will be in Singapore specially for this event, and will combine a moderated Q&A with questions and comments from the floor. Again, delegates are invited to submit their questions – with a focus on the recent developments in Asia and its implications for the legal profession and practice, the practicalities of handling disputes where third party funding is utilised, or any other issue related to litigation and arbitration funding.

The Symposium will conclude with a special reception to mark the official launch of the SIArb Guidelines for Third Party Funders.

This year we return to the Old Parliament House, with the formal sessions of the Symposium held in the atmospheric surroundings of the former parliamentary debating chamber. There are limited places available so as to maintain the efficiency of the format, so please register your interest early to save a seat.

 PROGRAMME:

 Download brochure HERE.